Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli (Copy)
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Crispy chicken and tender broccoli coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, ready in 30 minutes.
This honey sesame chicken and broccoli became my go-to weeknight dinner when I got tired of ordering takeout but still craved those sweet, savory Chinese flavors. The light coating on the chicken creates this perfect crispy exterior that holds onto the glossy honey sesame sauce beautifully, while the tender-crisp broccoli adds that fresh contrast you need. What I love most is how the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes, making it faster than delivery but so much better tasting. My kids actually eat the broccoli without complaining when it's coated in this incredible sauce.
Why You'll Love It
- **Better than takeout** - All those familiar sweet and savory flavors but made fresh in your own kitchen
- **Quick weeknight solution** - Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy evenings
- **One-pan simplicity** - Everything comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup
- **Kid-approved vegetables** - Even picky eaters love broccoli when it's covered in this amazing sauce
The first time I made this, my husband took one bite and asked if I'd secretly ordered Chinese food because it tasted so authentic. When he realized I'd made it myself, he immediately requested it for the following week's meal plan. My daughter, who normally picks out every piece of broccoli from any dish, actually asked for extra vegetables because she loved how they tasted with the sauce.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Boneless chicken breast: Cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. The size matters for getting that perfect crispy coating.
- Fresh broccoli crowns: Choose bright green florets that are firm and tight. Fresh broccoli holds its texture better than frozen.
- Sesame oil: This is what gives the sauce its distinctive nutty flavor. Don't substitute regular oil here.
Complete Cooking Process
- Don't overcook the broccoli — tender-crisp is best.
- Let chicken brown undisturbed for crispy coating.
- Whisk sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Cook chicken over medium heat to balance browning and doneness.
- Have broccoli and sauce ready before cooking chicken for smooth assembly.
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
You Must Know
Start by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to still have some bite since it will get tossed with the hot sauce later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Chicken Coating Secrets
The combination of cornstarch and flour creates the perfect light coating that gets crispy but doesn't overwhelm the chicken. The cornstarch gives crunch while the flour helps with browning. Don't skip the seasoning in the coating - it adds flavor throughout, not just on the surface.
Chicken Coating Secrets
The combination of cornstarch and flour creates the perfect light coating that gets crispy but doesn't overwhelm the chicken. The cornstarch gives crunch while the flour helps with browning. Don't skip the seasoning in the coating - it adds flavor throughout, not just on the surface.
Chicken Coating Secrets
The combination of cornstarch and flour creates the perfect light coating that gets crispy but doesn't overwhelm the chicken. The cornstarch gives crunch while the flour helps with browning. Don't skip the seasoning in the coating - it adds flavor throughout, not just on the surface.
Chicken Coating Secrets
The combination of cornstarch and flour creates the perfect light coating that gets crispy but doesn't overwhelm the chicken. The cornstarch gives crunch while the flour helps with browning. Don't skip the seasoning in the coating - it adds flavor throughout, not just on the surface.
Chicken Coating Secrets
The combination of cornstarch and flour creates the perfect light coating that gets crispy but doesn't overwhelm the chicken. The cornstarch gives crunch while the flour helps with browning. Don't skip the seasoning in the coating - it adds flavor throughout, not just on the surface.
You Must Know
- Don't overcook the broccoli - tender-crisp is perfect.
- Let chicken brown undisturbed for a crispy coating.
- Whisk sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps.
This honey sesame chicken and broccoli proves that you don't need to order takeout to get those satisfying Chinese restaurant flavors at home. The technique is straightforward, but attention to timing and texture creates results that rival any restaurant. Every time I make it, I'm reminded that the best comfort food is often the kind you make yourself with fresh ingredients and a little care
frequently Asked Questions
→How to make the sauce?
Whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Ensure cornstarch is dissolved to avoid lumps.
→How to assemble the dish?
Add steamed broccoli to sauced chicken and toss gently.
→How to assemble the dish?
Add steamed broccoli to sauced chicken and toss gently.
→How to assemble the dish?
Add steamed broccoli to sauced chicken and toss gently.
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli (Copy)
This healthier takeout-style dish features lightly breaded chicken and steamed broccoli tossed in a homemade honey sesame sauce with ginger and garlic.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Honey Sesame Sauce
- 011/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 022 tbsp water
- 031 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 043 tbsp honey
- 051 tbsp rice vinegar
- 061 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 072 cloves garlic, minced
- 081 tbsp sesame seeds
- 092 tsp cornstarch
Chicken and Vegetables
- 011-1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 022 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 032 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 041/2 tsp salt
- 051/4 tsp black pepper
- 062 tbsp olive oil
- 076 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 082 whole green onions, diced
- 091 tsp salt for steaming broccoli
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli florets with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and steam for 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process - this keeps it bright green and perfectly tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds until smooth. This sauce is going to be absolutely delicious - the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty!
Place the chicken pieces in a large plastic bag. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add this mixture to the bag with the chicken, seal it up, and shake until every piece is evenly coated. This light coating will give you the perfect golden crust.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer - don't overcrowd! Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through with no pink in the center.
Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the prepared sauce over the golden chicken. Toss to coat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens beautifully - this should take just a minute or two. The aroma will be incredible!
If your skillet is large enough, gently fold the steamed broccoli into the saucy chicken. If not, transfer everything to a large serving bowl and toss together. Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve immediately while hot. Every bite is pure comfort food perfection!
Notes & Tips
- 1For Whole30 compliance, substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce and arrowroot for cornstarch
- 2Don't overcrowd the chicken in the pan - cook in batches if needed for even browning
- 3Rinsing steamed broccoli with cold water stops the cooking and preserves the bright color
- 4The cornstarch in the sauce will thicken it to the perfect consistency
Tools You'll Need
- •Large pot with lid
- •12-inch cast iron skillet
- •Colander strainer
- •Mixing bowls
- •Large plastic bag
- •Whisk
Must-Know Tips
- 💡**Don't overcook the broccoli** - Tender-crisp is perfect since it gets warmed through again with the sauce
- 💡**Let chicken brown undisturbed** - Moving it too early prevents proper browning and crispy coating
- 💡**Whisk sauce thoroughly** - Lumpy cornstarch creates an unappetizing texture in the final dish
Professional Secrets
- 🔥**Room temperature chicken** - Let it sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking
- 🔥**Don't crowd the pan** - Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper browning
- 🔥**Taste and adjust** - Add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness to suit your preferences
Serving Suggestion
Best served hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Storage Instructions
Keeps well in the fridge for 3 days, reheat gently.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
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