Recipe - Sesame Chicken With Broccoli

This stir-fried sesame chicken with broccoli features the classic, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors you expect, paired with vibrant broccoli florets. Serve it with white or brown rice, or your favorite Asian noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Stir-Fry:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped (optional)

To Serve:

Steamed rice or noodles

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Method

- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well.

- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade.

- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step can also be done a few hours in advance for deeper flavor.

- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Set aside.

- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

- Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.

- If using bell pepper, add it to the broccoli and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

- Remove the broccoli (and bell pepper) from the skillet and set aside.

- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

- Add the marinated chicken pieces, spreading them out in a single layer.

- Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly browned on the edges.

- Return the broccoli (and bell pepper) to the skillet with the chicken.

- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

- Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes.

- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.

- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using) over the dish.

- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.