Name: Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces); 1.5 teaspoons cornstarch; 1.5 teaspoons cold water; 0.25 cup light brown sugar (packed); 0.25 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; 1 optional salt (to taste); 1 optional pepper (to taste); 1 for garnishing sesame seeds

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There’s something magical about quick and healthy meals, especially when they taste as good as Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli. After a long day, I often find myself craving a light yet satisfying dish, and this recipe always delivers. It combines tender pieces of chicken with vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a delightful sesame sauce that’s both savory and sweet. My family loves this dish, and I love that it can be ready in no time. Just 15 minutes, and I can serve a meal that feels gourmet but is simple enough for any weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients that leave everyone feeling great and satisfied.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
15 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Whisk, Cutting Board, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Skillet

What Makes This Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Special

Quick and Easy

The beauty of Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli lies in its speed. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. With a few simple ingredients, you’re on your way to a delicious dinner that even the busiest of us can manage.

Loaded with Flavor

This dish packs a punch with its savory and slightly sweet flavors. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a tantalizing glaze that perfectly coats the chicken and broccoli. You’ll want to savor every bite!

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re looking to streamline your week, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. You can easily double the recipe for leftovers that will have you excited for lunch.

Healthy Ingredients

With boneless skinless chicken breast and loads of broccoli, this dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Customizable

One of my favorite parts about Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is how easily you can make it your own. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili garlic sauce or even throw in some other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.

Ingredients to Make Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

To create the best Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli, you need a combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony. The key players include the tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and the flavorful sauce made with soy sauce and honey. Together, they create a dish that’s not only healthy but also delicious.

1 tablespoon olive oil – A must for cooking, it adds a smooth flavor to the dish.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – This oil gives the dish a nutty aroma and taste.
1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces – The lean protein that forms the base of this meal.
1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a perfect texture.
1 ½ teaspoons cold water – Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry.
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness to the sauce, balancing the savory flavors.
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce – The umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
2 tablespoons honey – Natural sweetness that complements the soy sauce.
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Offers a rich, complex flavor to the dish.
1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, or to taste – Adds heat and depth to the flavor profile.
2 teaspoons ground ginger – A warm spice that enhances the dish’s aroma.
5 cups broccoli florets – The star vegetable that adds color and crunch.
salt and pepper, optional and to taste – Enhances the flavors of the dish.
sesame seeds, for garnishing – Adds a final touch of flavor and presentation.

How to Make Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Making Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!

To a large skillet, add the olive oil and sesame oil, then heat them over medium-high heat. Once the oils are shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Look for the chicken to turn golden brown and be nearly cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set this aside for later use.
In a separate medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. You’ll want to see bubbles forming, indicating it’s cooking.
Once boiling, add the prepared cornstarch slurry to the saucepan. Whisk continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. It should become glossy and rich in color.
Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the broccoli florets. Pour the thickened sauce evenly over both the chicken and broccoli, then gently stir to combine. Make sure everything is well-coated in the sauce.
Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the broccoli to become crisp-tender. You can check for doneness by piercing the broccoli with a fork; it should be bright green and tender-crisp.
If desired, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for garnish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Serve the Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli immediately, either on its own or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Cook on high heat: Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat ensures a nice sear and quick cooking.
Whisk constantly: When adding the cornstarch slurry, constant whisking is key to prevent lumps from forming.
Variations: Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition.
Make it spicy: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to suit your taste; more for those who enjoy heat!

Change It Up

There are countless ways to enhance and personalize your Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Pairing: Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can add a fresh pop to the dish.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious.

What to Pair With Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Pairing your Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some ideas to complement the flavors beautifully:

Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice pairs well with the savory sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Quinoa: A protein-packed side that adds a nutty flavor, making it a great alternative to rice.
Side Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites.
Stir-Fried Noodles: Toss some noodles in the same sauce for a delightful twist.
Steamed Vegetables: Additional veggies on the side, like carrots or snap peas, can round out your meal.
Occasions: This dish works perfectly for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual dinner party where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

FAQ

To make Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli gluten-free, you can easily substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari. This will ensure that you can still enjoy the savory flavor of the dish without any gluten. Additionally, check the labels on other sauces you use, like hoisin sauce, to make sure they are gluten-free as well. It’s a simple switch that allows everyone to enjoy this meal!

Absolutely! Using frozen broccoli is a great time saver and can still yield delicious results. Just ensure you thaw it before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water in your dish. You can also add it straight from the freezer if you’re in a hurry, but just cook a bit longer to ensure it warms through and gets tender. This way, you can have a quick, nutritious meal any day of the week.

Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is very versatile! You can add a variety of vegetables to customize it to your liking. Consider adding bell peppers for sweetness, snap peas for crunch, or even carrots for a pop of color. The more veggies, the merrier! Just be mindful of cooking times, as each vegetable may have a different time required to cook until tender.

If you want to add a kick to your Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli, consider increasing the amount of chili garlic sauce in the recipe. Alternatively, you can add red pepper flakes for an extra heat level. For a unique twist, try incorporating some sriracha or even a dash of hot sesame oil for flavor. Adjust according to your spice tolerance, and enjoy the heat!

Conclusion

The Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli recipe brings together delightful flavors and vibrant colors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy it brings to your table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this dish is bound to become a favorite that you’ll want to make time and time again.