Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Sesame Chicken With Broccoli is one of those easy dinners that feels comforting, fast, and satisfying all at once. It brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sesame sauce that tastes like takeout, only fresher and lighter. If you need a weeknight meal that works for busy parents, students, working professionals, or anyone who wants dinner on the table fast, this recipe fits the bill.

• Quick and simple: With just 20 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, Sesame Chicken With Broccoli is ready in about 40 minutes. That makes it a smart pick for hectic evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without spending all night in the kitchen.
• Better-for-you comfort food: This Chicken with Broccoli recipe uses lean chicken breast, nutrient-rich broccoli, and a stir-fry method instead of deep-frying. For more on chicken as a lean protein, see WebMD’s guide to the health benefits of chicken, and broccoli also brings fiber and vitamins to the plate. You can read more about broccoli at Healthline’s broccoli nutrition guide.
• Flexible for different diets: Sesame Chicken works well for gluten-free eaters when you use tamari, and you can adjust the sweetness, spice, and oil to fit your preferences. It is easy to make it lighter, less sweet, or a bit spicier.
• Big flavor, simple ingredients: The mix of sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and chili sauce gives this dish that sticky, savory-sweet finish people love. Toasted sesame seeds and green onions add a fresh final touch.

When you want a dinner that feels cozy but still fresh, Sesame Chicken With Broccoli gives you the best of both worlds.

This is the kind of recipe that works for family dinner, meal prep, or a casual weekend meal. It is also easy to pair with rice, noodles, or even a simple side salad if you want to stretch it a little further.

Essential Ingredients for Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Every ingredient in this Sesame Chicken With Broccoli recipe has a job to do. The chicken turns juicy and tender, the broccoli stays bright and crisp, and the sauce brings everything together with a sweet-savory coating. Below is a full ingredient list with the exact amounts you will need.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets – Adds color, crunch, and a fresh vegetable base to the dish.
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes – Gives the recipe lean protein and a tender bite.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Seasons the chicken so the flavor starts from the inside.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Coats the chicken for a light crust and helps the sauce cling later.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil – Used for cooking the chicken and building nutty sesame flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds – Adds texture and a classic finishing touch.
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts) – Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor for garnish.

Sesame Sauce

• 1/4 cup water – Forms the base of the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the sauce into that glossy, sticky texture.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari – Adds salty, savory depth.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Gives the sauce a rich nutty note.
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce – Adds gentle heat.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar – Brings sweetness and helps balance the salty soy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Adds shine and a smooth, mellow sweetness.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Gives the sauce aroma and a warm, savory bite.

Special Dietary Options

• Vegan: Swap the chicken for pressed 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 less oil, reduce the honey, and add a little extra broccoli for more volume.

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

Making Sesame Chicken With Broccoli is straightforward, and the process moves quickly once everything is prepped. The key is to have your chicken cut, sauce mixed, and broccoli blanched before you start cooking. That way, the skillet work stays simple and the sauce comes together without stress.

First Step: Prep the broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli right away and set it aside. This step helps keep the broccoli crisp-tender, so it will finish beautifully in the skillet instead of turning soft.

If you like meal prep, you can blanch the broccoli earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge until dinner time. That saves time later and makes this Chicken with Broccoli recipe even easier on a busy night.

Second Step: Coat the chicken

Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and sprinkle on the kosher salt and cornstarch. Toss until every piece is lightly coated. The cornstarch helps the chicken brown nicely in the skillet and gives the sauce something to cling to at the end.

This coating also works well if you want a lighter version of Sesame Chicken. Instead of deep-frying, you are using a quick stir-fry method that keeps things cleaner and simpler. If you are cooking for kids or anyone who prefers milder flavors, this step keeps the chicken tender without adding extra heaviness.

Third Step: Mix the sesame sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the water and cornstarch together first to make a smooth slurry. Then add the soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, chili sauce, light brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic. Stir until the sauce looks smooth and well mixed.

The cornstarch is what gives Sesame Chicken With Broccoli that signature sticky coating. If you want a slightly spicier version, you can swap in chili-garlic paste or a little sriracha. If you want a fully savory version, leave out the honey and reduce the sugar a bit.

Fourth Step: Cook the chicken

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches so the pieces have room to brown. Cook for about 10 minutes total, turning as needed until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.

Working in batches matters because crowded chicken steams instead of browns. If you want a more golden finish, let the pieces sit for a moment before stirring. This helps build more flavor in the pan. For readers who like a stronger nutty taste, toasted sesame oil can be used here, but regular sesame oil is usually the better choice for cooking over higher heat.

Fifth Step: Add broccoli and sauce

Return the blanched broccoli to the skillet and pour in the sesame sauce. Stir everything gently so the chicken and broccoli get coated. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

This is the moment when the dish really comes together. The broccoli soaks up a little of the sauce while still keeping its bite, and the chicken gets a shiny coating that tastes sweet, savory, and just a little spicy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water. If it seems too thin, let it bubble for another minute or two.

Final Step: Finish and serve

Turn off the heat and top the Sesame Chicken With Broccoli with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve it hot while the sauce is still glossy and the broccoli is bright. It tastes great over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles.

A good stir-fry should feel fast, fresh, and balanced, and this Chicken with Broccoli recipe hits all three.

