Better-Than-Takeout Sticky Chicken and Broccoli

Indulge in a homemade version of a takeout favorite with this Sticky Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Tender chicken pieces and crisp broccoli florets are enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce that boasts the perfect balance of flavors. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional takeout.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.​
• Healthier Alternative: Control the ingredients and reduce the sodium and sugar compared to restaurant versions.​
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your preference.​
• Deliciously Satisfying: The sticky, flavorful sauce clings to the chicken and broccoli, creating a mouthwatering experience.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces​Half Baked Harvest
• Cornstarch​Simply Whisked+8Clara quick dinners+8Delish+8
• Egg​Instagram
• Olive oil​
• Broccoli florets​averiecooks.com
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)​averiecooks.com+1Half Baked Harvest+1
• Green onions or scallions (optional, for garnish)​averiecooks.com

For the Sticky Sauce:

• Honey​Half Baked Harvest
• Ketchup​averiecooks.com+2averiecooks.com+2Half Baked Harvest+2
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce​Instagram+11averiecooks.com+11Delish+11
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar​The Seasoned Mom+2averiecooks.com+2Clara quick dinners+2
• Brown sugar​averiecooks.com
• Granulated sugar​
• Chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)​averiecooks.com+1averiecooks.com+1

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chili garlic sauce until well combined. Set aside.​averiecooks.com+1averiecooks.com+1
2. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, beat the egg. In another dish, combine cornstarch and a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then dredge in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating.​Clara quick dinners
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.​
4. Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green.​Clara quick dinners
5. Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.​Clara quick dinners
6. Serve: Serve the sticky chicken and broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.​Clara quick dinners

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4​averiecooks.com+1Half Baked Harvest+1
• Prep Time: 10 minutes​YouTube+3Delish+3Simply Whisked+3
• Cook Time: 20 minutes​
• Total Time: 30 minutes​The Seasoned Mom

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.​Slender Kitchen+1The Seasoned Mom+1
• Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spice level to your liking.​
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different take on the dish.​
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to accommodate a gluten-free diet.​Delish+10The Seasoned Mom+10Simply Whisked+10

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.​Spoonful of Flavor+2The Seasoned Mom+2Slender Kitchen+2
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.​

FAQs

What can I serve with Sticky Chicken and Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.​

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; just add it directly to the skillet and adjust the cooking time as needed.​

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.​

Is this recipe spicy?

The chili garlic sauce adds a mild heat. Adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.​averiecooks.com+1averiecooks.com+1

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead of time. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to cook the chicken and broccoli just before serving.​

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?

Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking the chicken in batches if necessary helps maintain a crispy exterior.​

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Then, toss them with the cooked broccoli and sauce.​

What can I use instead of cornstarch for coating?

Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as alternatives to cornstarch for coating the chicken.

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