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why make this recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the nutty flavor of sesame oil. This recipe is easy to make and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it features broccoli, making it a healthy option. The sauce brings everything together, creating a meal that is delicious and satisfying.

how to make Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Ingredients

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 Tablespoons water
1 ½ Tablespoons sesame oil
3 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely grated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
1-1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-2-inch pieces)
2 Tablespoons olive oil
6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
2 whole green onions (diced)

Directions

STEAM THE BROCCOLI: Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water. Add the broccoli and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for about 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water.
PREPARE THE SAUCE: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Set it aside.
PREPARE THE CHICKEN: Place the chicken pieces in a large plastic zipper bag. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Sprinkle this mixture onto the chicken. Seal the bag and toss to coat the chicken evenly.
COOK THE CHICKEN: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them until golden. Flip the chicken and cook until all sides are golden and the chicken is fully cooked.
COOK THE SAUCE: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken. Toss the chicken to coat in the sauce while bringing it to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
TOSS CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI TOGETHER: If there is room in the skillet, add the broccoli to the chicken. Otherwise, do this in a separate bowl. Gently fold everything together and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving warm.

how to serve Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Serve Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli warm over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. The sauce is perfect for drizzling on top, and the dish looks vibrant with the green broccoli and chicken pieces.

how to store Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

tips to make Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the ginger and garlic.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

variation

For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy it fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. If you wish to add some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.