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Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

The ultimate comfort food, Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a quick and delicious dish that satisfies your cravings without the guilt. With tender chicken and vibrant broccoli coated in a flavorful sesame sauce, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Try it tonight for a meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

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

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Frying Pan
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. If desired, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for garnish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
  8. Serve the Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli immediately, either on its own or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Tip 2: This dish freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Tip 3: Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
  • Tip 4: Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can add a fresh pop to the dish.
  • Tip 5: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious.