Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water

Highlighted under: Comfort Plate Essentials

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli for dinner because it combines the delicious flavors of savory chicken, sweet honey, and crisp broccoli. Every bite is a satisfying explosion of taste, and it comes together in just 30 minutes! This dish not only pleases my palate but also allows me to include a healthy vegetable that I enjoy. The best part is that the glaze gives the chicken a beautiful shine, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:13:36.057Z

When I first tried this Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe, I was amazed at how quickly I could whip up a healthy meal. The combination of honey and garlic creates a wonderful balance of sweetness and zest that complements the chicken perfectly. It took me a couple of attempts to get the glaze just right, but now I always have a jar of my homemade sauce ready!

One crucial tip I learned is to not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This ensures that each piece gets that lovely brown crust and remains juicy inside. Pair it with steamed rice, and you've got a complete meal that everyone will love!

Reasons You'll Love This Dish
Sweet and savory balance that tantalizes your taste buds
Loaded with healthy broccoli for a nutritious boost
Quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights

Understanding the Honey Garlic Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is the heart of this dish, creating a delightful glaze that enhances the chicken and broccoli. Honey is not just a sweetener here; it plays a vital role in caramelizing the chicken, giving it a beautiful glossy finish. When combined with soy sauce, the sweet and salty notes create a well-rounded flavor profile that complements the freshness of the broccoli. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, adding body to the sauce without altering its natural sweetness.

Getting the sauce right involves balancing flavors. If you prefer a stronger garlic punch, feel free to increase the minced garlic to four or five cloves. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha to the sauce. Experiment with these variations to find the perfect flavor that suits your palate.

Perfecting Your Chicken and Broccoli Texture

When cooking the chicken, it's important to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures that each piece browns nicely, resulting in those golden edges that add depth to the flavor. If your skillet is too small, consider cooking the chicken in batches. To check for doneness, the chicken should have no pink inside and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to retain its juices.

For the broccoli, aim for a tender-crisp texture. Overcooking can lead to limp broccoli that lacks vibrancy. When stir-frying, watch for a bright green color and a slight crunch. Timing is key; typically, four to five minutes in the skillet will yield the perfect texture. If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can briefly steam it before adding it to the skillet, but be cautious not to lose its bright green hue.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Chicken and Broccoli

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Make sure you have all ingredients ready for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli:

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Add the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to combine and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve warm.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite veggies or add some sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is great for meal prep! The chicken and broccoli can be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. If you're cooking for a larger group, you can easily double the recipe; just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything heats evenly.

For freezing, allow the chicken and broccoli to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier. Note that the texture of broccoli might change slightly when frozen, so it's best used within the recommended timeframe.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serving Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli over a bed of rice or quinoa can elevate the dish substantially. The grains absorb the delicious sauce and provide a hearty base. If you're looking for something lighter, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute that will still soak up the sauce beautifully. Consider garnishing your dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

For a complete meal, serve this dish with a side of stir-fried bell peppers or a simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette. The crunch of the vegetables complements the soft textures of the chicken and broccoli, while the tangy dressing adds another layer of flavor. This combination creates a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and visually stunning on the plate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it and drain excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for some heat!

→ Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Definitely! This recipe works well with tofu or shrimp as great alternatives.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.