Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Name: Sesame Chicken with Broccoli
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, or to taste; 1 teaspoon cooking oil; 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger; 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic; 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon cooking oil of choice, divided use; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/3 cup hoisin sauce; 1/3 cup rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sambal oelek, or to taste; 2 Tablespoons sesame oil; 1/2 cup julienne cut carrots; 1/2 cup sliced shallots; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 Tablespoon cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon soy sauce; 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds, or to taste

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Chicken Stir-Fry with Ginger and Vegetables

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon white pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon cooking oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
4 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sambal oelek, or to taste
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
1/2 cup sliced shallots
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, or to taste

Directions

Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and set aside.
Heat 1 teaspoon cooking oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring constantly, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sambal oelek, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok until very hot. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Cook, stirring often, for 8-10 minutes, until chicken is lightly browned on all sides. Use a long-handled spoon or utensil to avoid splattering.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the pan. Add carrots, shallots, and broccoli. Stir quickly and continuously for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the prepared sauce and cook until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness, about 2-3 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce until smooth. Stir this mixture (cornstarch slurry) into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and is well combined.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring often, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	652
Total Fat	32g (41% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	4g (21% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	145mg (48% Daily Value)
Sodium	2475mg (108% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates	31g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	8g (27% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	60g (121% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	105mg (116% Daily Value)
Calcium	141mg (11% Daily Value)
Iron	4mg (23% Daily Value)
Potassium	1166mg (25% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If following a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

History and Origin of Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is a classic dish that blends the savory flavors of Chinese-American cuisine with a touch of Western adaptation. Although its roots lie in traditional Chinese cooking, particularly Cantonese stir-fry techniques, the version widely known today was popularized in the United States during the mid-20th century. Chinese immigrants adapted their recipes to suit local tastes, often incorporating sweeter sauces, thicker coatings on chicken, and the addition of broccoli, which is more common in Western diets than traditional Chinese greens.

Regional Variations

While this dish is often associated with Chinese-American restaurants, regional variations exist. On the East Coast of the U.S., the sauce tends to be sweeter and thicker, emphasizing hoisin and soy flavors. In contrast, West Coast versions often incorporate lighter, more balanced sauces, sometimes using less sugar and more garlic and ginger. In China, a similar dish might feature different vegetables such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli, and the sesame flavor is typically more subtle, with less sugar.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is often compared to General Tsos Chicken, Orange Chicken, or Teriyaki Chicken. Unlike General Tsos, which is typically spicier and heavier in sauce, sesame chicken emphasizes a nutty sesame flavor and a slightly sweet glaze. Orange Chicken features a pronounced citrus tang, while Teriyaki Chicken has a distinctly Japanese-style soy-sugar glaze. The inclusion of fresh broccoli also sets it apart, providing a healthy, crisp component not commonly found in other chicken stir-fries.

Typical Serving Settings

This dish is commonly served in both casual and family-style restaurants, especially in Chinese-American cuisine establishments. It is often accompanied by steamed white rice or fried rice and can also appear in buffet-style settings. Many home cooks prepare it as a weeknight dinner because it is quick to make yet visually appealing and flavorful enough for guests.

Interesting Facts

Sesame seeds, used as a garnish, are not only decorative but also add a subtle nutty aroma and texture.
Broccoli was not commonly used in traditional Chinese recipes; its incorporation reflects Western influence on Chinese cuisine abroad.
The dishs balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a versatile introduction to Asian cuisine for people unfamiliar with traditional Chinese food.
In restaurants, chefs often use a cornstarch slurry to achieve a glossy sauce that clings to both chicken and vegetables, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Some variations include carrots, bell peppers, or baby corn to increase color contrast and nutritional value.

FAQ about Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Leftover Sesame Chicken with Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Yes, you can freeze Sesame Chicken with Broccoli. Place the dish in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients based on your preferences or availability. For example, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re concerned about the salt content. Instead of sambal oelek, you can use sriracha for a similar spicy kick. If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can replace it with a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little sugar.

You can adjust the spiciness of this dish by varying the amount of sambal oelek or sriracha sauce used. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For a spicier kick, you can add more sambal oelek or add extra chili flakes.

You can add a variety of vegetables based on your preferences. Some great options include bell peppers, snow peas, baby corn, water chestnuts, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles like udon or soba. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can serve it with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.

While fresh broccoli is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen broccoli as a substitute. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may release more moisture when cooking, so you might want to adjust the cooking time and ensure the dish isn’t too watery.

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the dish when you’re ready to serve. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to cook and serve the dish immediately after preparation.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure the hoisin sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. Additionally, check that the sesame oil and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten.

Comments

GreenCream5651

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This was delicious!!! As the other reviewer noted this is a very salty recipe. My husband and I love salt so it was perfect for us, and we also ate it over rice which helped. But if you're not a big salt person I would definitely recommend using low-sodium soy sauce and waiting to salt it until you taste it.

QuickApple1473

01/31/2024 08:27:53 PM

Delicious recipe, I put in 1/2 water and 1/2 soy sauce, and I also thinned the corn starch at the end with water not soy sauce. Turned out delicious. I also added some celery, extra carrots and more ginger.

materialblessings

08/03/2025 09:45:10 PM

Very tasty dinner with white rice for me & udon noodles for hubby. I didn’t have the sambal oelek on hand so substituted sriracha sauce for that. Also used low sodium soy sauce. Nice umami taste, will make again!

JollySoup8810

06/10/2025 11:31:54 PM

Whole family (including there picky littles) enjoyed it. Used salt to my liking as stated previously and it wasn't overbearing. Thinking of adding baby corn, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts next time to just add a little more but will definitely make again!

George White

07/30/2024 03:12:16 PM

Lowkey, this recipe is straight-up gold.

Janet Taylor

04/28/2024 10:56:44 AM

Hands down one of my favorites now.

ArtsyDosa2994

03/12/2024 02:53:43 PM

its very good

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe