Finding a dinner that balances indulgence and health can feel like striking gold. This Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli takes all the best parts of your favorite takeout—tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy honey-soy glaze—and whips them into a lightened-up masterpiece you can whip up in just 30 minutes. The sweetness of honey mingles with tangy rice vinegar while sesame oil and fresh ginger bring that unmistakable Asian flair. As the chicken sizzles in the pan, you’ll see those golden-brown edges develop, and when the sauce comes together, it clings beautifully to each bite. This is the kind of meal that feels special enough for a weekend treat yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is how versatile it is. Swap out the broccoli for bell peppers or snap peas, marinate the chicken ahead of time if you have a spare half hour, or even add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch. I’ve shared this dish with friends who couldn’t believe it was “skinny,” and my family always goes back for seconds. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned stir-fry pro, this recipe walks you through each step with confidence. Let’s get cooking and transform everyday ingredients into a meal that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant color, and just the right amount of zing!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SKINNY SESAME CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
To make this dish shine, you’ll need a handful of staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible glossy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the savory, umami backbone without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens the glaze with a gentle acidity that balances the richness.
- Sesame oil: Delivers a toasty, nutty aroma that defines the flavor profile.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce that silky, clingy consistency.
- Water: Mixed with cornstarch to form a slurry that smooths out the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for aromatic warmth and a hint of spice.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with deep, savory notes.
- Red pepper flakes: Provide a subtle kick of heat, adjustable to your taste.
- Broccoli florets: Offer vibrant color and a satisfying crunch when properly stir-fried.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Green onions: Chopped and scattered over the finished dish for freshness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve those golden sear marks on the chicken.
HOW TO MAKE SKINNY SESAME CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
With your ingredients at the ready, this section will guide you through each step as you transform them into a delicious stir-fry. From building the sauce to achieving just the right tender-crisp texture on the broccoli, every action brings you closer to a satisfying meal that’s both homey and exciting.
1. In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce. Set this flavor-packed mixture aside.
2. In another small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry. This will thicken your sauce later, giving it that glossy finish. Set the slurry aside as well.
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, then season them with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5–7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the edges.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside, keeping those juices in the pan.
6. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn bright green and reach a tender-crisp texture.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in among the broccoli.
8. Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring well so every piece of chicken and broccoli is evenly coated.
9. Give the cornstarch slurry another quick stir, then pour it into the skillet.
10. Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and everything is nicely glazed.
11. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a final burst of texture and freshness.
12. Serve immediately, whether you prefer it on its own or spooned over steamed rice or quinoa for an extra hearty meal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SKINNY SESAME CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
When it comes to serving this dish, presentation and accompaniments can elevate it from a simple weeknight dinner to a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. Think about color contrast, texture variation, and complementary flavors to round out the meal. A thoughtful plating can turn your kitchen creation into a social media-worthy moment, or simply make dinner feel more special for your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or packing lunches for the week, these serving ideas will help you enjoy every delicious bite.
- Over Steamed Rice: Pile the chicken and broccoli over fluffy white or brown rice. The grains soak up the extra sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
- Quinoa Bowl: For a protein-packed twist, swap rice for cooked quinoa. Add a handful of shredded carrots or edamame for color and nutrition.
- Family-Style Platter: Transfer the stir-fry to a large serving dish, garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions, and let everyone help themselves. It’s perfect for relaxed gatherings.
- Meal-Prep Containers: Divide into individual airtight containers with a partition of rice or roasted sweet potatoes. Store in the refrigerator for grab-and-go lunches all week.
HOW TO STORE SKINNY SESAME CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Planning for leftovers is part of smart cooking, especially when a recipe is this straightforward. Proper storage ensures your Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli stays fresh, flavorful, and ready for reheating without losing its texture. Whether you’re saving portions for tomorrow’s lunch or prepping meals for the week, follow these tips to keep everything tasting just as good as when it first came off the stove.
- Refrigerator Storage: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge and consume within three days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
- Freezer-Friendly: If you’d like to freeze leftovers, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Layering Separation: When storing with rice or quinoa, keep the grains in a separate container. This prevents them from soaking up too much sauce and becoming soggy. Reheat each component together for just a minute to combine flavors.
- Reheating Method: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking the broccoli.
CONCLUSION
I hope this guide to Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli has inspired you to bring a burst of flavor and vibrant color to your dinner table. From the moment you start whisking together that honey-soy-ginger sauce to the final sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions, every step is designed to be approachable, flexible, and deliciously rewarding. This dish proves that you don’t have to sacrifice taste to keep things light and healthy. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add a little extra heat if that’s what you love. The techniques you learn here—stir-frying at the right temperature, building layers of sauce, and knowing when to pull ingredients off the heat—are skills you can carry into countless other recipes.
Don’t forget, you can print out this article and save it for later use, so you always have a go-to plan when dinner time sneaks up on you. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions you might have about substitutions, storage, or variations. If you give this recipe a try, please let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your feedback, your favorite tweaks, or any questions that pop up while you’re cooking. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas and happy memories!
Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Description
This Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli features tender chicken coated in a savory honey-soy glaze, paired with vibrant broccoli for a satisfying meal. It's healthy, quick, and full of delicious Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce. Set aside.
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In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, which will be used to thicken the sauce later. Set aside.
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Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
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Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
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Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli.
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Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture, stirring well to coat all the ingredients.
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Stir the cornstarch slurry once more to ensure it is well mixed, then add it to the sauce in the skillet.
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Cook and stir for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
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Serve immediately, either on its own or over steamed rice or quinoa, if desired.
Note
- Broccoli can be replaced with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
