Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Why You Will Love This Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Sesame Chicken With Broccoli is one of those easy dinners that checks a lot of boxes for busy home cooks. It is quick, cozy, and full of flavor, with tender chicken, bright broccoli, and a glossy sesame sauce that comes together in one skillet. If you need a meal that feels satisfying without taking over your evening, this Sesame Chicken With Broccoli recipe fits the bill.

• Fast and simple: The whole dish is ready in about 40 minutes, which makes it a smart choice for weeknights, meal prep, or those evenings when everyone is hungry now.
• Balanced and filling: Each serving brings lean protein, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, so Sesame Chicken and Broccoli feels hearty without being heavy.
• Family friendly: The sweet, savory sauce is mild enough for most kids and adults, and you can adjust the heat to fit your table.
• Flexible for many diets: With easy swaps like tamari for gluten-free needs or less honey for a more savory flavor, Chicken with Broccoli can work for different eating styles.

It is also the kind of meal that works well for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple Sunday dinner. Since the sauce coats everything nicely, it holds up well on the table and makes leftovers something to look forward to.

When you want a weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout but feels homemade, Sesame Chicken With Broccoli is a dependable choice.

If you enjoy chicken dinners with bold flavor, you may also like this honey soy chicken or the bright flavors in this chicken and broccoli stir fry.

For more background on chicken nutrition and why lean poultry can fit into a balanced diet, see the National Chicken Council nutrition and health information.

Essential Ingredients for Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Here is a clear ingredient list for this Sesame Chicken With Broccoli recipe, with every item measured out so you can shop and cook with confidence. The chicken, broccoli, and sesame sauce all work together to create a savory, slightly sweet dish that tastes fresh and satisfying.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets – gives the dish color, texture, and a fresh veggie bite.
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes – the main protein, lean and quick-cooking.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – seasons the chicken and helps build flavor early.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, for coating chicken – helps the chicken brown nicely and gives the sauce something to cling to.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, plus 2 additional tablespoons for cooking – adds nutty flavor and helps cook the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds – used as a garnish for crunch and sesame flavor.
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts – adds freshness and a mild onion bite at the end.

Sesame Sauce

• 1/4 cup water – forms the base of the sauce slurry.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the sauce so it coats the chicken and broccoli.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari – brings the savory, salty backbone.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – adds nutty depth to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce, such as Sambal Oelek – adds gentle heat.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar – gives a little sweetness and helps balance the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons honey – adds shine and a mellow sweet finish.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – brings in that classic savory aroma.

Special Dietary Options

• Vegan: Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and check that your chili sauce is gluten-free.
• Low-calorie: Use a little less sesame oil and honey, and serve with extra broccoli or cauliflower rice.

For another family-friendly chicken dinner idea, try this air fryer chicken bites and broccoli recipe if you want a similar flavor profile with a different cooking method.

How to Prepare the Perfect Sesame Chicken With Broccoli: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prep the broccoli and chicken

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook them for about 3 minutes, just until they turn bright green. Drain the broccoli right away and set it aside so it stays crisp-tender instead of soft and soggy.

While the broccoli cooks, cut the chicken breast into 2-inch cubes. Place the chicken in a large bowl, then add the kosher salt and cornstarch. Toss well so every piece gets a light coating. This step helps the chicken brown better and gives the sauce a nice finish later.

Second Step: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Once the cornstarch is smooth, stir in the low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, chili sauce, light brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is well combined. The sauce should look smooth and a little glossy.

If you like more heat, you can use a little more chili sauce, chili-garlic paste, or a small spoonful of sriracha. If you want a sweeter sauce, keep the honey amount as written and taste after simmering. This Sesame Chicken With Broccoli sauce is easy to adjust without changing the whole recipe.

Third Step: Cook the chicken

Heat the remaining sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches so the pieces have room to brown instead of steaming. Cook for about 10 minutes total, turning now and then until all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through.

Cooking in batches matters here. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will release too much moisture and lose that nice browned edge. Keep the heat steady, and do not rush this part. A little patience gives you better texture in the final Sesame Chicken.

Fourth Step: Bring everything together

Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir gently so everything gets coated. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and broccoli. The sauce should look silky, not watery.

At this stage, you can taste and adjust if needed. Add a tiny splash of water if the sauce gets too thick, or a little more soy sauce if you want a deeper savory flavor. This is the point where Chicken with Broccoli starts to look and smell like dinner.

Final Step: Garnish and serve

Turn off the heat and finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the Sesame Chicken With Broccoli warm, right away, over rice, noodles, or on its own for a lighter meal. It works well for family dinners, meal prep containers, and even potluck tables because it is easy to scoop and serve.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If you want to change the protein, this Sesame Chicken With Broccoli recipe gives you room to play. Chicken thighs work well if you prefer a richer, juicier bite. Tofu, tempeh, or seared cauliflower florets can also stand in for the chicken if you want a meatless meal.

For a different take, you can also serve the same sauce over shrimp or turkey breast. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, since both options cook faster than chicken breast. If you are cooking for a mixed crowd, this flexibility makes Chicken with Broccoli an easy dinner to tailor.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Broccoli is classic here, but you can mix in snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or baby corn. If you want a softer vegetable mix, blanch everything ahead of time so the final stir-fry stays quick. For more color and crunch, add the vegetables near the end so they stay bright.

