Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

This Sesame Chicken with broccoli recipe features tender chicken thighs, crisp broccoli, and fragrant garlic and ginger, all tossed in a savory sesame stir fry sauce with a hint of sweetness. Quick, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving takeout at home – no delivery required!

Love quick and easy chicken recipes? Make sure to try my Chicken Stir Fry, Honey Garlic Chicken and this easy Cashew Chicken!

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

I love meals that are all in one – less prep, fewer dishes and everything you need in a single pan! This sesame chicken checks all the boxes with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce that ties it all together. There’s no need to worry about making a separate veggie side; it’s built right in! Plus, it comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

If you’re not familiar with some of the ingredients, don’t worry! Everything you need can be found in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores. A couple of must-haves for this recipe are toasted sesame oil and oyster sauce – these pack so much flavor into the dish, and there’s really no good substitute for them. Once you have them in your pantry, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again. Trust me, after one bite of this savory sesame chicken, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This quick and flavorful sesame chicken is the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a deliciously glossy sauce, it’s a takeout favorite made easy at home. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy night in, this dish is always a hit. Here’s why we love it:

• Fast & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, and fresh aromatics creates a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite.
• One-Pan Wonder: No need to worry about cooking a separate veggie side – everything comes together in one pan for a simple yet satisfying meal.

How to Make Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

Quick, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, this recipe is loaded with tender chicken, crisp broccoli and a rich, savory sauce. With a hint of garlic and ginger, plus the deep umami flavors of toasted sesame oil and oyster sauce, every bite is packed with deliciousness. Serve it over fluffy rice for a meal that’s easy to make and oh so satisfying!

As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Add oil to a large wok or skillet over high heat.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add broccoli, green onions, ginger, and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes stirring frequently.
5. Pour stir fry sauce over the top and stir.
6. Add chicken stock and stir until mixture has thickened.
7. Serve over rice.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Freezer: This dish also freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for the best texture.

Variations to Try

• Not a fan of chicken thighs? Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or swap in shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a different twist.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and crunch.
• Love heat? Stir in some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of chili oil for a fiery kick.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free for a fully gluten-free meal.
• Skip the rice and serve this sesame chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is ideal for this recipe, as it adds the perfect crispness. However, if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli will work – just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the pan.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Chop the chicken and veggies, and mix the sauce so everything is ready to cook when you are. However, the best results come from cooking it fresh.

What should I serve with sesame chicken?

This sesame chicken is perfect just on its own served over white or brown rice. For a low-carb version, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You can also add a simple side salad or some steamed dumplings for a complete meal.

Trish’s Tips

• When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns evenly and becomes nice and crispy.
• For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic and ginger. They add a bright, aromatic punch that’s essential to the dish’s flavor profile.
• If you want a deeper flavor, swap out the olive oil for sesame oil when cooking the chicken.
• The sauce in this recipe is meant to be savory with a slight sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount of oyster sauce or rice vinegar to balance it to your taste preference.
• When making the sauce, whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with the liquids to prevent any clumps. This will ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• To elevate the dish, garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. It adds a nice touch of freshness and extra flavor!

More Chicken Favorites

1. Chicken Stir Fry
2. Chicken Lo Mein
3. Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde
4. Cashew Chicken
5. Chicken Salad

Originally published April 23, 2017