If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious honey garlic sauce that balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes perfectly. This recipe is not just delicious but also surprisingly simple, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or anytime you want to impress yourself with a wholesome, comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The juicy, lean protein base that’s easy to cook and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli florets: These vibrant greens add a fresh crunch and a pop of color to the dish.
- Olive oil: For sautéing; it brings a subtle fruitiness and helps everything cook evenly.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- Honey: The sweet star in the sauce, perfectly balancing the savoriness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth and that umami kick without overwhelming saltiness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang that brightens the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses bold aroma and flavor, making the dish irresistibly fragrant.
- Cornstarch mixed with cold water: The magic thickener that gives the sauce a glossy finish.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and a pretty garnish touch.
- Cooked white or brown rice (optional): The perfect bed to soak up all that amazing sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your cubed chicken with some salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about six to seven minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside, giving it a moment to rest while you move on to the broccoli.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Broccoli
Using the same skillet to capture all those tasty cooking juices, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your broccoli florets and stir-fry them for three to four minutes. The goal is to get them bright and vibrant green, tender-crisp to retain that satisfying crunch and fresh flavor that complements the chicken so well.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. This mixture is going to bring that signature sweet and savory taste that makes this recipe truly memorable.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it gently with the broccoli. Pour your freshly made honey garlic sauce over the top, then bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. This lets the flavors meld perfectly before you thicken the sauce in the next step.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch-water mixture into the simmering sauce, cooking for another one to two minutes. Watch as the sauce thickens into a glossy, irresistible coating that clings to every piece of chicken and broccoli.
Step 6: Toss and Coat
Carefully toss the chicken and broccoli in the thickened honey garlic sauce until everything is evenly coated in that shiny glaze. This is what makes your Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe so crave-worthy and visually gorgeous.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. They add a lovely nutty crunch and a beautiful finishing touch that makes every bite more exciting and adds a hint of texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe shines best when served over a steaming bed of white or brown rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. Alternatively, cauliflower rice or quinoa can also work well if you want to keep things light or add a nutritional twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and broccoli mixture in lettuce cups to create a handheld, fresh meal. Another idea is to pile it on top of noodles for a comforting stir-fry bowl that’s just as satisfying and full of color. Presentation can make dinner feel special and keeps things exciting at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover honey garlic chicken and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to keep everything moist and silky. Reheating carefully preserves the lovely texture of the chicken and broccoli without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! Vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots work beautifully in this Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable’s firmness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute chicken with tofu?
Yes, firm tofu is a great vegetarian alternative. Press out excess moisture, cut into cubes, and cook similarly to the chicken for delicious results.
How spicy is this Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
It’s mild and sweet with no heat by default. If you like things spicier, you can add red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
What’s the best type of honey to use?
Use a mild, floral honey like clover or wildflower honey for the best flavor balance. Raw honey can also be used for a richer, more complex sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about making the Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe that feels like a little celebration on your plate. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients but yields a flavor-packed meal that everyone will love. Give it a try and you might just find your new favorite go-to dish for busy nights or anytime you want to treat yourself to something delicious and wholesome.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender chicken cubes are stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets and coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Serving Suggestion
- Cooked white or brown rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: 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.
- Stir-fry broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp.
- Prepare sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic to create the honey garlic sauce.
- Combine chicken and broccoli: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the mixture.
- Simmer and thicken sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
- Coat and finish: Toss the chicken and broccoli in the thickened sauce until well coated, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken and broccoli over cooked white or brown rice, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content and make the dish healthier.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Ensure the cornstarch is mixed well with cold water before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal tenderness of chicken and crispness of broccoli.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
