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Honey Chicken with Broccoli

Category: Hearty Main Courses

Skillet-seared chicken pieces are cooked to golden perfection, paired with steamed broccoli, and tossed in a sweet honey and sesame mixture. The sauce layers soy, garlic, ginger, and honey for a perfectly balanced flavor. This easy dish comes together fast with fresh ingredients, lightly steamed broccoli for a pop of green, and juicy chicken. Sprinkle on sesame seeds and fresh greens like scallions before serving. A no-fuss, wholesome option for evenings when you want something satisfying, colorful, and packed with flavor.

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Ranah
Updated on Sun, 31 Aug 2025 18:55:51 GMT
Skillet of chicken and broccoli in a sesame glaze. Save
Skillet of chicken and broccoli in a sesame glaze. | bakeitgood.com

Whenever takeout cravings hit but I want something healthy and speedy, Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli saves the day. The chicken gets nice and crisp, and broccoli keeps its crunch, all drenched in a sweet, sticky, tasty sauce. Seriously, everyone in my house loves it, kids included.

The first time I tried this on a crazy evening, I just wanted something way better than boring chicken. That night it became a regular favorite and even my pickiest kid finishes every bite of this chicken and broccoli combo.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: gives the chicken a crispy outside along with cornstarch
  • Olive oil: helps the chicken turn golden and keeps things moist—grab the light kind if you can
  • Green onions: slice thin for a hit of brightness—use both the green and white parts
  • Broccoli florets: gives a fun crunch and extra color—stick to firm, dark green pieces
  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: looks best when it's plump and pale pink and stays juicy if you don't overcook
  • Cornstarch: thickens the sauce fast and helps make that nice chicken crust—arrowroot works too
  • Sesame seeds: watch for pale, smooth seeds with a toasty vibe
  • Garlic: pop in lots of fresh minced for a punchy start
  • Fresh ginger: grate a chunk for some heat and zing—pick one that feels heavy and smooth
  • Rice vinegar: gives a tart kick—go for clear vinegar, not the brown seasoned version
  • Honey: melts in for bold, sweet depth—local honey works great if you've got it
  • Sesame oil: for a warm, nutty smell and flavor—make sure it's toasted for extra oomph
  • Low sodium soy sauce: brings salt and umami—good quality makes a big difference

Simple Step-by-Step

Blend with Broccoli:
Gently add that steamed broccoli to your hot skillet and toss everything together. Make sure the sauce covers each floret and piece of chicken. Top with green onions and dig in while it’s piping hot.
Let the Sauce Thicken:
Pour the sauce right over the chicken in the pan. Keep your heat on a gentle medium low. Toss the chicken so it’s coated all around. Simmer until the sauce bubbles up and turns glossy and thick. When it’s clingy, yank the pan off the heat.
Crisp up the Chicken:
Add olive oil to a big skillet and set it over medium heat until it shimmers. Lay your chicken pieces out so they’re not crowded. Let them sizzle until golden—about 2-3 minutes—before flipping each one to brown both sides. Cook until there’s no pink left inside.
Coat your Chicken:
Dump your chicken pieces in a zipper bag. Mix up cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then sprinkle them over the chicken. Close the bag and shake so each piece gets a good dusting. This helps create that crispy outside.
Whisk the Sauce:
Grab a small bowl and whisk together soy sauce, a splash of water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Get it smooth and set aside. It should taste deep and sweet and smell amazing.
Get the Broccoli Ready:
Fill a big pot with a couple inches of water, toss in your broccoli and a little salt. Keep it covered over low heat for about 6 minutes until the color pops and it’s just a bit crisp. Rinse straight away with cold water so it stays green and bright.
A bowl packed with saucy chicken and bright broccoli, topped with sesame seeds. Save
A bowl packed with saucy chicken and bright broccoli, topped with sesame seeds. | bakeitgood.com

What I like best here is that hit of honey in the sauce. Every bite is perfectly sweet but doesn't cover up that fun sesame flavor. The first time I tossed on sesame seeds, my kids thought it looked just like the stuff we get from our favorite spot, and they gobbled it up even faster.

