Name: Honey Sesame Chicken & Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking); 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

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Honey Sesame Chicken & Broccoli is a sweet, savory, and slightly sticky stir-fry that I love making when I want something that tastes like takeout but comes together faster and healthier at home. The tender chicken is coated in a glossy honey-soy glaze, paired with fresh broccoli, and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this dish is without skimping on flavor. It’s quick to make, requires only one pan, and the sauce is that perfect balance of sweet and salty. The broccoli soaks up all that goodness, and the sesame seeds give it a satisfying finish. It’s perfect over rice, noodles, or on its own for a lighter meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Broccoli florets
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Honey
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Water
Olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
Sesame seeds
Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by steaming or blanching the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender, then set it aside.
In a bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. I cook them until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
I pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken and stir until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 2–3 minutes.
I add the broccoli back to the pan and toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
I sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 15–20 minutes. I usually have the whole meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch. For a spicier version, I stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or sriracha. I’ve also used tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version, and it turns out just as delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I can use frozen broccoli. I thaw it and pat it dry before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, I sometimes bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes and then toss it in the sauce afterward.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. I use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. I mix the sauce ingredients and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I shake or stir it well before using.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

I prefer boneless skinless thighs for more flavor and tenderness, but breast meat works well too and cooks quickly.

Conclusion

Honey Sesame Chicken & Broccoli is a delicious, easy dinner that brings big flavor with very little effort. I love how quickly it comes together and how customizable it is to what I have in the fridge. It’s one of those recipes that makes weeknight cooking feel just a little more special.