Golden Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Quick & Tasty Golden Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Golden sesame chicken with broccoli offers a delightful culinary adventure that revamps ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Rich, savory flavors dance across your palate with each perfectly crispy bite.

Asian-inspired dishes rarely come together this seamlessly, blending crunchy textures and vibrant ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, nutty sesame glaze create an irresistible combination that elevates home cooking.

Families and food enthusiasts appreciate meals that balance protein, vegetables, and complex seasonings without overwhelming complexity.

Simple techniques and accessible ingredients make this recipe a reliable go-to for quick, satisfying dining experiences.

Your kitchen will soon become a flavor destination that rivals favorite restaurants.

Golden Sesame Chicken with Broccoli That Stuns

  • Quick and Flavorful Fusion: This recipe combines Asian-inspired flavors with easy cooking techniques, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes that bursts with delicious sesame and soy notes.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse Combo: Lean chicken and vibrant broccoli create a protein-packed dish that's both wholesome and satisfying, offering a perfect balance of nutrients in every bite.
  • Simple Skillet Magic: The one-pan cooking method makes cleanup a breeze while allowing layers of flavor to develop naturally, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Customizable Comfort Meal: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences by swapping proteins or serving over various grains, this recipe provides a flexible and crowd-pleasing dinner solution that works for family meals or quick weeknight cooking.

Everything for Golden Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

Main Flavor Components:
  • Soy Sauce: Essential umami base that provides deep, savory flavor with a salty profile.
  • Vegetable Broth: Helps create a light, balanced liquid base for the sauce.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides rich, nutty undertone with authentic Asian-inspired aroma.
Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinades and stir-fry flavors well, best when thinly sliced for quick cooking.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances chicken's natural flavor and helps season the meat.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian stir-fry trio that builds complex, fragrant base with layers of sharp and warm notes.
  • Broccoli Florets: Adds vibrant green color, crunchy texture, and nutritional boost to the dish.
Thickening and Garnish:
  • Corn Starch: Creates smooth, glossy sauce texture and helps bind ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: Provides neutral cooking medium with light, healthy profile.
  • Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish that adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Cook Golden Sesame Chicken in a Few Simple Moves

Step 1: Whip Up The Savory Glaze

  • Vegetable broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Maple syrup
  • Corn starch

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and mix broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup. Zap it for 60 seconds. Whisk in corn starch until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy magic sauce. Set it aside and let the anticipation build!

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat a large skillet to medium-high and drizzle with olive oil. Carefully lay chicken slices across the pan, giving each piece breathing room. Cook until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

In the same sizzling skillet, toss in onion, garlic, and ginger. Let them dance and release their aromatic magic. Pour in the prepared glaze and watch it bubble and thicken. Slide the chicken back into the pan, add broccoli, and stir everything together in a tasty symphony.

Step 4: Create The Final Masterpiece

Spread fluffy quinoa or rice on plates. Gently place the golden chicken and broccoli on top. Sprinkle sesame seeds for a delightful crunch that adds visual and taste excitement. Your meal is ready to wow taste buds!

Serving Suggestion: Pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Tips for Crispy Chicken and Tender Broccoli

  • Maximize Chicken Flavor: Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
  • Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk corn starch thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, smooth glaze that coats the chicken evenly.
  • Quick Broccoli Cooking: Cut broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and maintain a crisp-tender texture.
  • Temperature Management: Use medium-high heat to create a beautiful caramelization on chicken without burning the delicate sauce.
  • Sesame Seed Enhancement: Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling to release their nutty aroma and intensify their flavor profile.

Storing and Warming Golden Sesame Chicken Right

  • Refrigerate: Transfer chicken and broccoli to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
  • Microwave Option: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop heating when chicken reaches 165°F to prevent overcooking.

Best Matches for Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

  • Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sesame and soy glaze, cutting through the richness of the chicken while enhancing the dish's subtle sweet and savory notes.
  • Match with Refreshing Jasmine Rice: Serve the golden sesame chicken over soft jasmine rice, which absorbs the flavorful glaze and provides a delicate, aromatic base that balances the bold chicken and broccoli.
  • Boost with Crunchy Cucumber Salad: Create a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of honey to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, glossy chicken, adding textural variety to the meal.
  • Enhance with Green Tea: Brew a hot green tea to cleanse the palate between bites, its subtle earthiness harmonizing with the sesame and soy flavors while offering a traditional Asian dining experience.

Fun Twists on the Classic Golden Sesame Chicken

  • Spicy Sesame Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the soy glaze for a fiery flavor profile that elevates the chicken's richness.
  • Garden Veggie Fusion: Replace broccoli with a mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for a colorful and nutritious vegetable medley.
  • Nutty Brown Rice Bowl: Swap quinoa for nutty brown rice and top with chopped cashews or almonds for added texture and protein.
  • Lean Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the golden sesame flavor and hearty meal structure.
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Golden Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Golden Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Golden sesame chicken brings Asian-inspired comfort to dinner tables with crispy, glazed chicken and tender broccoli. Fragrant sesame seeds and a perfectly balanced sauce make this quick meal a family favorite you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) broccoli florets (or 3 cups)
  • ¾ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 23 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger, packed

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper

Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic soy glaze by whisking together vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Heat the mixture for one minute, then incorporate corn starch to create a smooth, glossy sauce that will later coat the chicken and vegetables.
  3. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, ensuring the pan is evenly coated.
  4. Carefully arrange chicken slices in the skillet, allowing each piece space to develop a golden-brown exterior.
  5. Cook the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until perfectly caramelized and cooked through, then transfer to a separate plate.
  6. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger until their fragrant essences fill the kitchen.
  7. Pour the prepared soy glaze into the skillet, letting it simmer and gradually thicken while stirring occasionally.
  8. Return the golden chicken to the pan and introduce fresh broccoli florets, gently combining all ingredients.
  9. Stir-fry the mixture for several minutes, ensuring the broccoli becomes tender yet maintains a vibrant green color.
  10. Transfer the completed dish over a bed of fluffy quinoa or steamed rice, creating an appealing presentation.
  11. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds across the top for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • Start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
  • Slice chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and professional-looking presentation.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting ginger and garlic quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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