Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Highlighted under: Instant Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender chicken and crisp broccoli with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that is simply irresistible. Every time I make it, my family gathers around the table, eagerly anticipating the deliciousness that awaits. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings when I want to serve something healthy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:49:36.577Z

When I first tried Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli, I was blown away by how the flavors meld so beautifully. The sweetness of the honey balances perfectly with the savory garlic, creating a sauce that I can't resist drizzling over everything on my plate. I often experiment with the thickness of the sauce by adjusting cooking times; it really makes a difference in how it clings to the chicken and broccoli.

One tip I've learned is to use fresh garlic, as it brings a robust flavor that really elevates the dish. I also like to serve it over rice or noodles, soaking up that sticky sauce, making for a meal that satisfies any craving. It's a family favorite that feels special, yet is effortless to prepare!

Why You'll Love This Dish
The perfect blend of sweet and savory in the sauce
Crispy broccoli that adds a fresh texture
Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy nights
A colorful dish that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate

Getting the Chicken Just Right

When cooking the chicken, it's important to cut the breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, allowing you to achieve that ideal golden-brown color all over. Make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the chicken. If the pan isn't hot enough, the chicken may stick and fail to develop a nice sear, which enhances the flavor of the dish.

For additional flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the soy sauce for about 15-30 minutes beforehand. This not only infuses the chicken with rich umami notes but also helps to tenderize the meat. If you’re short on time, seasoning with salt and pepper is a quick alternative, though marinating can elevate the flavor significantly.

Perfecting the Broccoli

Choosing fresh, vibrant broccoli is key to this dish. Look for florets that are tight and dark green. To retain the broccoli's bright color and crispness, avoid overcooking. When sautéing, you want to see a vibrant green color and a tender-crisp texture, which usually takes just 3-4 minutes. A splash of water in the pan during cooking can help steam the broccoli lightly without sacrificing its texture.

If you're interested in adding a bit more depth to the flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish beautifully. You can also substitute broccoli with other vegetables such as snap peas or bell peppers, but adjust the cooking times accordingly to maintain their crispness and appearance.

Sauce Secrets and Serving Suggestions

The honey garlic sauce is what ties this dish together, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and savory. Mixing the honey, soy sauce, and garlic ahead of time allows the ingredients to meld, enhancing the overall flavor. When pouring the sauce into the skillet, ensure that it coats the chicken and broccoli evenly. You'll know it's ready when the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened, usually around 2-3 minutes of simmering.

For serving, this dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, but you could also use quinoa for a healthier grain option. Alternatively, try serving over noodles for a comforting twist. Don't forget the sesame seeds; they add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the final presentation. If you're preparing this dish in advance, store the leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge, reheating gently on the stove to maintain texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Make sure to prepare your ingredients in advance for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to cook your Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Broccoli

Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender-crisp.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly.

Simmer

Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.

Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious and healthful meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey-soy mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, tamari can be swapped in for soy sauce. It provides a similar depth of flavor without the gluten. Alternatively, coconut aminos is another great low-sodium option that adds a slightly sweeter profile, making it a suitable choice for those watching their salt intake.

For a different flavor profile, try using maple syrup instead of honey to create a vegan version of the sauce. Just keep in mind that maple syrup is less viscous than honey, so you might need to adjust the quantities slightly to maintain the saucy consistency.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can cook everything up to the point of adding the sauce and then store the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat and add the sauce to create that freshly cooked experience.

If you're considering freezing the dish, I recommend freezing the cooked chicken and broccoli separately from the sauce. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, but once combined, it may lose some texture. When you're ready to use, thaw everything in the refrigerator overnight for a hassle-free weekday dinner.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce isn't thickening as desired, try increasing the heat slightly to encourage a simmer while stirring occasionally. If it seems too thin, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water) and add it to the sauce until it reaches the desired thickness. This method provides a glossy finish and a satisfying mouthfeel.

In case you've overcooked the broccoli and it has become mushy, using a splash of cold water and quickly sautéing can help revive some of its crispness. Also, adding a bit of fresh garlic at the end can enhance the dish's flavor as a last-minute adjustment.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet directly and cook for a few extra minutes until heated through.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey if you need a vegan option.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a colorful and nutritious twist.