The sauce can shift with your taste too. Use tamari for a gluten-free version, chili-garlic paste for more kick, or a touch less honey for a more savory finish. If you are out of toasted sesame oil, regular sesame oil still works well and keeps the sesame chicken flavor in place.

Mastering Sesame Chicken With Broccoli: Advanced Tips and Variations

A few small tricks can make your Sesame Chicken With Broccoli even better. First, cook the chicken in a single layer whenever possible, because that helps it brown instead of steam. Second, let the sauce simmer just long enough to thicken, since overcooking can make the broccoli soft.

For extra flavor, toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry skillet before garnishing. You can also add a tiny drizzle of sesame oil at the end if you want a stronger nutty aroma. If you like a sweeter take, increase the honey slightly. If you prefer a more savory version, skip the honey and let the soy sauce and garlic lead the way.

For presentation, spoon the Sesame Chicken over rice and finish with a generous sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. A little extra broccoli on top makes the plate look fresh and colorful. This dish also works nicely for meal prep, since it packs well and reheats without much fuss.

This is the kind of recipe that feels special enough for dinner guests but easy enough for a regular Tuesday night.

If you enjoy savory chicken dishes with bold sauces, you may also like this Mongolian chicken recipe for another fast skillet meal.

How to Store Sesame Chicken With Broccoli: Best Practices

Let leftovers cool before storing them in an airtight container. In the fridge, Sesame Chicken With Broccoli stays good for 3 to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, which is normal, so a splash of water helps when reheating.

For freezing, portion the cooled chicken and broccoli into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for about 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The broccoli may soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor still holds up well for lunch bowls or quick dinners.

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or broth. Stir gently until hot. You can also microwave it, covered loosely, in short bursts. If you are meal prepping, store rice separately so everything reheats more evenly.

Nutrition Facts for Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

One serving of this Sesame Chicken With Broccoli recipe offers a balanced mix of protein and carbs with a moderate amount of fat. Here is a quick look at the nutrition facts per serving.

For readers who like lighter dinners, this nutrition profile makes Sesame Chicken and Broccoli a nice option. It delivers a good amount of protein while still staying manageable for everyday meals.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

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🍗 Discover a healthier homemade version of your favorite takeout sesame chicken, featuring tender bites coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce paired with crisp broccoli for a balanced meal!
🥦 Ready in just 40 minutes, this quick stir-fry is packed with protein and veggies, making it perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets for color, texture, and fresh veggie bite

– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes for main protein

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning the chicken

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch for coating chicken

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil, plus 2 additional tablespoons for cooking for nutty flavor

– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish

– 3 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts for freshness and mild onion bite

– 1/4 cup water for sauce slurry base

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce

– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for savory salty backbone

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil for nutty depth

– 1 teaspoon chili sauce, such as Sambal Oelek for gentle heat

– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar for sweetness and balance

– 2 tablespoons honey for shine and mellow sweet finish

– 2 garlic cloves, minced for savory aroma

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prep the broccoli and chicken Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook them for about 3 minutes, just until they turn bright green. Drain the broccoli right away and set it aside so it stays crisp-tender instead of soft and soggy. While the broccoli cooks, cut the chicken breast into 2-inch cubes. Place the chicken in a large bowl, then add the kosher salt and cornstarch. Toss well so every piece gets a light coating. This step helps the chicken brown better and gives the sauce a nice finish later.

2-Second Step: Mix the sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Once the cornstarch is smooth, stir in the low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, chili sauce, light brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is well combined. The sauce should look smooth and a little glossy. If you like more heat, you can use a little more chili sauce, chili-garlic paste, or a small spoonful of sriracha. If you want a sweeter sauce, keep the honey amount as written and taste after simmering. This Sesame Chicken With Broccoli sauce is easy to adjust without changing the whole recipe.

3-Third Step: Cook the chicken Heat the remaining sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches so the pieces have room to brown instead of steaming. Cook for about 10 minutes total, turning now and then until all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through. Cooking in batches matters here. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will release too much moisture and lose that nice browned edge. Keep the heat steady, and do not rush this part. A little patience gives you better texture in the final Sesame Chicken.

4-Fourth Step: Bring everything together Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir gently so everything gets coated. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and broccoli. The sauce should look silky, not watery. At this stage, you can taste and adjust if needed. Add a tiny splash of water if the sauce gets too thick, or a little more soy sauce if you want a deeper savory flavor. This is the point where Chicken with Broccoli starts to look and smell like dinner.

5-Final Step: Garnish and serve Turn off the heat and finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the Sesame Chicken With Broccoli warm, right away, over rice, noodles, or on its own for a lighter meal. It works well for family dinners, meal prep containers, and even potluck tables because it is easy to scoop and serve.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌿 Blanch the broccoli ahead of time for easy meal prep.
🔥 Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken to ensure even browning.
🍲 Substitute chili-garlic paste or sriracha for chili sauce, adjusting to taste.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 219 kcal
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 609mg
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 0mg