Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation: 10 minutes

• Cooking: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the honey garlic sauce:

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut it into bite-sized florets.

2. Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized 1-inch cubes.

3. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels.

4. Place chicken in a mixing bowl.

5. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cornstarch.

6. Toss until every chicken piece is evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the honey garlic sauce

1. In a small bowl, add honey and soy sauce.

2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger.

3. Stir in rice vinegar and brown sugar.

4. Add sesame oil and red pepper flakes.

5. In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.

6. Mix until smooth.

7. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer.

3. Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side.

4. Turn occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.

5. The thickest pieces should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the broccoli

1. Add broccoli florets to the same skillet.

2. Add 2–3 tablespoons water.

3. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes.

4. Remove the lid and cook for another minute.

5. The broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 5: Add the honey garlic sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet.

3. Stir gently and bring to a light simmer.

4. Add the cornstarch mixture.

5. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Combine everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

2. Add the broccoli.

3. Toss gently until everything is coated with the sticky honey garlic sauce.

4. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes.

5. Remove from heat.

6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl while hot. Spoon extra honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli.

Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Dry the chicken before seasoning to achieve better browning.

• Avoid overcrowding the skillet.

• Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain slightly crunchy.

• Adjust honey for extra sweetness.

• Add chili flakes for a spicy version.

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.

Nutritional Information

Values are approximate and depend on ingredients and portion sizes. Rice is not included.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Allergen note: No nuts are intentionally included. Sesame seeds are seeds, not tree nuts. Soy sauce contains soy and may contain wheat. Check all packaged ingredient labels for cross-contamination warnings.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water.

• Meal prep: Divide into individual containers with rice for convenient lunches.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Vegetable fried rice

• Garlic butter noodles

• Cauliflower rice

• Asian cucumber salad

Enjoy your homemade Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli!