Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Tender bites of chicken coated in a glossy honey-soy glaze and paired with vibrant broccoli make this one-pan wonder a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something nourishing and crave-worthy.

My family always asks for seconds and even my picky eater lights up at the sweet and savory sauce that clings to every bite. I started making it to skip takeout—now it&s a staple that brings us all together around the table.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: choose firm plump pieces for best flavor and texture
• Broccoli florets: bright green and crisp broccoli holds up well in the stir-fry
• Vegetable oil: use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for even cooking
• Honey: choose real honey for rich natural sweetness
• Soy sauce: opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance the sweet glaze
• Rice vinegar: brings a subtle tang that brightens the sauce
• Sesame oil: pure toasted sesame oil adds a deep nutty aroma
• Fresh garlic: mince cloves finely for powerful savoriness
• Cornstarch: helps the sauce thicken to the perfect glossy finish
• Water: needed to activate and blend with the cornstarch
• Sesame seeds: sprinkle for extra crunch and a gentle toasted bite
• Salt and pepper: season the chicken as you like for balanced flavor
• Cooked rice: soak up all the gorgeous sauce with your favorite type of rice

How to Make It

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat chicken breast dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and stay juicy. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Brown the Chicken:

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high in a large pan or wok. Add the chicken in a single layer and let cook undisturbed for two minutes to get a nice golden sear. Flip and continue cooking about six to eight minutes total until chicken is fully cooked with no pink remaining. Remove to a plate.

Cook the Broccoli:

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for about three to five minutes until the edges turn bright and the stems are tender but still crisp. If needed splash in a tablespoon of water and cover for a minute to steam for perfect texture.

Make the Sauce:

While broccoli cooks whisk honey soy sauce rice vinegar sesame oil and minced garlic together in a small bowl. Separately mix cornstarch and water in a different bowl until smooth.

Combine and Coat:

Return chicken to the pan with broccoli. Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and stir well to coat every piece.

Thicken the Sauce:

Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens into a shiny glaze about two minutes. Lower heat if needed to prevent sticking.

Finish and Serve:

Scatter the sesame seeds over the hot chicken and broccoli mixture. Serve immediately over bowls of cooked rice for maximum sauciness.

I am always surprised by how the hint of toasted sesame oil transforms the dish into something special. Once my daughter helped toast the seeds and told all her friends about the “magic sprinkles” on her dinner—the whole table got excited to eat veggies that night.

Flavor Boosters

Keep any leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For longer storage let cool fully and freeze single portions for up to two months. The broccoli softens a bit after freezing but the flavors stay just as bold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve steamy over jasmine rice brown rice or even quinoa. If you are feeding a crowd round out the meal with a sesame cucumber salad or edamame on the side. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for a little kick.

Creative Twists

If you prefer juicier chicken swap breast for boneless thighs which add a bit more richness. Broccoli can be replaced with a mix of snap peas bell peppers or even carrots—keep the cuts even for even cooking. Gluten-free versions work great with tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce. For extra crunch add a handful of cashews or water chestnuts in the final toss.

This easy chicken and broccoli stir-fry is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Every saucy bite makes for a comforting quick dinner everyone looks forward to.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cook the chicken pieces until just golden and cooked through, then remove them from the pan while preparing broccoli. This helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents overcooking.

→ Can I substitute chicken breast with another cut?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and tender.

→ What alternatives work for the soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free or lower-sodium alternative with a similar savory taste.

→ How do I add more vegetables?

Try adding snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots when stir-frying the broccoli for added color and nutrition.

→ What’s the best method to toast sesame seeds?

Heat sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden brown.

→ Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Yes, cook and store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice. Reheat gently and combine just before serving for best texture.