This honey garlic chicken with broccoli is the perfect weeknight dinner solution—sweet, savory, and satisfying all in one pan. Tender chicken bites are coated in a glossy honey-garlic sauce and tossed with crisp-tender broccoli florets for a balanced, protein-packed meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice for a family-friendly comfort meal that rivals takeout but keeps things healthy and homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Sweet and savory flavors kids and adults love
- High in protein and packed with vegetables
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Broccoli
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp water
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli
- In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and 1 tbsp water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove broccoli and set aside with the chicken.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine and Serve
- Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the honey garlic sauce.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if sauce has thickened too much.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be portioned with rice for easy meal prep lunches.
Nutrition Highlights (per serving without rice, approx.)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 8g
Pro Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Add more vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Make it spicier by adding sriracha or doubling the red pepper flakes.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile.
- For crispier chicken, shallow fry in a bit more oil before tossing in sauce.
- Double the sauce recipe if you prefer extra saucy chicken and veggies.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- Pair with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Add a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal
- Serve with steamed edamame or a cucumber salad
- Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this honey garlic chicken lies in the perfectly balanced sauce—sweet honey meets savory soy sauce with aromatic garlic and a hint of tang from vinegar. The cornstarch coating on the chicken helps create a light crispy texture that holds the sauce beautifully, while the broccoli adds fresh crunch and nutrition. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home without the extra sodium, sugar, or mystery ingredients found in takeout. The chicken stays tender and juicy, the broccoli retains its bright color and snap, and the glossy sauce ties it all together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for picky eaters and health-conscious adults alike—proof that healthy family dinners can be quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.