Golden Honey Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Welcome to a delightful recipe that will elevate your weeknight dinner game – Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a go-to choice for when those takeout cravings hit but with a homemade twist. The sticky sweet sauce coats each juicy piece of chicken and tender broccoli, creating a dish that is sure to become a family favorite in no time.

The magic of this Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli lies in the way the honey lends a beautiful sheen and flavor to the dish, without overpowering it with sweetness. The subtle notes of ginger and sesame shine through, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have your kitchen smelling absolutely divine. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a surefire way to bring everyone together around the dinner table for a memorable meal.

Don’t be surprised if the enticing aroma of honey and sesame wafting from your kitchen draws everyone in, eager to dig into this glossy and irresistible dish. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can whip up this homemade takeout classic in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, follow along, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli.

Quick Benefits

• Honey gives a sheen and lightness to the dish, enhancing the flavors of ginger and sesame.
• Using cornstarch and flour to coat the chicken results in a crispy texture without deep frying.
• Chicken thighs can be used for a tender and flavorful alternative to chicken breast.
• Easy to customize with swaps like maple syrup for honey, tamari for soy sauce, and different vegetables for variety.

Why You’ll Love This Golden Honey Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for busy evenings when you crave a comforting meal with minimal effort.
• Homemade Takeout Flavor: Enjoy the delicious taste of takeout with the satisfaction of making it at home.
• Delicious Sweet and Sticky Sauce: The honey sesame sauce adds a shiny glaze to the chicken and broccoli, combining sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• Family-Friendly Dish: A meal that will have your family asking for more, even your picky eaters.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customizable with swaps such as using chicken thighs, different vegetables, or alternative sweeteners.
• Balanced and Lighter Twist: A homemade spin on the classic American Chinese dish that’s not too heavy, with a perfect balance of sesame and vinegar.
• Leftovers Stay Delicious: Store and reheat leftovers easily, making it a great option for meal prep or lunches.
• Pairs Well with Rice or Noodles: Enjoy this dish over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
• Colorful Vegetable Variations: Switch up the broccoli with broccolini, snap peas, or bell peppers for a vibrant and flavorful twist.

Ingredients for Golden Honey Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Sauce

• 15 millilitres rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 45 millilitres honey
• 22 millilitres toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 60 millilitres low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 30 millilitres water

Chicken and Broccoli

• 450–680 grams boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 2–4 centimetre pieces
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 whole green onions, diced
• Black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
• 6 cups broccoli florets (approximately 2 heads)

Pro Tips for Golden Honey Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

For the perfect honey sesame chicken broccoli, make sure to coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before pan-frying. This simple step will create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Be careful not to overcook the chicken to preserve its succulence.

Consider using chicken thighs for this recipe as they hold up well to high-heat cooking and provide a more flavorful result. When cooking the sauce, mix the cornstarch into a cool liquid before adding it to the pan to prevent clumping. Remember to stir constantly while heating to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency for the sauce.

Serve this delicious dish over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles to soak up all the flavorful sauce. For a colorful twist, feel free to swap out the broccoli with broccolini, snap peas, or bell peppers. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this homemade takeout favorite that will surely become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.

How to Make Golden Honey Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Steam Broccoli

In a large pot, add 5–7 centimetres of water, broccoli florets, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for 6 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce

Combine soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Coat Chicken

In a bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Place chicken pieces in a large plastic bag, add the flour mixture, seal the bag, and shake well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Glaze and Simmer

Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, toss to coat, bring to a simmer, and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If there is room, add broccoli to the skillet and gently mix until evenly coated. Alternatively, mix chicken and broccoli in a large bowl. Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve hot.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the delicious honey sesame chicken broccoli, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the chicken and broccoli to loosen the sauce, then microwave or gently warm in a skillet. The dish can also be enjoyed cold, as the flavors remain delicious even when eaten chilled.

For those looking to modify the recipe, consider swapping honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Gluten-free tamari and arrowroot powder can be used in place of soy sauce and cornstarch. In the absence of fresh ginger, ground ginger can be substituted, using half the amount indicated. Customize the dish further by serving it over hot jasmine rice, steamed brown rice, or noodles, and feel free to incorporate different vegetables like broccolini, snap peas, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan for a plant-based alternative. These protein sources will also absorb the flavors of the sauce well and provide a hearty texture similar to chicken.

For a gluten-free version of this dish, you can replace the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, using arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch will help thicken the sauce without introducing gluten. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of the dish while catering to dietary restrictions.

If you prefer a different vegetable or want to add more variety to the dish, feel free to swap the broccoli with broccolini, snap peas, or bell peppers. These vegetables will also pair well with the honey sesame sauce and add a colorful twist to the meal. Experimenting with different vegetables can help you customize the dish to suit your preferences or make use of what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the honey sesame chicken broccoli over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and diced green onions for a pop of freshness. To elevate the dish further, serve it alongside a side of quick pickled cucumber salad with a touch of vinegar and sesame oil for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the main dish.

Another fun idea is to serve the honey sesame chicken broccoli in lettuce cups for a light and interactive meal. Simply spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into crisp lettuce leaves, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or crunchy chow mein noodles for added texture. This presentation adds a fun twist to the dish and makes it perfect for a casual gathering or a family-style dinner.

FAQs for Golden Honey Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe, staying tender and flavorful through high-heat cooking.

How should I mix cornstarch into the sauce to avoid lumps?

Mix cornstarch into cool liquid before adding it to the pan, then stir constantly while heating to prevent lumps in the sauce.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli?

Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles pair perfectly with the flavors and sauce. You can also swap with broccolini, snap peas, or even bell peppers for a colorful variation.

How do I reheat leftovers of this dish?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the chicken and broccoli to loosen the sauce and microwave or gently warm in a skillet. The flavors are still delicious even when eaten cold for lunch.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli recipe with your loved ones as much as I do. The sticky sweet sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli come together to create a meal that is both comforting and refreshing. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating a delicious dinner.

Remember, feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you swap ingredients, add a touch of spice, or serve it with your favorite side dish, make it your own. Cooking should be a joyful experience, and this recipe is a great starting point for creating culinary delights in your home. Embrace the flavors, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of this Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli dish. Happy cooking!