I remember the first time I made Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli. It was a busy weeknight, and I wanted something that was quick, comforting, and full of flavor. The sweet and savory sauce combined with tender chicken and crisp broccoli instantly became a family favorite. I loved how simple ingredients could come together to create such a satisfying dish. Every bite felt like a warm hug, and it quickly became a recipe I rely on whenever I want a wholesome, home-cooked meal.
You will love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The honey glaze adds a natural sweetness, while the garlic gives it a rich, aromatic depth. Each bite of chicken is tender and juicy, complemented perfectly by the slightly crunchy, vibrant broccoli. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap vegetables depending on your preferences or what’s in season. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots all work beautifully. You can also adjust the sweetness or garlic intensity to suit your taste. For a complete meal, serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a nutritious twist.
It’s also affordable. With simple ingredients like chicken, broccoli, garlic, and pantry staples, this dish delivers big flavor without breaking the bank. Even the sauce, made from common ingredients, tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s a perfect example of how wholesome, budget-friendly meals can be both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli:
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500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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300g fresh broccoli florets
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3 tablespoons honey
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is straightforward, and it can be ready in under 30 minutes. The key is to cook the chicken perfectly while keeping the broccoli crisp and vibrant.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting 500g of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper on all sides. This ensures the meat is flavorful before cooking.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir until well combined. The sauce will be sweet, savory, and aromatic.
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Coat the chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the seasoned chicken pieces and toss gently. This step helps the chicken get a light coating, allowing it to cook evenly and gives the sauce a nice thickness later.
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Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they are bright green but still crisp. You can add a splash of water and cover the skillet for a minute to steam the broccoli lightly.
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Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey-garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat everything evenly and thicken slightly.
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Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the dish for added flavor and presentation.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is ideal for busy days because it requires minimal prep and cooks quickly. The sauce comes together in minutes, and the stir-frying method ensures both chicken and broccoli are perfectly cooked. You can even prepare the sauce in advance to save even more time.
Customizable
You can easily adjust this recipe. Swap broccoli with bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Use turkey bacon for extra flavor, or sprinkle crushed peanuts for added texture. Adjust the amount of honey or garlic to suit your taste.
Popular with Many People
Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is loved by adults and kids alike. Its sweet-savory flavor appeals to many palates, and the combination of tender chicken with crisp vegetables makes it satisfying and nutritious. It’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory garlic sauce pairs beautifully with crisp broccoli, making it a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 300g fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken pieces and toss gently.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Optionally, add a splash of water and cover briefly to steam.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to the skillet with broccoli. Pour sauce over the mixture and stir for 2–3 minutes, coating everything evenly and allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Final touches: Adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
Adjust honey for a sweeter or milder flavor.
For added texture, sprinkle crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw it slightly and drain any excess water before stir-frying to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine and cook with fresh broccoli when ready to serve.
3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook it until just done, then remove it from the skillet before stir-frying the broccoli. Return the chicken only at the end to coat it with the sauce.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Absolutely. Add more or less honey depending on your preference. You can also balance it with a small splash of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick.
5. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey, beef, or tofu can be substituted. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked but still tender.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.