Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
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
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
- 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