Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

• Ease of preparation: This Sesame Chicken With Broccoli comes together in about 40 minutes, with simple steps like blanching broccoli, tossing chicken with cornstarch, and making a quick sesame sauce.
• Health benefits: You get a high-protein meal thanks to boneless skinless chicken breast and fiber from broccoli. It is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Versatility: The recipe works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and lighter options. You can adjust sweetness, spice level, or even swap ingredients without losing the signature sesame flavor.
• Distinctive flavor: Toasty sesame oil, nutty sesame seeds, savory soy or tamari, and a touch of honey create a sticky, glossy sauce that tastes like your favorite takeout, but homemade.

Here is the best part: this is not just “another chicken and broccoli” dish. The sauce thickens quickly and clings to every bite because of the cornstarch coating. As a result, even busy parents and working professionals can serve something flavorful without a complicated ingredient list.

If you like dinners that taste restaurant-level but require little prep, this recipe is for you.

Want a few more easy family-friendly meal ideas? Check out banana oat chocolate chip cookies for a sweet side or dessert to round out the week.

Essential Ingredients for Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Below are the exact ingredients for Sesame Chicken with Broccoli, including the sesame sauce components. I included every measurement so you can cook confidently from start to finish.

• 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets – Adds fiber, color, and a tender-crisp bite.
• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes – The lean protein that makes this dish satisfying.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Seasons the broccoli water and helps flavor the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Coats the chicken so the sauce becomes sticky and clings to each piece.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil – Brings signature nutty aroma and flavor to the stir-fry and sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds – Adds crunch on top and boosts the sesame-forward taste.
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts) – Fresh, mild bite for garnish and extra aroma.

Sesame Sauce

• ¼ cup water – Helps create the sauce base and loosen the slurry.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating.
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari – Provides savory depth; choose tamari for gluten-free.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds aroma and richness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce – Adds gentle heat and tang.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar – Balances saltiness with a caramel-like sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Creates a smooth sweet finish; makes the sauce extra “takeout style.”
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Gives that classic sesame garlic flavor.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan

This recipe is not vegan as written because it uses chicken and honey. However, you can go plant-based by swapping in an equal amount of firm tofu or a chicken-style plant protein and replacing honey with maple syrup. The cornstarch coating still helps the sauce cling.

Gluten-free

Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is typically gluten-free, but always check the label if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Low-calorie

To lighten the dish, keep the chicken as breast meat and use 1 tablespoon sesame oil for cooking instead of 2. You can also reduce brown sugar by 1 teaspoon while still keeping the sauce flavorful.

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

This Sesame Chicken With Broccoli recipe is designed for real life. You do not need special tools, and the main timing stays friendly even on weeknights. Plan for about 40 minutes total: 20 minutes prep and 20 minutes cook.

First Step: Blanch the broccoli and set it aside

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for about 3 minutes until bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. Blanching helps the broccoli stay tender-crisp instead of turning mushy later.

Second Step: Coat the chicken for a sticky sauce

In a large bowl, toss chicken with salt and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until thoroughly coated. Make sure every piece looks lightly dusted, not wet or clumpy. This cornstarch coating is what helps the sauce grab onto the chicken without deep-frying.

Third Step: Whisk the sesame sauce

Make the sesame sauce by whisking ¼ cup water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to make a slurry. Then stir in ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon chili sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 garlic cloves minced. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and uniform.

Fourth Step: Brown the chicken in a hot skillet

Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, browning all sides and cooking through, about 10 minutes total. Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, which helps you get better browning and flavor.

Fifth Step: Simmer broccoli and sauce until thick

Add broccoli and sauce to the skillet, then bring everything to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir gently so the broccoli warms through and the chicken is evenly coated.

Final Step: Garnish and serve

Before serving, garnish with 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and 3 green onions. Taste for balance and serve right away for the best glossy sauce texture.

What to Serve With It

• Steamed rice or brown rice for a classic bowl
• Quinoa if you want a slightly nuttier base
• Extra broccoli on the side if you love veggies

If you are planning a full menu, you might also enjoy pairing this main with something sweet like banana bundt cake.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Part of why this recipe works so well is that it can adapt to different kitchens and schedules. Below are realistic swaps that keep the flavor close to the original while meeting your needs.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Chicken breast: Swap with chicken thighs for more juiciness. Use the same cut size (2-inch cubes) so the cooking time stays similar.
• Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu cut into cubes. Pat dry, toss with salt and cornstarch, then pan-sear until golden before adding the sauce.
• Shrimp: For a faster option, use peeled shrimp. Keep cooking time shorter so shrimp does not overcook when you simmer the sauce.
• Plant-based chicken: If you use a ready-to-cook plant protein, follow the package directions for browning, then simmer with sauce and broccoli.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Vegetables: Replace broccoli with broccolini, snap peas, or a stir-fry blend. Add firmer veggies earlier, softer ones later.
• Chili heat: If you want more heat, try chili-garlic paste instead of chili sauce or add a small amount of sriracha to taste.
• Sweetness: For a less sweet version, omit honey. You will still get a rich sesame-and-soy flavor from the sauce.
• Gluten-free: Keep tamari as your soy base and double-check any bottled chili sauce you use.

Tip: Taste the sauce before it hits the pan. Small tweaks now save dinner from becoming “almost right.”

Mastering Sesame Chicken With Broccoli: Advanced Tips and Variations

Want even better texture and flavor? These techniques help you get closer to that glossy, sticky takeout result while keeping it simple.

Pro cooking techniques

• Use regular or toasted sesame oil: Both work well. Toasted sesame oil has a stronger aroma, so use it in moderation if you love a milder sesame flavor.
• Coat chicken with cornstarch: This is your “no deep-fry” shortcut for a sticky sauce coating.
• Batch cooking: Cook chicken in batches so the pan stays hot and the chicken browns instead of steaming.
• Meal prep blanching: Blanch broccoli ahead of time. Then assemble and simmer when you are ready to eat.

Flavor variations to try

• Extra garlic: Add 1 additional minced garlic clove if you love bold garlic flavor.
• Ginger boost: Stir in freshly grated ginger (about 1 teaspoon) for a warm, fragrant twist.
• Spicy kick: Add chili-garlic paste or a small amount of sriracha, then adjust to taste.
• Less sweet: Remove honey for a drier, more savory sauce profile.

Presentation and serving ideas

• Spoon over rice and let the sauce pool slightly for maximum flavor.
• Finish with sesame seeds and green onions right before serving so they stay fresh and bright.

Make-ahead options

You can prep parts ahead of time without sacrificing quality. Chop broccoli and chicken up to a day early and store separately in the fridge. You can also make the sesame sauce in advance, then whisk again briefly before using.

For some science-backed nutrition context on protein and health, you can also reference the National Chicken Council nutrition and health information.

How to Store Sesame Chicken With Broccoli: Best Practices

Storage is where meal prep either succeeds or falls flat. The goal is to keep the chicken safe, the sauce flavorful, and the broccoli as crisp as possible.

Refrigeration

• Store cooked Sesame Chicken With Broccoli in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and restore gloss.

Freezing

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently to help prevent broccoli from getting too soft.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stir halfway, and add a splash of water if needed.

Meal prep tip: Sauce thickens when cooled. If your leftovers look too thick, thinning with a splash of soy sauce or water makes them taste freshly made.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

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🍗🥦 Savor restaurant-style Sesame Chicken with Broccoli at home – tender chicken cubes coated in a glossy sesame sauce with crisp broccoli for a quick, healthy, protein-packed meal!
🌿 Nutty sesame flavors with just 5g fat per serving, ready in 40 minutes, perfect for balanced weeknight dinners better than takeout.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets

– 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil

– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

– 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

– ¼ cup water

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon chili sauce

– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1-First Step: Blanch the broccoli and set it aside Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for about 3 minutes until bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. Blanching helps the broccoli stay tender-crisp instead of turning mushy later.

2-Second Step: Coat the chicken for a sticky sauce In a large bowl, toss chicken with salt and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until thoroughly coated. Make sure every piece looks lightly dusted, not wet or clumpy. This cornstarch coating is what helps the sauce grab onto the chicken without deep-frying.

3-Third Step: Whisk the sesame sauce Make the sesame sauce by whisking ¼ cup water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to make a slurry. Then stir in ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon chili sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 garlic cloves minced. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and uniform.

4-Fourth Step: Brown the chicken in a hot skillet Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, browning all sides and cooking through, about 10 minutes total. Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, which helps you get better browning and flavor.

5-Fifth Step: Simmer broccoli and sauce until thick Add broccoli and sauce to the skillet, then bring everything to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir gently so the broccoli warms through and the chicken is evenly coated.

6-Final Step: Garnish and serve Before serving, garnish with 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and 3 green onions. Taste for balance and serve right away for the best glossy sauce texture.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥦 Blanch the broccoli ahead of time for easy meal prep and perfect crisp texture.
🔥 Cook chicken in batches to ensure even browning without steaming.
🌶️ Adjust chili sauce or substitute with sriracha for customizable heat levels.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 219
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 609mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 65mg