There’s nothing like a plate of tender chicken coated in a sticky, garlicky honey sauce — and when you add crisp broccoli to the mix, you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. This Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dinner that delivers the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors — all in under 30 minutes!
It’s better than takeout, faster than delivery, and healthier, too. Juicy chicken pieces are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a glossy honey garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Paired with vibrant green broccoli, it’s a weeknight hero you’ll keep making again and again.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍯 Sweet and savory perfection: The honey garlic glaze is pure magic.
- 🥦 Healthy and filling: Protein-packed chicken meets fiber-rich broccoli.
- 🍚 Perfect over rice: The sauce seeps into rice for the ultimate comfort bite.
- ⏱️ Quick & easy: Ready in just 25 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
- 🍗 Family favorite: Simple, balanced, and always crowd-pleasing.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- ½ tbsp sesame oil (optional)
To Serve:
- Cooked white or jasmine rice
- Sesame seeds & sliced green onions (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Steam or Sauté the Broccoli
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of water and the broccoli florets. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes, or sauté until tender-crisp. Remove excess water if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Once it bubbles and thickens slightly, add the cooked chicken and toss everything until well coated.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm over a bed of rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
💡 Tips for Success
- Cut chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Use fresh garlic — it makes a huge flavor difference.
- Double the sauce if you love extra glaze for your rice.
- Add a squeeze of lime before serving for a tangy twist.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
🍽️ Variations
- Add veggies: Try bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for color and crunch.
- Make it spicy: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
- Swap proteins: Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Serve low-carb: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
✨ Why This Recipe Works
This dish brings the perfect balance of flavor and texture — the savory soy and garlic complement the natural sweetness of honey, while the tender chicken and crisp broccoli make each bite satisfying. The glossy sauce ties it all together, soaking beautifully into rice or noodles.
It’s a weeknight staple that feels like a treat — easy, nourishing, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a guaranteed favorite. 🍯🥦🍗
