Skinny 15-Minute Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Skinny 15-Minute Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. With a delicious homemade sauce and crisp-tender broccoli, it’s perfect for a healthy dinner in a flash.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cold water
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 5 cups broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper (optional and to taste)
• Sesame seeds (for garnishing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring and flipping occasionally until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it bubble for 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the broccoli to the other side. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, then gently stir to coat everything well.
6. Step 6: Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your desired crisp-tender texture.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, lightly steam the broccoli before adding it to the skillet.
• Swap chicken breast for thigh pieces for juicier meat.
• Adjust the chili garlic sauce to control the spiciness of the dish.
• Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas to increase vegetable variety.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water in the dish.

Skinny 15-Minute Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 278 reviews

A quick and healthy 15-minute sesame chicken and broccoli stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and a flavorful homemade sesame sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 5 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cold water
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• Salt and pepper, optional and to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnishing

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring and flipping intermittently until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
2. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: While the chicken cooks, in a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water, stirring until dissolved. Set the slurry aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for 1 minute.
4. Thicken the Sauce: After boiling, add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan. Whisk continuously and allow the sauce to boil and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the broccoli florets to the other side. Evenly pour the thickened sauce over both, then gently stir to combine and coat everything evenly.
6. Cook Broccoli to Crisp-Tender: Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your desired crisp-tender texture.
7. Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish for garnish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Adjust chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
• For added crunch, roast the sesame seeds lightly before garnishing.
• Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Cut chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking.

Keywords: sesame chicken, broccoli stir-fry, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, 15-minute meals, Asian-inspired chicken, low sodium chicken recipe