Quick, flavorful, and loaded with protein, this honey sesame chicken and broccoli is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sweet savory sauce come together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep or a last minute family meal, it is satisfying without the fuss.
Why Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Works for Busy Weeknights
A Perfect Flavor Combo
This dish is a hit because it brings together:
- Sweetness from honey
- Nutty depth from sesame oil
- Tang from rice vinegar
- Fresh kick from garlic and ginger
Fast and Family Friendly
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Works with rice, noodles, or low carb sides
- Easy to double for meal prep
The result is tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sauce that makes every bite worth it.
Recipe
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Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender chicken breast is lightly coated and cooked until golden, then tossed with crisp broccoli in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) water
- 1 ½ Tablespoons (22 ml) sesame oil
- 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) honey
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves (6 g) garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon (9 g) sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons (6 g) cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 Tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch or arrowroot flour (for chicken)
- 2 Tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) pepper
- 1 – 1 ½ pounds (450 – 680 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 6 cups (420 g) broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 2 whole (15 g) green onions, diced
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with 2–3 inches of water and add broccoli with a pinch of salt. Cover, simmer, and cook for about 6 minutes until tender crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce or coconut aminos, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
- In a large bag, combine chicken pieces with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken in a single layer until golden on all sides and cooked through.
- Pour sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer until thickened.
- Add broccoli to the skillet, gently toss to coat with sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Double the recipe for meal prep and store in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
Fill a pot with 2 to 3 inches of water, add broccoli florets, and a pinch of salt. Steam for about 6 minutes until tender crisp, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps the color vibrant and the texture perfect.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor), water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Set aside so it’s ready to go when the chicken is cooked.
Step 3: Coat and Cook the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and toss in a mix of cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden on all sides and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir and simmer until it thickens into a glossy coating.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss steamed broccoli with the saucy chicken. Garnish with green onions and extra sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with a side salad.
For a creative twist on your weeknight menu, you can alternate this dish with something like Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats for a low carb option or enjoy it alongside fresh, vibrant flavors from Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. Both pair well with the sweet and savory notes of honey sesame chicken.
Healthy Swaps and Meal Prep Tips
Smart Ingredient Swaps
One of the best things about honey sesame chicken and broccoli is how adaptable it is. You can make simple swaps to fit your dietary preferences or pantry stock:
- Use arrowroot flour instead of cornstarch if you prefer a grain free coating.
- Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lower sodium option and a naturally sweet undertone.
- Try cauliflower florets instead of broccoli for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
Protein Boosts and Pairings
This dish is already packed with protein, but you can boost it even more by adding tofu cubes or edamame to the skillet before tossing with sauce. If you want variety in your meal plan, pair it with something like Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe for a spicier take on chicken night.
Meal Prep Tips
- Batch Cooking: Cook extra chicken and sauce, then store separately from the broccoli to keep textures fresh.
- Reheating: Warm chicken and sauce gently over low heat. Steam fresh broccoli just before serving for the best crunch.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in airtight containers. Add freshly steamed broccoli after thawing for a just-made taste.
- Portioning: Divide into individual containers with a base of rice or cauliflower rice for quick grab-and-go lunches.
For more meal prep inspiration, check out how flavorful proteins and veggies come together in recipes like Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats or bold dishes like the cilantro lime steak bowls. With the right planning, your fridge can be stocked with a mix of flavors that keep you excited for every meal.
Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations
Easy Serving Ideas
Honey sesame chicken and broccoli pairs well with a variety of sides, making it flexible for any meal plan. Try:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic take.
- Brown rice or quinoa for more fiber.
- Cauliflower rice for a lower carb option.
- Whole grain noodles or soba for a comforting bowl.
You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crisp bite. Just spoon the saucy chicken and broccoli into large leaves, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy.
Flavor Variations to Keep It Fresh
Changing up flavors keeps this recipe exciting:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil for heat.
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
- Mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist.
- Use roasted cashews or almonds for a nutty crunch.
Pair with Other Crowd Favorites
Serve this dish alongside other high-protein meals to create a family-style spread. Recipes like Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats add a fun twist to the table, while a bold and smoky option like the Chipotle Honey Chicken Recipe can satisfy spice lovers.
Make It Part of a Themed Night
Turn dinner into an Asian-inspired feast by adding a side of vegetable fried rice and a quick cucumber salad. Finish with a light dessert such as fresh fruit with a drizzle of yogurt for a refreshing close to the meal.
By mixing and matching flavors, sides, and serving styles, you can make honey sesame chicken and broccoli feel brand new every time you cook it.
