Simple Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a fast, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli, and a sweet garlic sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and healthy family meals.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Simple Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is one of those dinners that fits perfectly into busy schedules while still delivering great flavor. With tender chicken breast pieces, fresh broccoli florets, and a glossy honey garlic sauce, this recipe creates a satisfying meal in a short amount of time.
Many home cooks look for recipes that balance taste, nutrition, and simplicity. Simple Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli delivers all three. It uses affordable ingredients, cooks quickly, and pairs well with rice or noodles for a filling meal that the whole family can enjoy.
This dish is also ideal for anyone planning easy healthy dinners for family meals. Chicken breast provides lean protein, broccoli adds color and nutrients, and the sauce blends sweet honey with garlic and soy sauce for a rich taste. Best of all, the recipe comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
Whether you are preparing a fast weeknight meal or planning dinners with vegetables that everyone will actually enjoy, this recipe offers a reliable solution.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 lbs | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Broccoli florets | 1 large head | Fresh works best |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Low sodium soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Adds savory flavor |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | Creates sweet glaze |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons | Balances sweetness |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tablespoon | Minced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon | Adds aroma |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional heat |
Thickening & Serving
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | For sauce thickening |
| Cold water | 2 tablespoons | Mix with cornstarch |
| Cooked rice or noodles | As needed | For serving |
| Sesame seeds | Optional | Garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps create a light golden surface when cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl combine:
- soy sauce
- honey
- rice vinegar
- minced garlic
- ginger
- sesame oil
- red pepper flakes
Stir until everything blends into a smooth sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly golden and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet.
Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender.
If needed, add a tablespoon of water to help soften the broccoli without overcooking it.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well so everything becomes coated.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan.
Stir continuously while the sauce cooks for 1–2 minutes. The sauce will become glossy and thick, coating the chicken and broccoli.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the chicken and broccoli over warm rice or noodles.
Finish with sesame seeds for garnish and a bit of extra texture.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Cut Ingredients Evenly
Uniform chicken cubes help the meat cook evenly and avoid dry pieces.
Do Not Overcook the Broccoli
The broccoli should remain slightly crisp to keep its color and texture.
Adjust Sweetness
If you prefer a slightly less sweet sauce, reduce the honey by one tablespoon.
Make It Meal Prep Friendly
This dish stores well in airtight containers and can be refrigerated for up to four days.
Conclusion
Simple Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a practical recipe for anyone looking for quick, healthy dinners that still taste satisfying. The combination of tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and sweet garlic sauce creates a balanced meal that works well for weeknights or meal planning.
Because it cooks quickly and uses common pantry ingredients, this recipe easily fits into busy routines. Whether served with rice or noodles, it offers a flavorful dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
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Simple Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
Description
Simple honey garlic chicken and broccoli made with tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a sweet garlic soy sauce. Perfect for quick healthy dinners.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 large head broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Cooked rice or noodles
Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breasts into bite sized cubes.
2. Mix soy sauce honey vinegar garlic ginger sesame oil and red pepper flakes.
3. Heat olive oil in skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken and cook broccoli until bright green and slightly tender.
5. Return chicken to skillet and add sauce mixture.
6. Stir cornstarch slurry into the pan and cook until sauce thickens.
7. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
For extra vegetables add bell peppers or carrots.
FAQ
What makes Simple Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli a good weeknight dinner?
This recipe cooks in about 25 minutes and uses simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes. Frozen broccoli works well. Thaw it slightly and cook it for a shorter time to avoid excess softness.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken and broccoli can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
What can I serve with Simple Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli?
Steamed rice, brown rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice all pair well with the dish.