If you're craving something quick, flavorful, and better than takeout, you're in the right place. This Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli hits the sweet-savory balance just right and comes together in under 40 minutes. It's saucy, comforting, and the kind of recipe you'll come back to on busy weeknights or when you want something homemade but effortless.
This recipe is a go-to favorite in my kitchen year-round, but I especially love making it in the cooler months when cozy, saucy meals really hit the spot. It's also a great option for casual family dinners or quick holiday meals when you're short on time but still want something that tastes special.
This recipe was inspired by my Baked Asian Sticky Chicken Wings, I loved the bold honey garlic flavor so much that I adapted it into this quick skillet version with chicken and broccoli.
You'll also find my Sweet Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken served over rice, it pairs perfectly with this dish. Just imagine that juicy pineapple-BBQ-soy sauce beside this honey garlic chicken… dinner magic.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Salt and black pepper add the base seasoning to the chicken.
- Cornstarch gives the chicken a light, crispy coating when seared.
- Oil is used for pan-frying the chicken to a golden finish.
- Fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Honey adds natural sweetness and stickiness to the glaze.
- Soy sauce brings a deep, savory umami to balance the honey.
- Rice vinegar brightens the sauce with a touch of acidity.
- Broccoli florets are added for color, crunch, and a healthy green boost.
- Water or chicken broth helps thin the sauce to the right consistency.
- Cooked white rice is the perfect base for soaking up all that honey garlic goodness.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and drain the broccoli florets. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine sesame oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce, orange juice, ketchup, sesame seeds, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Mix well and set aside.
If you have a steamer basket, steam the broccoli for 10-12 minutes.
If you don't have a steamer basket, just boil it in a pot of water for about 7-10 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Pour in half of the prepared sauce and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Add the remaining sauce and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Then turn off the heat.
Gently stir in the cooked broccoli with the chicken.
Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or sesame seeds if desired.
Squeeze in half a lemon for brightness.
Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or sesame seeds if desired.
Top with chopped green onion before serving.
Hint: For extra flavor, let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes off the heat before serving-it gives the sauce time to soak in. I also recommend using freshly grated garlic and ginger for the best taste.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free - Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make this gluten-free.
- Vegetarian - Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.
- Kid-Friendly - You can skip the ginger if your kids prefer a milder flavor. Serve it with rice or noodles they love.
- Add-ins - Try bell peppers or snap peas if you want more veggies in the mix.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Work in batches if needed so each piece gets a nice golden sear. Also, be sure to steam the broccoli just until tender-overcooking it will make it mushy and dull the flavor.
FAQ
Yes, just thaw it first and pat it dry so it doesn't water down the sauce.
It goes great with white rice, brown rice, or even noodles. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, but steam the broccoli fresh if possible to keep it crisp.
📖 Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and drain the broccoli florets. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine sesame oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce, orange juice, ketchup, sesame seeds, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- If you have a steamer basket, steam the broccoli for 10-12 minutes. If you don't have a steamer basket, just boil it in a pot of water for about 7-10 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour in half of the prepared sauce and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Add the remaining sauce and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Then turn off the heat.
- Gently stir in the cooked broccoli with the chicken.
- Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or sesame seeds if desired.
- Squeeze in half a lemon for brightness.
- Top with chopped green onion before serving.
How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the broccoli may become too soft and the sauce can separate when thawed.
Valentine's Day
- Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
- Pavlova with Berries and Cream
- Cream Cheese Cake Truffles
- No-Bake Chocolate Marshmallow Sticks
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