📑 Table of Contents ▶
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
It’s easy to overlook the magic that a simple dish like Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli can bring to dinnertime. A vibrant blend of flavors and colors tantalizes your taste buds, transforming a regular meal into something special. This dish reminds me of family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table, sharing laughter and stories alongside delicious food. The aroma of sesame oil and honey fills the kitchen, beckoning everyone to arrive and enjoy.
Cooking Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli not only fills the belly but also creates lasting memories. It’s a recipe that inspires at-home chefs to experiment with flavors while keeping meals straightforward and fulfilling. The mix of tender chicken coated in a sweet, savory sauce paired with fresh, crisp broccoli creates a harmonious balance — one that immediately feels comforting and nostalgic.
This dish isn’t just tasty; it also embraces wholesome ingredients, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. From the first bite to the last, Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli becomes a staple that you will want to revisit frequently. With just a few easily sourced ingredients, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Fundamentals
In the world of quick and satisfying meals, Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli stands out due to its flavorful sauce and fresh ingredients. The cornerstone of this dish lies in the balance of flavors that develops during cooking. You’ll want to focus on those critical components: soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and broccoli. Each plays a vital role in delivering that distinctive taste that you crave.
When preparing this dish, proper timing is essential. Start by steaming the broccoli so it retains its bright color and crisp texture. At the same time, you can work on prepping the chicken and honey sesame sauce — this multitasking approach will get your meal on the table faster.
The ingredients list is relatively short and easy to find. You’ll work with low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, cornstarch, and chicken. With only an additional few pantry staples required like flour and a couple of spices, you’re set to create a flavorful dish without a lengthy shopping list.
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 to taste
- 1 – 1 ½ 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 and add broccoli along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover, bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 6 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together low sodium soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Set the sauce aside.
-
Prepare the Chicken: In a large plastic zipper bag, add the chicken pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Sprinkle the mixture onto the chicken. Seal the bag and toss to coat evenly.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, place the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without touching for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue to cook until all sides are golden and chicken is fully cooked.
-
Cook the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss to coat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring until it thickens. Remove the pan from heat.
-
Toss Chicken and Broccoli Together: If space allows, add broccoli to the skillet with chicken and gently fold to incorporate. If not, do this in a separate bowl or pot. Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm.
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Technique
Mastering Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli requires understanding a few essential techniques. One of the key steps lies in frying the chicken to create a crispy coating. To achieve this, use a high smoke point oil, such as olive oil, and make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken pieces to the skillet. This will seal in the juices and flavor for tender, succulent chicken.
You’ll also want to focus on the sauce. By combining the ingredients carefully and whisking them together, you’ll create a cohesive blend that will coat the chicken beautifully. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet, bringing out the flavors and thickening to this perfect, sticky consistency that clings to the chicken.
It’s important to tackle the vegetables correctly too. Steaming broccoli just right ensures that it retains its bright green color while staying crisp. You don’t want to overcook it, as it can lose its nutrient value and texture.
Tips/Tricks:
- Always warm your oil to the right temperature to achieve that crispy sear on the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet with chicken; this can lower the oil temperature and result in steaming rather than frying.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Perfecting Results
To achieve the ultimate Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli, paying attention to details matters. Opt for fresh chicken breast, ensuring they’re well-trimmed before cutting them into pieces. This will contribute to a more tender bite and better absorption of the flavors.
Cooking the chicken in batches can improve the results as it helps maintain the temperature of the oil when frying. If you fill the pan too full, the temperature drops, making it difficult to achieve that golden brown crust.
You might also want to adjust the sweetness of the dish according to your preference. Consider increasing or reducing the amount of honey to find the perfect balance for your palate. This also applies when adjusting other flavors in the sauce — a touch more garlic or ginger can change the taste significantly.
Troubleshooting/Variations:
- If your sauce doesn’t thicken, whisk in a little more cornstarch mixed with water over low heat.
- For a soy-free version, substitute with coconut aminos, which offers a similar flavor.
- Experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for color and additional nutrients.
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Serving and Presentation
Presentation adds an engaging element to any dish. For Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli, serving the dish on a vibrant plate adds visual appeal. Arrange the chicken pieces atop a bed of broccoli, drizzling extra sauce over the top. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions can elevate the dish even further.
Consider serving alongside a jasmine or brown rice base to complement the flavors. The subtle graininess of rice pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory sauce, rounding out the meal.
Pairings/Storage:
- Serve Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal that nourishes and satisfies.
- This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
Incorporating Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli into your meal repertoire provides a delightful answer to dinner dilemmas. With its flavorful sauce and healthy ingredients, you’ll create not just a meal but an occasion to cherish. Enjoy the cooking process as much as the dish itself.
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant blend of tender chicken and fresh broccoli coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
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 to taste
- 1 – 1 ½ 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)
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and adding broccoli along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover, bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 6 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a small bowl, stir together low sodium soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds to prepare the sauce. Set aside.
- In a large plastic zipper bag, add the chicken pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Sprinkle onto the chicken and seal the bag, tossing to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook without touching for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until all sides are golden and chicken is fully cooked.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss to coat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring until it thickens. Remove from heat.
- If space allows, add broccoli to the skillet with chicken and gently fold to incorporate. If not, do this in a separate bowl or pot. Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm.
Notes
For extra heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
