Delicious Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a dish that sings harmony in your mouth with every bite. Imagine tender chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet honey sauce, dancing with vibrant green broccoli, all while filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.

Now picture this: It’s a busy weeknight, you’re juggling work and family life, and the clock is ticking. You need something quick, delicious, and that will make you look like a culinary superstar. Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is here to save the day, transforming your dinner table into a feast fit for royalty without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Choose bright green broccoli with firm stems for the best crunch and flavor.

• Honey: Use quality honey for that deep sweetness; local varieties can add unique flavors.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to control saltiness while still packing in flavor.

• Sesame Oil: This oil brings nutty richness; just a little goes a long way.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give an aromatic kick; minced garlic works best here.

• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds heat and depth; peel and grate it before using.

For the Sauce:

• Brown Sugar: This sweetener balances out the soy sauce beautifully; light or dark works well.

• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are perfect for garnishing; they add a delightful crunch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish—this is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar until well combined. This sweet-savory concoction will be drizzled over everything later.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Pour half of the sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

While the chicken is baking, steam or blanch your broccoli florets until bright green yet crisp—about four minutes should do it!

Step 6: Combine It All

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Carefully toss in the steamed broccoli along with the remaining sauce. Pop it back into the oven for an additional five minutes.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce if desired for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli as a flavorful centerpiece to any meal.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until it’s golden brown, then prepare the broccoli while the chicken cooks in the sweet sesame sauce. This sequence guarantees juicy chicken and perfectly tender broccoli without wasting any time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers if you’re feeling adventurous! You can also try adding crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave it until warm or stir-fry it on medium heat to restore its fresh flavors.

Cooking this dish reminds me of the time I made it for my friends during a game night. They devoured it so fast that I barely got a second helping! It became a staple ever since.

FAQs:

What is Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli?

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli, and a sweet-sesame sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The honey adds sweetness, while the sesame oil gives it a unique flavor profile. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a homemade Asian-inspired dish.

How can I make Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli healthier?

To make Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce fat content. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on sodium levels. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas increases fiber and vitamins. Finally, you can substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index option.

Can I prepare Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli in advance. Cook the chicken and broccoli, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Preparing the dish ahead of time makes it perfect for meal prep or quick dinners.

What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli?

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside noodles for a heartier option. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, a fresh salad or vegetable stir-fry would complement the dish beautifully without overwhelming your palate.

Conclusion for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli:

In summary, Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is an attractive choice for anyone seeking a quick yet flavorful meal. With its balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs. Remember to adjust ingredients according to your dietary preferences while enjoying this versatile recipe any night of the week!

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Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

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Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a deliciously quick meal that combines tender chicken coated in a sticky honey sauce with vibrant broccoli. This dish transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends. The sweet-savory flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
5. While the chicken bakes, steam or blanch the broccoli until bright green and crisp (about 4 minutes).
6. Toss the steamed broccoli with the remaining sauce and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with broccoli (approximately 6 oz)
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, sear the chicken before baking to achieve a golden crust. - Feel free to substitute broccoli with snap peas or bell peppers for variety. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.