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Honey Garlic Chicken With Broccoli - A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2.5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, lime wedges
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken and broccoli: Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt and pepper. Cut broccoli into bite-size florets so they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Whisk the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and broth. Stir in garlic and ginger. Set aside.
  • Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it get hot—shimmering but not smoking.
  • Sear the chicken: Spread the chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  • Cook the broccoli: Add broccoli to the same skillet with a splash of water (1–2 tablespoons). Cover for 2 minutes to steam, then uncover and stir until bright green and crisp-tender.
  • Bring it together: Return chicken to the skillet. Give the sauce a stir and pour it in. Simmer 1–2 minutes, letting flavors meld.
  • Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then drizzle it in while stirring. Cook 30–60 seconds until the sauce turns glossy and coats the chicken and broccoli.
  • Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lime, or a dash of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. It should taste balanced—sweet, savory, and garlicky.
  • Serve: Spoon over warm rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.