Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a takeout classic without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen, Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is the answer to your dinner dilemmas! This dish brings together juicy, golden chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a glossy, sesame-scented sauce that clings to every bite. Even on the busiest nights, you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a go-to favorite at my house, and once you taste it, I bet you’ll keep this recipe on repeat, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sesame Chicken and Broccoli lies in how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Each component plays a role—whether for bold flavor, tender texture, or pops of color—so don’t skip a thing!

• Low sodium soy sauce: Brings deep, savory flavor without making your dish too salty.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that lifts and brightens the sauce.
• Toasted sesame oil: Infuses the stir fry with unmistakable nuttiness; a little goes a long way!
• Oyster sauce: Gives that classic umami depth and sheen you love in Chinese stir fries.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully.
• Extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil): Used to sear the chicken and stir fry the veggies; select whichever oil you prefer for a neutral base.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay tender and juicy, even after quick cooking.
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and making every bite pop.
• Fresh broccoli: Cut into florets, it brings crunch and gorgeous color.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild, peppery bite.
• Fresh ginger: Grated to provide zesty warmth in every forkful.
• Garlic: Minced for robust, aromatic flavor that is unmistakable in Sesame Chicken and Broccoli.
• Low sodium chicken stock (or broth or water): Helps the sauce bubble into the perfect texture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect, fluffy base to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

Start by whisking together your soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This quick little mixture is the backbone of your Sesame Chicken and Broccoli, lending it both bold flavor and that classic sticky texture we love.

Step 2: Heat Your Pan

Place a large wok or skillet over high heat and add your oil of choice. High heat is essential here—it helps you get that irresistible golden sear on the chicken and keeps your broccoli crisp-tender, not mushy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season your sliced chicken thighs with sea salt and pepper, then add them straight to your hot wok. Cook them until they’re just golden and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Don’t crowd the pan; resist the urge to stir constantly so the pieces develop a nice crust.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Aromatics

Toss in your broccoli florets, sliced green onions, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir everything frequently, letting the veggies get vibrantly green and just tender enough—this should only take around 3 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible right about now!

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour your reserved stir fry sauce right over the chicken and vegetables. The cornstarch will work its magic, helping the sauce get glossy and thick as you stir everything together.

Step 6: Add Chicken Stock and Thicken the Sauce

Drizzle in the chicken stock (or broth or water) and keep stirring. In just another minute or two, you’ll notice the sauce clinging beautifully to the chicken and broccoli. That’s your sign it’s ready to serve!

Step 7: Serve It Up

Spoon your Sesame Chicken and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s hard to believe that in just 20 minutes, you’ve got a full-flavored meal ready and waiting!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top right before serving for extra color and crunch. If you like a touch of heat, a few thinly sliced fresh red chilies or a drizzle of chili oil are also fantastic finishing touches for your Sesame Chicken and Broccoli.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with steamed jasmine or brown rice to catch every last drop of sauce, or add a refreshing cucumber salad for contrast. I also love serving Sesame Chicken and Broccoli with steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a more festive, takeout-style spread at home.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Sesame Chicken and Broccoli family-style from a large platter, or for a fun twist, spoon the stir fry into lettuce cups for a light, handheld appetizer. For a meal-prep-friendly option, pack individual portions with rice into containers—the dish travels and reheats beautifully for lunch on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Sesame Chicken and Broccoli cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the sauce may thicken more as it sits, but the flavors will mingle and deepen.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Just spoon the cooled Sesame Chicken and Broccoli (with sauce) into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out extra air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results and to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until hot, or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed. The chicken stays tender, and the broccoli holds up well, making leftovers just as good the next day!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well in Sesame Chicken and Broccoli—just be mindful not to overcook it, as it dries out faster than thigh meat. Slice breasts thinly and cook just until golden and cooked through.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make Sesame Chicken and Broccoli gluten-free, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your oyster sauce’s label for hidden gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce or don’t eat shellfish, hoisin sauce or a mixture of extra soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar can provide a similar sweet-and-savory depth in your Sesame Chicken and Broccoli.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color, crunch, and nutrients. Just add them along with the broccoli to keep the cooking timing simple.

How spicy is this recipe?

As written, Sesame Chicken and Broccoli isn’t spicy. If you like a little heat, add chili flakes, a splash of sriracha, or garnish with fresh chilies to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Try making Sesame Chicken and Broccoli just once, and you’ll see why it’s the kind of meal everyone asks for again and again. There’s something deeply comforting about the glossy, savory sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies—all coming together faster than you can order takeout. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every bite!

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