Name: Sticky Chicken and Broccoli: Delicious Recipe & Easy Steps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Cooked white rice or brown rice; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

Sticky chicken and broccoli: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! This isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a symphony of sweet, savory, and slightly sticky goodness that comes together in a flash. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces, perfectly coated in a luscious glaze, nestled amongst vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli florets. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of this particular combination are somewhat modern, the concept of pairing chicken with sweet and savory sauces has deep roots in Asian cuisine. Think of the honey-glazed chicken dishes of China or the teriyaki flavors of Japan. These traditions have paved the way for innovative and delicious creations like our star dish today. The beauty of sticky chicken and broccoli lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It's a dish that caters to busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

People adore this dish for a multitude of reasons. The contrasting textures – the tender chicken, the slightly crunchy broccoli, and the smooth, sticky sauce – create a delightful sensory experience. The flavor profile is equally captivating, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Plus, it's incredibly convenient! This recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for those evenings when you're short on time but still want a satisfying and flavorful meal. Get ready to experience the magic of sticky chicken and broccoli!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Broccoli:

1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sticky Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving (Optional):

Cooked white rice or brown rice
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli:

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This helps the chicken get nice and crispy when we cook it.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don't worry about it being perfectly cooked at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the sauce later.
Prepare the Broccoli: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli head into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet or wok (you may need to wipe it clean first), heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned. You want it to still have a bit of a bite to it. If the broccoli starts to burn, add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet and cover it for a minute or two to steam it.
Remove the Broccoli: Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sticky Sauce:

Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
Cook the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet or wok that you used to cook the chicken and broccoli. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Thicken the Sauce: Continue to simmer the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.

Bringing it All Together:

Add the Chicken and Broccoli: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back to the skillet with the sticky sauce. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly with the sauce.
Simmer and Coat: Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken and broccoli are heated through and the sauce has fully coated everything. The sauce should be nice and glossy.
Serve: Serve the sticky chicken and broccoli immediately over cooked white rice or brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success:

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: The amount of honey and red pepper flakes in the sauce can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give the sauce the best flavor.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
Broccoli Alternatives: If you're not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just whisk it again before using.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Variations:

Spicy Sticky Chicken and Broccoli: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli: Omit the rice vinegar and brown sugar from the sauce and increase the amount of honey and garlic.
Sesame Chicken and Broccoli: Add more sesame oil to the sauce and garnish with extra sesame seeds.
Vegetarian Sticky "Chicken" and Broccoli: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking.

Conclusion:

This Sticky Chicken and Broccoli recipe isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this is a must-try because it delivers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, all while being surprisingly simple to make. Forget complicated takeout orders – you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken, coated in that irresistible sticky glaze, paired with perfectly cooked broccoli, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While I've shared my go-to method, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of sriracha. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, ensuring you press it well to remove excess moisture before cooking. You could even add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients. Serving Suggestions: This Sticky Chicken and Broccoli is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds a beautiful finishing touch. And don't forget a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired feast! Variations to Explore: * Honey Garlic Sticky Chicken and Broccoli: Substitute some of the soy sauce with honey for a sweeter, more pronounced garlic flavor. * Ginger Sticky Chicken and Broccoli: Add a generous amount of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a warm and aromatic twist. * Orange Sticky Chicken and Broccoli: Incorporate orange zest and a splash of orange juice into the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor. * Spicy Peanut Sticky Chicken and Broccoli: Add peanut butter and chili garlic sauce to the sauce for a creamy, spicy, and nutty variation. I'm so confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this sticky chicken and broccoli lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your wok (or skillet!), and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can't wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please try this recipe and let me know how it turns out. Share your photos and comments below – I'm eager to see your creations and hear about any variations you try. Did you add extra spice? Did you swap out the broccoli for another vegetable? Did you serve it with a unique side dish? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps inspire others to try this fantastic recipe. Happy cooking!