Sticky Sesame Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

Introduction

Sticky Sesame Chicken with Steamed Broccoli is the kind of dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and wholesome eating. Juicy chicken bites are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce that clings to every piece, while steamed broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious crunch that complements the richness of the chicken.

It’s inspired by classic Chinese takeout flavors but made at home with simple ingredients, giving you the same satisfaction with healthier, fresher results. Served over fluffy white rice or brown rice, it’s a meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to my kitchen. The sauce is the star—it’s glossy, sticky, and packed with a perfect blend of soy, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. It clings beautifully to the crispy chicken, creating irresistible bites every time.

What makes me adore it even more is how balanced it is. The steamed broccoli adds freshness and crunch, preventing the dish from ever feeling too heavy. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve for dinner guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it checks all the boxes:

• Flavor-packed: Sweet, salty, savory, and slightly nutty.
• Healthier than takeout: You control the ingredients—no greasy shortcuts.
• Balanced meal: Crispy chicken + veggies + rice = complete satisfaction.
• Versatile: Easy to adapt with different veggies or spice levels.

It’s family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and so delicious you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~430 calories per serving (without rice)

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Chinese-American
• Course: Main Dish / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:

• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the Broccoli:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• Salt, to taste

For Serving:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Extra sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Coat and fry chicken until crispy.
2. Steam broccoli until tender-crisp.
3. Simmer sauce until sticky, then toss chicken in sauce.
4. Serve with broccoli and rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season chicken with salt and pepper.
   • Dredge chicken pieces in cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, and coat again lightly with cornstarch.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
3. Steam the Broccoli:
   • Bring a pot of water to boil. Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket and steam for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sticky Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
   • Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 2 minutes).
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Add crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
6. Assemble and Serve:
   • Serve saucy chicken over steamed rice with broccoli on the side.
   • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Serve

Serve the chicken hot with steamed broccoli and rice on the side. You can also drizzle extra sauce over the broccoli or rice for maximum flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with cucumber salad, spring rolls, or miso soup for a complete meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Keep the chicken crispy by adding it to the sauce just before serving.
• Double the sauce recipe if you love extra sauciness for rice.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer it spicy.
• Swap broccoli for snap peas, green beans, or bok choy.

Variations

• General Tso Style: Add dried chilies and increase sweetness for a bolder dish.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add orange zest and juice for citrusy flavor.
• Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Baked Version: Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes instead of frying.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep chicken from getting soggy.
• Freezing: Freeze chicken (without sauce) for up to 1 month. Thaw, reheat, and toss in freshly made sauce.
• Sauce: Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Steamer basket (for broccoli)
• Saucepan for sticky sauce
• Tongs for frying chicken

Conclusion

Sticky Sesame Chicken with Steamed Broccoli is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines crispy, saucy chicken with fresh, nutrient-packed broccoli for the perfect balance. It’s indulgent yet wholesome, easy to make, and versatile enough for both busy weeknights and special occasions. With its sticky-sweet sauce, crunchy sesame seeds, and tender chicken, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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Sticky Sesame Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 430 calories per serving

Description

Sticky Sesame Chicken with Steamed Broccoli is the kind of dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and wholesome eating. Juicy chicken bites are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce that clings to every piece, while steamed broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious crunch that complements the richness of the chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:

• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp 2 cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the Broccoli:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• Salt, to taste

For Serving:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Extra sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken : Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken pieces in cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, and coat again lightly with cornstarch.
2. Cook the Chicken : Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
3. Steam the Broccoli : Bring a pot of water to boil. Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket and steam for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sticky Sauce : In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 2 minutes).
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce : Add crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
6. Assemble and Serve : Serve saucy chicken over steamed rice with broccoli on the side. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Keywords: Sticky Sesame Chicken with Steamed Broccoli