Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Homemade Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli turned out to be one of my favorite go-to recipes, especially when craving quick and satisfying meals. This dish captures the essence of balance, combining the sweetness of honey with the unique richness of sesame oil. The warmth of freshly minced garlic and ginger elevates the flavors, creating a dish that feels special yet is straightforward to prepare.

As a home cook, I’ve faced challenges in getting the shine and texture just right in my stir-fry recipes. It was a simple adjustment, introducing a cornstarch coating to the chicken, that transformed the experience. The memory of that first successful attempt still brings a smile. The chicken turned golden and crisp while remaining moist inside, and the vibrant green broccoli bursts with crispness alongside it.

This recipe doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it excites the palate. The blend of ingredients comes together to create an appealing look and an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Hone in on this dish, and watch as it consistently pleases friends and family.

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Fundamentals

Creating a delightful Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli dish requires a few essential components. Mastering the basics will ensure your meal comes out both flavorful and visually appealing. Understanding the roles each ingredient plays offers a solid foundation for not just this recipe but for many variations in your cooking journey.

Preparation/setup

Begin by gathering your ingredients. Freshness matters, especially for the broccoli and spices. It’s best to cut the chicken into manageable 1-2 inch pieces, providing an even cook. Setting up your cooking area so that you have everything at arm’s length can streamline the cooking process significantly.

A large skillet will form the base for your cooking adventure. Ensure that your cooking utensils and measuring tools are ready to help facilitate a smooth flow, maintaining the excitement of the cooking experience.

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

1. Steam the Broccoli: Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

Getting the most out of your Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli dish relies on good technique. Whether you’re sautéing, steaming, or preparing sauces, understanding how to handle each step notably influences the dish’s outcome.

Tips/tricks

Patience creates perfect results. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken. Giving each piece adequate space allows for even browning and seals in moisture. If you notice that the chicken isn’t browning well, turn up the heat slightly while monitoring closely.

Incorporating sesame seeds not only adds a nutty taste but also enhances texture. Toast them lightly in the pan before adding your chicken for an extra layer of flavor. This small step makes a significant impact and creates a lovely crunch to complement the softness of the chicken and broccoli.

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Perfecting results

Refining your technique and knowing how to adjust recipes can elevate your Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli to the next level. Each cook will find their signature touch along the way.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your sauce seems a bit thin, consider letting it simmer longer to reach the desired thickness. Alternatively, you could dissolve an extra teaspoon of cornstarch in cold water and add it in to thicken. Proper adjustments ensure a luxurious sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

For a different twist, you can easily incorporate other vegetables. Snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots can add visual appeal and diverse flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of sriracha for heat. This variation brings an entirely new vibe while staying true to the dish’s core.

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Serving/presentation

How you present your Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli can enhance the dining experience. Visual appeal plays a significant role when serving, making it even more enticing.

Pairings/storage

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, providing a wholesome base to soak up the delectable sauce. You could also serve it over noodles for an inspiring noodle bowl.

When it comes to storage, this dish keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheating might diminish the texture slightly, but the flavors remain intact and delicious.

Conclusion

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli delivers a delightful meal that captivates at any gathering. With the ideal combination of sweet and savory, it becomes a family favorite. Follow these steps, and enjoy creating a culinary masterpiece that turns every ordinary evening into a flavorful escape. With each bite of tender chicken and crisp broccoli alongside a sticky and aromatic sauce, the dish transports you, satisfying both hunger and heart.

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