This Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe is like a friendly hug on a plate—tender, juicy chicken cubes nestled with bright green broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious sweet and savory sauce. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll discover how honey, garlic, and soy sauce combine to create a sticky, glossy coating that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining friends over a casual lunch, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes and delivers a flavor punch that feels restaurant-worthy yet wholeheartedly homemade.
You’ll find that this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and excitement. It’s officially rated as a Beginner-level dish, which means if you can wield a skillet and measure out a few ingredients, you’re all set. Prep time is a breezy 15 minutes, cooking time is just 20 minutes, and there’s zero resting time required—so you’ll be at the table faster than you think. At around 350 calories per serving and versatile enough to pair with white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice, this is a wholesome Lunch or Dinner option that plays nicely with any weeknight schedule.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Let’s break down the key players that make this dish shine. Each ingredient brings its own unique role, contributing flavor, texture, and balance to the final masterpiece.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Provides lean protein and a tender bite; cubing the chicken allows for even cooking and maximum surface area to soak up the honey garlic sauce.
- Broccoli florets
Adds bright color, crunchy texture, and a healthy dose of vitamins; cooking until tender-crisp ensures a perfect contrast to the succulent chicken.
- Olive oil
Serves as the cooking medium for sautéing chicken and stir-frying broccoli; its mild flavor helps brown the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
- Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables; seasoning before cooking is key for well-rounded taste.
- Honey
Brings natural sweetness and a sticky glaze; when combined with garlic, it caramelizes slightly for a deep, rich flavor profile.
- Low-sodium soy sauce
Contributes umami depth and saltiness; using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the overall salt level in the dish.
- Apple cider vinegar
Introduces bright acidity to balance sweetness from the honey; it elevates the sauce by cutting through richness.
- Garlic
Imparts a sharp, aromatic punch; minced garlic melds into the sauce, infusing every morsel with its robust flavor.
- Cornstarch slurry
Thickens the sauce to the ideal consistency; combining cornstarch with cold water ensures a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Offer a nutty crunch and visual appeal; sprinkling on top provides a subtle texture contrast.
- Cooked white or brown rice (optional)
Acts as a neutral base to soak up extra sauce; rice transforms this into a satisfying, complete meal.
HOW TO MAKE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Getting this dish on your table is a straightforward, step-by-step process that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed stir-fry. Follow each step closely, paying attention to techniques like browning, stir-frying, and simmering to achieve that perfect balance.
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil shimmers before adding anything—this ensures proper searing and flavor development.
2. Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook without moving for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir occasionally until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and reach a tender-crisp texture. This quick cooking locks in nutrients and color.
4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until fully combined. Ensure smooth incorporation for an even sauce.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, coating everything evenly.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the sauce reaches a silky, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon consistency.
7. Toss the chicken and broccoli in the thickened sauce until every piece is well coated and glossy.
8. Serve the honey garlic chicken and broccoli over hot, cooked rice and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, if desired, for extra crunch and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
When it comes to serving this sweet-savory creation, presentation and pairing elevate every meal into an experience. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy family dinner or a more formal gathering, these ideas will help you plate like a pro while keeping the process quick and stress-free.
- Classic Rice Bowl
Pile warm white or brown rice into a shallow bowl and spoon the honey garlic chicken and broccoli on top. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the rice for maximum flavor absorption, and garnish with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped scallions.
- Cauliflower Rice Twist
Swap traditional rice for fluffy cauliflower rice if you’re seeking a lower-carb or gluten-free option. Steam or sauté the cauliflower rice lightly in garlic-infused oil, then top with your chicken and broccoli for a lighter, veggie-forward plate.
- Family Style Platter
Arrange the saucy chicken and broccoli on a large serving platter, garnished with extra sesame seeds and perhaps a few red pepper flakes for color. Let everyone help themselves, making mealtime feel communal and relaxed.
- Lunch Prep Containers
Divide the dish into airtight meal prep containers with a base of brown rice or quinoa. This ensures you have grab-and-go lunches ready for the week, keeping your meals both delicious and convenient.
HOW TO STORE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the flavors and textures of this dish. Whether you have leftovers for later in the week or you’re prepping in advance, following the right steps will ensure every bite tastes as delightful as when it first came off the skillet.
- Refrigeration in Airtight Containers
Cool the chicken and broccoli to room temperature, then transfer into airtight containers. Store in the coldest part of your fridge for up to 3–4 days. This prevents condensation and helps the sauce retain its glossy texture.
- Freezing for Longer-Term Storage
For meal prep beyond the week, freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Portion into individual servings, leaving a small headspace for expansion. Label with the date and use within 2–3 months for best quality.
- Separate Components
If you anticipate storing for more than a couple of days, consider refrigerating or freezing the chicken and broccoli separately from the rice. This prevents the rice from becoming overly soggy and allows you to reheat each component more effectively.
- Gentle Reheating Techniques
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the dish gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain even heating.
CONCLUSION
This article has guided you through every step of preparing a sensational Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli dinner. We started by diving into the delightful combination of flavors and textures, then explored each key ingredient’s role in making the dish shine. From selecting lean chicken and vibrant broccoli to whisking together a balanced honey garlic sauce, you now have the knowledge to whip up a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The detailed instructions ensure even novice cooks can master techniques like stir-frying and sauce thickening, while the serving suggestions and storage tips extend the magic of this recipe into everyday meal planning and lunch prep.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder for future reference—whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping office lunches for the week, this dish fits the bill. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section that answers common questions about substitutions, prep shortcuts, and flavor tweaks. If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment with your cooking experience, ask any lingering questions, or share your own tips for making this dish even more spectacular. Your feedback helps build a vibrant cooking community where we all learn together. Happy cooking and enjoy every sweet, garlicky, broccoli-packed bite!
Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Description
This dish beautifully combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a sweet, savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture.
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Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce to thicken it, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
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Toss the chicken and broccoli in the thickened sauce until well coated.
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Serve the honey garlic chicken and broccoli over cooked rice, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Note
- For a healthier option, substitute white rice with cauliflower rice.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- To keep the broccoli bright and green, you can blanch it in boiling water for 1 minute before adding to the skillet.
