Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: A Flavorful and Healthy Weeknight Dinner

Craving a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s both satisfying and healthy? This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is the perfect dish for you. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a sweet and savory sauce, this meal is packed with flavor and comes together in just 35 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick, nutritious, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

This dish brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The honey sesame sauce is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, enhanced by the nuttiness of sesame oil and the warmth of fresh ginger and garlic. Paired with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, it’s a meal that’s not only delicious but also wholesome. Plus, it’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any night of the week.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ¼ 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

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 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

1. Steam the Broccoli:

• Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli along with 1 teaspoon of salt. If you have a steamer basket, use it, but it’s not necessary. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 6 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Whisk until well combined, then set the sauce aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken:

• Place the chicken pieces in a large plastic zipper bag. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the chicken in the bag. Seal the bag and toss to evenly coat all the chicken pieces.

4. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (it should shimmer but not smoke), add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without touching them for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the chicken to cook all remaining sides until golden and fully cooked through, with no pink in the center.

5. Cook the Sauce:

• Once the chicken is cooked through and golden on all sides, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet, keeping the heat on medium-low. Toss the chicken to coat it in the sauce and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir the chicken in the sauce until it thickens, then remove the skillet from the heat.

6. Combine Chicken and Broccoli:

• If your skillet has enough room, add the steamed broccoli to the chicken mixture and gently fold to evenly incorporate. If not, mix the chicken and broccoli together in a separate large bowl. Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm.

Recipe Notes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Tips for Making the Best Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: To keep the broccoli tender-crisp, be sure to steam it just until it’s done, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Customize the sauce: You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more honey or rice vinegar, according to your taste.
• Serving suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also garnish with extra sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor.

This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful and balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious, homemade dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this dish on a busy weeknight, and savor the delicious combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors!

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