Easy Storage Ideas

This dish keeps well for up to three days in your fridge. Let it cool down first, then put it in a sealed container. Warm it back up on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. If you plan to freeze, leave out the broccoli and just add fresh steamed broccoli after reheating so it stays fresh and crunchy.

Swaps and Options

Feel free to use coconut aminos if you need to skip soy sauce for gluten free or Whole30 needs. Arrowroot swaps in for cornstarch with no problem. Got chicken thighs? Use those—they’re juicier. You can even toss in cauliflower instead of broccoli if that’s what you’ve got or want extra color.

How to Serve

I like it best on hot jasmine rice for plenty of comfort. If you go low carb, use cauliflower rice or pile it on a handful of fresh greens. Soba noodles work for a fun twist. Spoon on extra sesame seeds and maybe a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.

Chicken and broccoli cooked together in a skillet, scattered with sesame seeds. Save
Chicken and broccoli cooked together in a skillet, scattered with sesame seeds. | bakeitgood.com

A Look at the Roots

This dish takes its lead from popular Chinese takeout, but with lighter touches and not much sugar. It's not straight from tradition, but the flavors come straight from Cantonese food—plenty of sesame and honey. Making it yourself means you get to watch the salt and sweet, and it hits just like comfort food without the heavy stuff.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I swap chicken breast for thighs?

Absolutely, chicken thighs work great and stay juicy while adding a richer flavor.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace soy sauce with tamari and swap regular flour for a gluten-free option.

→ What other veggies go well here?

Try snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy for some variety and extra crunch.

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Cook it just until done and make sure the pieces are cut evenly for consistent results.

→ Can I prep the sauce in advance?

Definitely! Mix the sauce and stick it in the fridge up to a day in advance for faster cooking.

Chicken Broccoli Sesame Honey

Broccoli and chicken coated in a sesame soy glaze—with a touch of honey—for a quick, simple dinner.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
By: Seham

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Style: Chinese

Output: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Lactose-Free

Ingredients

→ The Sauce

01 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
02 2 Tablespoons water
03 ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 2 teaspoons cornstarch
05 3 Tablespoons honey
06 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
07 1 ½ Tablespoons sesame oil
08 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
09 2 minced garlic cloves

→ Chicken and Broccoli

10 Salt and pepper
11 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
12 6 cups of broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
13 1-1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-2 inch chunks
14 2 diced green onions
15 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder
16 2 Tablespoons of plain flour

Steps

Step 01

Add 2-3 inches of water to a large pot, season with 1 teaspoon of salt, and toss in the broccoli. Cover it and let it bubble away until it’s tender but still crisp—about 6 minutes. Drain it in a colander, then rinse with cool water.

Step 02

Mix the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds together in a small bowl. Set it to the side for later.

Step 03

Toss the chicken pieces into a big zip-top bag. In another small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, a pinch of salt (½ teaspoon), and a dash of pepper (¼ teaspoon). Pour this dry mix over the chicken in the bag, seal it tight, and shake it around so every piece is coated.

Step 04

Warm olive oil in a big frying pan over medium heat. Lay the chicken in the pan in a single layer. Let it get golden on one side without moving it—this takes 2-3 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook them until all sides are browned and the insides are no longer pink.

Step 05

With the chicken fully cooked, turn the heat to medium-low and pour the sauce mixture over. Stir the chicken around to coat it well. Let the sauce simmer and bubble gently until it thickens up. Then, take it off the heat.

Step 06

If everything fits, you can add the broccoli directly into the skillet with the chicken, folding it carefully so it’s combined. If it’s too tight, move both to a big bowl and mix there. Sprinkle green onions on top before serving warm.

Notes and Tips

  1. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap cornstarch for arrowroot to make this friendly for Whole30.

Required Tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Strainer or colander
  • Large cast-iron pan (12 inches)

Allergy Information

Double-check all ingredients for allergen risks, and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Includes soy (from soy sauce)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and should not replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 443
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 40 g