Sweet Glazed Chicken with Broccoli

This sticky sweet honey sesame chicken with tender-crisp broccoli combines the best of takeout flavors in a homemade dish that's healthier and tastier than anything from a restaurant. The tender chicken pieces get coated in a glossy honey sesame sauce that clings beautifully to both the protein and vegetables.

I first made this recipe when trying to recreate my husband's favorite takeout dish during lockdown. What started as a necessity quickly became our family's most requested dinner, appearing on our table at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Low sodium soy sauce provides savory depth without making the dish too salty
• Toasted sesame oil delivers that authentic Asian restaurant flavor that can't be substituted
• Honey creates the perfect sticky sweet glaze while being more natural than sugar
• Fresh ginger and garlic form the aromatic base that makes this dish irresistible
• Cornstarch both thickens the sauce and creates the light coating on the chicken
• Boneless skinless chicken breast stays tender when cooked properly and absorbs flavors beautifully
• Broccoli florets not only add nutrition but provide the perfect texture contrast to the tender chicken
• Green onions add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor to finish the dish

How To Make Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Prepare the broccoli

Steam broccoli florets in a large pot with just enough water to create steam. This gentle cooking method preserves the bright green color and ensures the broccoli stays tender crisp without becoming mushy. The cold water rinse after cooking is crucial as it stops the cooking process immediately.

Make the sauce

Whisk together all sauce ingredients until completely smooth. The cornstarch needs to be fully incorporated to prevent lumps later. This sauce combines umami from soy sauce, sweetness from honey, and nuttiness from sesame oil in perfect harmony.

Coat the chicken

The flour and cornstarch mixture creates a light coating that protects the chicken from drying out and helps the sauce cling better. Using a plastic bag makes this process mess free and ensures even coating on all chicken pieces.

Cook the chicken

Searing the chicken pieces without moving them initially creates that golden crust we all love. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam rather than sear. The chicken should be cooked until no pink remains but not overcooked to maintain tenderness.

Create the glaze

Reducing the heat before adding sauce prevents splattering and burning. The sauce will thicken quickly as it simmers, creating a glossy coating that perfectly glazes each piece of chicken. Watch carefully as it can go from perfect to too thick quickly.

Combine and serve

Gently folding the broccoli with the glazed chicken ensures even distribution without breaking the broccoli or disturbing the beautiful sauce coating. The green onions add fresh flavor and visual appeal as a finishing touch.

The honey in this recipe is truly the star ingredient. I discovered the difference quality honey makes when my neighbor who keeps bees gave me a jar of his spring harvest. That subtle floral sweetness elevated this dish to restaurant quality. Now I always keep good honey on hand specifically for this recipe.

Perfect Pairings

This honey sesame chicken broccoli is versatile when it comes to serving options. White jasmine rice is the classic choice, absorbing the extra sauce beautifully. For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well. You can also serve it over noodles like lo mein or rice noodles for a different textural experience. Whatever base you choose, the star will always be that sticky sweet chicken and vibrant broccoli.

Storage and Meal Prep

This dish stores exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. For meal prep, you can prepare the sauce and cut the chicken and broccoli ahead of time, keeping them separate until cooking day. This recipe also freezes well for up to 2 months just be aware the broccoli will soften slightly upon thawing.

Easy Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions, there are several options that work well. Chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a more tender, juicy result. For a vegetarian version, extra firm tofu works beautifully when pressed and prepared the same way as the chicken. Tamari can substitute for soy sauce to make this gluten free, and maple syrup can replace honey for those who avoid bee products. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility while maintaining that delicious honey sesame flavor profile that makes it so craveable.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Steam the broccoli and cook the chicken, but store them separately and make the sauce fresh when ready to serve. Reheat the chicken in a skillet, add the fresh sauce until it thickens, then fold in the broccoli. The dish is best enjoyed immediately after combining all elements but will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

→ What can I serve with honey sesame chicken broccoli?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Other excellent options include quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative, or noodles such as udon, soba, or rice noodles. A simple side salad with a ginger dressing would also complement the flavors nicely.

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs for breast meat?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in more tender, juicy pieces. The cooking time may vary slightly—chicken thighs typically need an extra 1-2 minutes to cook through completely. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sambal oelek to the sauce mixture according to your spice preference. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust upward. Alternatively, add a thinly sliced fresh chili pepper when sautéing the chicken for a more pronounced heat throughout the dish.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?

Yes! Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or tempeh. For a heartier version, use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake and oyster varieties. The coating and cooking method remain similar—toss your protein alternative in the cornstarch mixture and pan-fry until golden before adding the sauce.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check that your rice vinegar is gluten-free as some varieties may contain gluten. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.