If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that's ready in 30 minutes or less you are going to love this Sesame Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli!
Better for you and less expensive than Chinese take out, this recipe will soon become your new go-to for a healthy alternative. It's a perfect one-skillet meal with an easy sauce that's packed with sesame flavour and sweetened with a touch of honey.
If you are looking for more quick weeknight meals, check out this Crispy Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry, or Harissa Chicken Breasts with Feta.
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🥘Ingredients and Substitutions
Here's what you will need to make this recipe. For quantities see the recipe card below.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - or chicken thighs.
- Cornstarch - is used as a gluten free thickener for the sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil - look for "toasted" on the bottle. Sesame oil that isn't toasted lacks flavour.
- Avocado oil - or vegetable, canola, or any light cooking oil.
- Soy sauce - use regular or light soy sauce but avoid dark as the flavour may be too intense. Coconut aminos or tamari can also be used.
- Chicken broth - Use low or no sodium. Vegetable broth or water can also be used. If using water you may need to adjust the amount of soy sauce to add more flavour.
- Honey - If you prefer a sweeter sauce add more honey. White or brown sugar can also be used.
- Rice vinegar - adds a bit of tang to the sauce. White or red wine, white distilled, or apple cider vinegar can also be used.
- Broccoli - Don't throw away those stems! Just peel and slice and add them to the florets. You can use frozen broccoli. Omit the ¼ cup of chicken broth, don't cover and just stir and cook the broccoli until all the water has evaporated.
- Carrots - add a bit of sweetness and crunch. Bell peppers would make a great substitute.
- Garlic - use fresh garlic for the best flavour. If using chopped garlic from a jar, add 2 teaspoons.
- Toasted sesame seeds - easily toast sesame seeds in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Don't walk away! Watch them like a hawk and continually stir. They will go from zero to burnt quickly.
- Crushed chili flakes - adds a touch of heat. Omit or add more to adjust to your tastes.
How do you cook chicken for stir fry?
I recently learned about a Chinese technique called "velveting" from America's Test Kitchen and decided to give it a try. I have to say, if you are using chicken breasts in a stir fry, this is definitely the way to go! It's an easy extra step of tossing the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and oil before cooking. It creates a "barrier" and traps in moisture while the chicken is cooking. The result is tender, juicy little nuggets of chicken.
🔪Instructions
See recipe card below for full detailed instructions.
Step 1 - Coat the chicken with a mixture of cornstarch and oil flavoured with soy sauce while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2 - In a hot pan stir fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove to a plate to reserve for later. Add broccoli, carrots and chicken broth. Cover and let steam for about 2 minutes. Remove cover and stir until remaining liquid is evaporated. Add garlic and chili flakes and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3 - Add the chicken and the sauce to the broccoli mixture. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve!
Variations
- Change the meat - substitute with thinly sliced or cubed pork or beef.
- Make it with fish - shrimp or cubes of salmon would be excellent in this stir fry.
- Vegetarian or Vegan - use cubes of tofu in place of the chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage
Sesame stir-fry will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. This stir-fry can be frozen but the sauce will thin out after thawing.
Equipment
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- Heritage - The Rock - This is a super versatile, non-stick, oven-proof, deep frying pan that comes with a lid. What more could you ask for?
- 12" Cast Iron Pan - This is one of my all-time favourite pans. I use cast iron for many things, including stir frys!
- Classic Stir Fry Wok - Of course the classic wok is always a good choice.
Pro-Tips
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Use a large 12" skillet or wok or cook in batches if necessary. If the pan is too crowded everything will steam and become soggy. If you are doubling the recipe or have a smaller pan, make it in 2 batches.
- Cut evenly. When making stir fries it's important that the pieces are all relatively the same size. This ensures even cooking.
- Cook protein first. Especially when using chicken, fish or seafood, cooking it first then setting it aside while you cook the other ingredients is an important step in helping to not overcook it.
- Don't have a lid? Most frying pans and woks don't come with a lid. No problem! Use a baking tray to cover your pan when you don't have a lid that fits.
What to serve with stir fry
White rice is always a good choice. I love jasmine rice with most stir fries. Any type of rice will work including basmati, brown, black, or red. If you are looking for a low carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are great options.
For a crunchy and tangy condiment try these Quick Pickled Carrots and Radish.
More Asian Inspired Recipes
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and/or a comment below. You can also follow me on social media here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Want to say thank you?📖 Recipe
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz / 400 g), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon + 1 ½ teaspoon cornstarch, divided
- 4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon avocado oil, divided
- 4 tbsp. soy sauce, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth, divided
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ lb broccoli florets, 3 cups, cut into 1-inch pieces, stalks peeled and sliced ¼” thick
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced ¼” thick
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes, optional
Optional garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Sriracha sauce or other hot sauce
Instructions
Chicken
- In a large bowl whisk together ½ teaspoon cornstarch, 2 tsp. sesame oil, 1 teaspoon avocado oil, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Add chicken pieces and stir to coat well.
Sauce
- In a separate bowl whisk together ¾ cup chicken broth, 3 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp. + 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Set aside
Stir-fry
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and increase the heat to high. Cook, stirring constantly, until no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Place the pan back onto medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, carrots, and ¼ cup chicken broth. Cover and let the vegetables steam for about 2 minutes or until broccoli starts to soften. Remove cover and stir/toss the vegetables until the remaining liquid has evaporated. Add the garlic and chili flakes, if using. Stir for 1 minute.
- Stir the sauce ingredients again and add to the pan with the chicken and any accumulated juices. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until thickened. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
SERVE WITH - Stir-frys are typically served with white rice (jasmine is my fave) but if you are looking for low-carb options try it with zucchini noodles sauteed in butter for 2-3 minutes, cauliflower rice, black or red rice, or just on it’s own! NUTRITION FACTS - are based on one serving (¼ of this recipe), excluding rice or whatever you are serving it with. Please note, these calculations are an estimate only and have not been approved by a registered dietitian. I use an online nutritional calculator from My Fitness Pal to calculate these numbers.
Peggy says
I have tried many of Andrea’s recipes and they do not disappoint. Instructions are clear, easy to follow and have ingredients which are in the cupboard or easy to locate at the local grocery store. I can’t wait for the cookbook!!!
Andrea says
I'm so happy you have been enjoying the recipes and find them easy to use. It means the world to me! Thanks so much for your support!
Suze says
This is a great recipe, however I found it a little too salty. I used low sodium soy sauce, and am wondering what I can do to make it less salty.
Andrea says
Hi Suze, I’m sorry to hear you found the stir fry too salty. Besides using low sodium soy sauce make sure to use low or no sodium chicken broth. You can also try reducing the amount of soy sauce. Let me know how it turns out if you do!
Julie says
Another simple yet amazing dinner. My family continues to love every recipe that I've tried from you!
Andrea says
What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much Julie. I am very happy to hear how much everyone is enjoying the recipes 😊
Susan Godfrey says
The flavor!!! Such a delicious dish! It is added to the schedule:) Andrea, you are the best!
Andrea says
Aww thanks so much Susan! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Barbara says
This was really yummy , even though I didn't have any sesame seeds.
Thank you Andrea.
Andrea says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Sizanne says
Excellent recipe. We had chicken and broccoli and I was looking for a quick recipe! Andrea your website is my “go to” for delicious quick recipes with ingredients I am pretty sure to have on hand! Yummy. This will be a regular in our house!
Jen C says
Delicious! An easy and quick weeknight dinner. Teenagers loved it. You need to make a cookbook, Andrea - it would be the only one I use!
Andrea says
Awww thanks so much Jen! I'm in the contemplation and logistics phase 😉
Melissa says
I made this today and it was fantastic! My husband, kids and I all really enjoyed it. Always a win when everyone in the family eats it! The chicken was really tender.
Lynda says
Simple, easy and very tasty. ....just need to ensure your pantry is stocked with the Asian ingredients.
Laura says
This was delicious and flavourful. I'll definitely be making it again. I have tried a couple of Andrea's recipes and will be trying more!
Janine says
Hi Andrea, this stir-fry was a hit with my family! My daughter told me it is her fav and could eat it every night for dinner!
Andrea says
Best compliment ever! So happy you all enjoyed it!
Roberta says
I made this tonight, but used a grocery store rotisserie chicken (pressed for time and, I'll admit it, a bit lazy. It was absolutely delicious. The sauce makes it!
Bonnie says
Enjoyed by the entire family. Quick to come together, I have never tried peeling and slicing broccoli stems, but will do so from now on. Great flavour.
Deb says
Andrea
So awesome easy to follow one of my favorite meals so good and a healthy
Version which is wonderful . Thank you my friend keep them coming ❤️
Bonnie says
Thanks Andrea… great chicken recipe with so many good flavours