Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

This honey garlic chicken and broccoli stir-fry transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in just 35 minutes. The sticky sweet and savory sauce coats tender chicken pieces and bright green broccoli for a balanced one-pan dinner that's healthier and more flavorful than takeout.

I created this recipe during a busy weeknight when I was craving Chinese takeout but wanted something fresher and healthier. My family now requests this honey garlic chicken weekly, and I love how I can adjust the sweetness or spice level to match everyone's preferences.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: create the perfect tender protein base that absorbs all the delicious sauce
• Broccoli florets: add essential nutrients and a pleasant crunch that balances the soft chicken
• Honey: provides natural sweetness that creates that irresistible glaze we all love
• Low sodium soy sauce: delivers the perfect umami depth without making the dish too salty
• Apple cider vinegar: balances the sweetness with a subtle tang that brightens the flavors
• Fresh garlic: infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor; use fresh rather than pre-minced for best results
• Cornstarch: creates that restaurant-quality thickness that helps the sauce cling to every bite
• Olive oil: with a high smoke point ensures proper browning without burning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Chicken:

Heat olive oil until shimmering in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper before adding to the hot pan. Allow the chicken to develop a golden crust by letting it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes before stirring. Continue cooking until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6–7 minutes total. Remove and set aside on a clean plate.

Cook the Broccoli:

Add the second tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, maintaining all those flavorful brown bits from the chicken. Add broccoli florets and stir fry for 3–4 minutes until they turn vibrant green but still maintain a pleasant crunch. The residual chicken flavor will infuse the broccoli as it cooks.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until completely combined. The honey might be thick, so whisk vigorously to incorporate all ingredients into a smooth sauce.

Combine and Simmer:

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli, creating a colorful mix of protein and vegetables. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over everything, using a wooden spoon to coat all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Thicken the Sauce:

Once simmering, stir the cornstarch and water mixture once more to ensure it's well combined, then drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the sauce transforms from thin and watery to gloriously thick and glossy, coating the back of a spoon.

Final Toss and Serve:

Use tongs or a spatula to thoroughly toss the chicken and broccoli in the thickened sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Transfer to serving plates over fluffy rice and garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

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The honey in this recipe is truly the star ingredient. I once substituted maple syrup when I ran out of honey, and while still delicious, it lacked that distinctive floral sweetness that makes this dish special. My daughter now helps me make this recipe and always insists on adding the honey herself, carefully watching as it creates that beautiful glaze.

Storage and Reheating

This honey garlic chicken and broccoli stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken considerably when cold. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Customizing Your Stir Fry

This recipe serves as an excellent base for countless variations. Try swapping the chicken for thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even firm tofu for vegetarians. The broccoli can be replaced or supplemented with snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or water chestnuts for different textures and flavors. For those who enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. You can also make it more substantial by adding cashews or peanuts for extra protein and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious served simply over steamed white or brown rice, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Try serving it over cauliflower rice for a lower carb option, or alongside chow mein noodles for a different texture. For a complete Asian-inspired feast, serve smaller portions as part of a larger spread with vegetable egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds freshness and color to the final presentation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but thaw and drain it first to remove excess moisture. Frozen broccoli is already partially cooked, so you'll need to reduce the stir-fry time to about 2 minutes to prevent overcooking.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients in the original preparation are naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The honey garlic sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding to your chicken and broccoli.

→ What other vegetables work well in this dish?

This versatile dish works beautifully with bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn. You can substitute part or all of the broccoli with these vegetables, adjusting cooking times based on the vegetable's firmness.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Properly cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, ensure chicken pieces are opaque throughout with no pink in the center. When cut, juices should run clear.

→ Can I make this dish less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, cut the honey amount in half and add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce. You can also balance the sweetness by adding more apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.