Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli just screams weeknight dinner to me. You know those days… the ones when you roll through the door at six or, if you’re like me, half-past and starving is an understatement. And you still want something warm and home-cooked on the table? Most evenings, if I’m honest, I really don’t want another boring meal or wait an hour for takeout. That’s why this is my go-to. It’s quick. It’s got crowd-pleaser written all over it. And—I’m not exaggerating here—the sticky, sweet sauce will make you eye your leftovers like precious family heirlooms. 
Substitutions
So, let’s be real. The grocery store runs out of things. Or maybe you peeked into your fridge and, surprise, half the stuff you need for honey sesame chicken broccoli just isn’t there. No need to panic. You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breast (they get juicier, but both work just fine). Broccoli is awesome, but try snow peas or bell peppers if the green tree florets aren’t your jam. No sesame oil? A little olive oil works, although you’ll miss that toasty flavor. Honey out of stock? Maple syrup slides in nicely. Heck, for the gluten-averse, swap soy sauce for tamari. That’s the beauty of homemade; it flexes to fit your kitchen and your life. Don’t feel chained to the ‘official’ ingredient list.
“I had all sorts of random veggies left, so I tossed them right in, and honestly, this was better than any takeout!” – Jamie T.
Sesame Chicken Sauce: The Key To Making Delicious Sesame Chicken
Honestly, the soul of honey sesame chicken broccoli is that glossy, kinda magical sauce. The combo of honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little garlic… I mean, wow. It soaks right into the chicken, clings to the broccoli, and makes everything pop. If you like a little kick, just throw in a pinch of chili flakes (do it, you won’t regret it). Oh, and cornstarch makes it all thick and shiny—don’t skip that part. Sometimes I toss in extra garlic because, well, I’m a garlic fanatic.
That sauce is what sets this dinner apart from bland, sad stir-fries. Got no sesame seeds? Sprinkle on chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch. The sauce is super forgiving, so dial the sweetness up or down the way you like it. If you’re looking for a twist, check out this easy baked spicy sesame butter chicken recipe for inspiration. 
How to Make Sesame Chicken From Scratch
It’s not rocket science, folks. Pretty much, you chop the chicken into bites, dredge them in a little cornstarch, then quick-cook them in a hot pan. That gets the outside a little crispy and ready for delicious sauce. Once they look golden, you add the sauce mix you prepped (don’t dump in the honey until you take it off the heat, so it doesn’t burn). Stir, toss, let it bubble gently. Then, throw in your steamed broccoli at the end to keep it bright and crunchy.
My secret for honey sesame chicken broccoli? Don’t over-crowd the pan. That’ll just make everything soggy. Work in two batches if you need to. If you’re a sauce lover, double up—you’ll want it for rice or noodles later. It’s honestly easier than it sounds.
If you’re loving this vibe, you might love these ground chicken broccoli stir-fry recipes for another super weeknight win.
Tools You’ll Need
Okay, you seriously don’t need to go all fancy. This is not a five-star restaurant situation. Most nights, here’s what I use:
- One big skillet or wok (my battered pan works perfectly, promise)
- Cutting board for chicken and veggies
- Small bowl for mixing sauce (a mug in a pinch)
- Tongs or a spatula to flip and toss everything
And, yeah, a pot if you’re making rice. That’s it. Minimal mess, maximum flavor.
Related Recipes
If honey sesame chicken broccoli is a hit (and I’d bet money it will be), you might like some of my other go-to’s. Looking for noodles and something creamy? Creamy broccoli chicken mac and cheese fits the bill. Feeling a little fiery? Chipotle honey chicken skewers bring the heat. Got leftovers—or, dare I say, need something even easier? Slow cooker chicken and broccoli is just as dreamy for busy nights.
For a crispy twist, you can’t miss crispy honey chicken, and if you’re all about that sweet and savory action, honey garlic chicken is something to bookmark right now.
Common Questions
Can I make honey sesame chicken broccoli ahead of time?
Oh, yeah. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and it reheats well. Sauce might thicken a bit, so splash in tiny bit water before zapping.
I want more protein—can I use tofu?
Totally! Press it, cube it, and pan-fry like you would the chicken. It soaks up that sauce like a sponge.
Can I freeze this?
You sure can. It keeps for about a month in the freezer. The broccoli gets softer after thawing, but flavor stays awesome.
How spicy is this dish?
As spicy as you want! Add more chili flakes (or none at all). Recipes are meant to be flexible.
What’s best to serve on the side?
I love steamed rice or even noodles. Leftovers taste wild over a baked potato.
Dinner Winner Every Time
There you go. Honey sesame chicken broccoli is truly one of those magic meals you whip up in under half an hour—no stress, big flavor. Remember, it’s totally fine to riff on this recipe and use what you’ve got. Try making it your own, and I promise you’ll skip the takeout line for good. If you want even more ideas or tips, check out awesome resources like Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli – FIXED on FRESH or get inspired by other talented home cooks. For sesame lovers, For a twist, see new spins at Serious Eats or more quick meals at Allrecipes. Dinner’s about to get fun, not fussy. Go get ‘em, chef. 
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a sticky honey sesame sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using).
- In another bowl, dredge diced chicken in cornstarch and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sauce mixture to the chicken and stir to coat, allowing it to bubble gently.
- Add steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together until the broccoli is heated through.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
Feel free to substitute vegetables according to your preference. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg