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Skinny sesame chicken and broccoli stir-fry served over white rice with sesame seeds and green onions

Skinny Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Quick and healthy stir-fry featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a sweet-savory honey-soy glaze with fresh ginger and garlic. Ready in 30 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil toasted sesame oil preferred
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray for the pan

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cooking spatula

Method
 

  1. Cut your chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well blended. Set this sauce aside to let those flavors mingle.
  2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry with no lumps. Stir it well and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom. Let the pan get properly hot before adding the chicken.
  4. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Season with salt and pepper, then let them sear without moving for about 2 minutes. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with golden edges, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
  5. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green and develop some charred spots while remaining crisp-tender.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss well to coat. Let the mixture bubble and simmer for about 1 minute.
  7. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency that clings to the chicken and broccoli like a glaze.
  8. Remove from heat immediately and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or enjoy on its own.

Notes

Sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for variations. Add pineapple chunks or other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition. Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.