If you are cooking for a mixed crowd, keep the spice mild and put extra chili sauce on the table. That way, everyone can adjust their own bowl. For a family-style dinner, place the skillet right in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If chicken breast is not your first choice, you still have plenty of good options. Sesame Chicken can be made with chicken thighs for a richer bite, though the dish will be a little higher in fat. Shrimp works well too, but it cooks much faster, so keep a close eye on it. Tofu is a great vegetarian swap and soaks up the sauce nicely once it is pressed and pan-seared.

For a plant-based version, extra-firm tofu or tempeh can stand in for the chicken with very little fuss. Just cube it, pat it dry, and cook until lightly crisp before adding the sauce. If you want a higher-protein vegetarian meal, tempeh is especially helpful because it holds its shape well and adds a hearty texture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Broccoli is classic here, but this Chicken with Broccoli recipe can easily handle other vegetables. Try snow peas, snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans if that is what you have on hand. A mix of vegetables also makes the dish more colorful and gives you a little more crunch.

For the sauce, tamari is the easiest gluten-free switch. If you want less sugar, cut back on the brown sugar or honey. If you want more heat, add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili-garlic paste. For a deeper flavor, use toasted sesame oil at the end instead of all the way through cooking. That gives the dish a stronger sesame aroma without overpowering the rest of the ingredients.

Mastering Sesame Chicken With Broccoli: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you have made Sesame Chicken With Broccoli once or twice, a few small tricks can make it even better. These tips are helpful for home cooks who want more control over texture, flavor, and timing.

Pro cooking techniques

Use a wide skillet or wok so the chicken browns instead of steaming. Cook in batches if needed, and let the chicken sit undisturbed for short bursts so it can color properly. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer after adding the broccoli. Cornstarch is the key ingredient here, so measure it carefully.

Flavor variations

You can make this dish sweeter, spicier, or more savory depending on your mood. Add a little extra honey for a stickier glaze, or leave it out for a drier, more savory sesame chicken. A pinch of ginger, extra garlic, or a spoonful of chili garlic paste can also change the flavor in a nice way. For a brighter finish, squeeze a bit of lime over the top just before serving.

Presentation tips

Serve the chicken and broccoli over rice in a shallow bowl so the sauce pools nicely. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top and add green onions right before serving for the freshest look. If you want a more complete plate, add sliced cucumber, steamed rice, or a small fruit side, such as a simple serving of easy peach cobbler for dessert or a fun sweet bite like pink popcorn for a playful snack.

Make-ahead options

You can blanch the broccoli, cut the chicken, and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store each part separately, then cook everything fresh when you are ready to eat. That makes Sesame Chicken With Broccoli a great option for meal prep or last-minute dinners after a long day.

How to Store Sesame Chicken With Broccoli: Best Practices

Leftovers store well, which makes this recipe useful for lunch the next day. Let the food cool to room temperature before packing it away, then keep it in airtight containers for the best texture and flavor.

Refrigeration

Store Sesame Chicken With Broccoli in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat it later, keep the sauce and rice separate if possible so nothing gets soggy.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Freeze it in single-serving portions for easier reheating. If you know you will freeze leftovers, slightly undercook the broccoli so it stays closer to crisp when reheated.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Sesame Chicken With Broccoli is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth and stir gently for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but it can soften the broccoli and thin the sauce too much.

Meal prep considerations

If you are making this for meal prep, portion it into containers with rice or noodles on the side. That keeps the sauce from soaking into everything too early. The flavors also deepen a little overnight, so lunch the next day can taste even better than dinner.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

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🥦🍗 Healthier takeout sesame chicken with crisp broccoli: glossy sauce clings to tender bites, loaded with protein & veggies!
🌱 Quick 40-min stir-fry: nutty sesame aroma, low-cal comfort that’s family-approved & meal-prep friendly.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets for color, crunch, and fresh vegetable base

– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes for lean protein and tender bite

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning the chicken

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch for coating the chicken and helping the sauce cling

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil for cooking the chicken and building nutty sesame flavor

– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for texture and classic finishing touch

– 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts) for freshness and mild onion flavor garnish

– 1/4 cup water for sauce base

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce

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

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil for rich nutty note

– 1 teaspoon chili sauce for gentle heat

– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar for sweetness and balancing soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons honey for shine and smooth mellow sweetness

– 2 garlic cloves, minced for aroma and savory bite

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prep the broccoli Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli right away and set it aside.

2-Second Step: Coat the chicken Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and sprinkle on the kosher salt and cornstarch. Toss until every piece is lightly coated.

3-Third Step: Mix the sesame sauce In a small bowl, whisk the water and cornstarch together first to make a smooth slurry. Then add the soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, chili sauce, light brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic. Stir until the sauce looks smooth and well mixed.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the chicken Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches so the pieces have room to brown. Cook for about 10 minutes total, turning as needed until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.

5-Fifth Step: Add broccoli and sauce Return the blanched broccoli to the skillet and pour in the sesame sauce. Stir everything gently so the chicken and broccoli get coated. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

6-Final Step: Finish and serve Turn off the heat and top the Sesame Chicken With Broccoli with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve it hot while the sauce is still glossy and the broccoli is bright. It tastes great over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥦 Blanch broccoli ahead – keeps it crisp & vibrant green.
🌾 Double cornstarch slurry for extra glossy, sticky sauce.
🍗 Cook chicken batches to sear, not steam, for best texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: about 6 oz chicken + veggies
• Calories: 219 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 609 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg