If you’re craving a meal that blends sweet, savory, and a hint of zest all in one, this Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a must-try. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful honey garlic sauce that wraps everything up in a delicious, glossy finish. Quick to prepare yet impressive in taste, this dish brings comfort and nutrition together in a delightful way you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy lifestyles that still want home-cooked goodness.
Balanced Flavors: The perfect harmony of sweet honey and savory garlic elevates everyday chicken and broccoli to something special.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have on hand—no complicated shopping required.
Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making dinner stress-free and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Nutritious and Colorful: Loaded with protein and greens, it’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe shines because it’s so straightforward with its ingredients, each chosen to enhance texture, taste, and color without any fuss.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean for a juicy base with plenty of protein.
Fresh broccoli florets: Crispy and vibrant, adding a fresh crunch and a pop of green color.
Garlic cloves: Finely minced to infuse the sauce with aromatic, savory goodness.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth that balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
Olive oil or vegetable oil: For sautéing the chicken and broccoli just right.
Cornstarch slurry: To thicken the sauce, making every bite luscious and sticky.
Optional red pepper flakes: A pinch for a little heat if you want to spice things up.

Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily tweak ingredients or add your favorite touches to fit dietary needs or taste preferences and still enjoy all the magic of honey garlic flavors.

Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Change up the veggies: Try snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots to vary the crunch and color.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Add nuts: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, cashews, or sliced almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Boost the spice: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha in the sauce for those who like heat.

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chopping your broccoli into even florets. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it releases maximum flavor into the sauce.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and a bit of water. Mix until the honey dissolves and the sauce feels smooth. This mix will give your dish that signature sweet and tangy balance.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pan.

Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli

In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli with a splash of water, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp. This method locks in color and nutrients.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken the Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, pour the honey garlic sauce over everything, then add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water) to thicken. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats each piece beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor punch compared to pre-minced varieties.
Don’t overcook broccoli: Keep it crisp-tender to maintain texture and nutrients.
Let the sauce thicken properly: Cornstarch slurry is key for that sticky, luscious coating.
Cut chicken evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and better presentation.
Adjust sweetness and salt: Taste the sauce before thickening and tweak honey or soy sauce as per your preference.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Garnishes

Top with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for visual appeal and a nutty crunch that amps up flavor layers.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice to soak up every bit of that sticky, delicious honey garlic sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate it over a bed of fluffy rice with vibrant broccoli peeking out, finished with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, adding a splash of green and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when rested, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce’s consistency without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and remain juicy, which makes the dish even richer but still delicious. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! This Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no changes are needed.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Place leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How can I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle with chili oil after cooking for a fiery kick.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will brighten up your dinner table any night of the week. Simple enough for a quick meal yet packed with thoughtful, tasty details, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a wholesome, comforting dinner. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Print Recipe

A quick and delicious Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy honey garlic sauce, this dish is ideal for a nutritious weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Author: James
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

3 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 garlic cloves, finely minced

Sauce

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water

Cooking

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, chop broccoli into evenly sized florets, and finely mince the garlic cloves to ensure maximum flavor release in the sauce.
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and water. Mix thoroughly until the honey dissolves and the sauce is smooth, creating a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pan.
Sauté the Broccoli: Using the same skillet, add the broccoli florets with a splash of water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender, preserving its nutrients and texture.
Combine and Thicken the Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and coats every piece perfectly.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor punch instead of pre-minced garlic.
Do not overcook broccoli to keep it crisp-tender and nutrient-rich.
Ensure the cornstarch slurry is mixed well and added to thicken the sauce properly for a sticky, luscious coating.
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better presentation.
Taste and adjust the sauce sweetness or saltiness before thickening, by adding honey or soy sauce as preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Broccoli, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Gluten Free, Healthy Recipe, Chicken Stir Fry