Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken And Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cubed; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Highlighted under: Comfort Classics

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli because it's not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors. The sweetness of the honey balances perfectly with the savory notes of garlic and soy sauce, creating a delicious glaze that coats tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. Whenever I whip up this dish, it brings a smile to my family's faces. It's one of our go-to meals after a busy day, and I know you'll enjoy it as much as we do!

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-03-05T10:13:54.772Z

When I first tried making Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli, I was blown away by how simple yet satisfying it was. The key to a great dish is ensuring that the chicken is cooked just right, so it stays juicy while absorbing all that honey-garlic goodness. I found that marinating the chicken for even a short while elevates the flavors significantly, making each bite unforgettable.

Since then, I’ve experimented by adding different vegetables to the mix, like snap peas and bell peppers. It turns out they pair beautifully with the sauce! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative while maintaining that signature honey-garlic balance.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Colorful presentation with healthy broccoli and tender chicken.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken

To ensure that your chicken is tender and flavorful, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into uniform cubes, about 1 inch. This not only helps in cooking them evenly but also allows each piece to be perfectly glazed in the honey garlic sauce. Make sure your pan is preheated over medium heat before you add the chicken; this will give you a nice sear and keep the chicken juicy. If you notice that your chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.

A great tip is to let the chicken sit in the seasoning (salt and pepper) for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps to enhance the flavors and ensures that every bite is well-seasoned. You can also marinate the chicken in a bit of the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes beforehand to add even more depth to the flavors.

Choosing the Best Broccoli

For this recipe, fresh broccoli florets are best as they retain their vibrant color and crunchy texture during cooking. Look for bright green heads with tightly packed florets and firm stems. If you must use frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from diluting your honey garlic sauce. Steaming or lightly blanching fresh broccoli before adding it to the stir-fry can also be done, but be careful not to overcook it—aim for a tender-crisp texture.

When adding broccoli to the chicken, try not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking. If you find your pan is too crowded, consider splitting the dish into two batches. This helps in achieving nice caramelization on the chicken and bright green color on the broccoli without steaming them.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious dish.

For the Chicken and Broccoli

1 lb chicken breast, cubed
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook for a smooth process.

Instructions

Steps

Follow these simple steps to create your Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the cornstarch-water mixture. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve warm with rice.

Enjoy your meal! This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Pro Tips

For a crispy chicken texture, you can pan-fry the chicken before adding the sauce. This will help it maintain a wonderful texture while being coated in the glaze.

Making Ahead and Storage

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, cook the chicken and broccoli and store them separately in airtight containers. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and broccoli in a skillet, then drizzle with the honey garlic sauce to ensure everything is nicely coated and warm through. This method preserves the crispness of the broccoli and the tenderness of the chicken.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and they will last for about 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, you can either thaw them overnight in the fridge or directly heat them in a skillet with a splash of water to help them steam and warm up evenly.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish for a more colorful and nutritious meal. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots can add varying textures and flavors. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on how quickly each vegetable cooks—add harder veggies like carrots first, followed by the quicker-cooking ones like broccoli.

This Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is delicious served over steamed rice or quinoa, as it helps soak up the lovely sauce. You could also pair it with noodles for a different twist. For a low-carb option, serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it healthy without sacrificing flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding it to the pan.

→ Is there a way to make it spicier?

Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this with other proteins?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.