Looking for healthy chicken recipes that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights? This healthy honey garlic chicken with broccoli is a simple, satisfying dinner made with tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a delicious homemade honey garlic sauce.
Everything comes together in one skillet in about 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for family dinners or weekly meal prep.
The sauce combines honey, garlic, soy sauce, and fresh ginger for a sweet and savory flavor that coats every bite.
Serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to add this honey garlic chicken to your dinner rotation.
- Ready in about 30 minutes: Great for busy evenings.
- Made with lean chicken breast: A convenient source of protein.
- One-pan cooking: Less cleanup after dinner.
- Simple homemade sauce: No bottled stir-fry sauce needed.
- Meal prep friendly: Easy to portion for lunches.
- Customizable: Works with different vegetables and grains.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
For the Chicken and Broccoli
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ cup water, divided
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well because it cooks quickly when cut into small pieces.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and texture. Frozen broccoli can also work, although it may release more water.
Honey: Provides a little sweetness and helps balance the savory soy sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor.
Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth while containing less sodium than regular soy sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it coats the chicken and broccoli.
How to Make Healthy Honey Garlic Chicken
Follow these easy steps for a delicious homemade chicken dinner.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and black pepper.
Cut the broccoli into small florets so it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Honey
- Minced garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Rice vinegar
- ¼ cup water
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup cold water until smooth.
Set both mixtures aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli to the same skillet along with 2–3 tablespoons of water.
Cover and steam for approximately 3–4 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Step 5: Add the Honey Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Stir the cornstarch mixture again, then gradually add it to the skillet while stirring.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Toss the chicken and broccoli in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve warm with brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
Cut the Chicken into Even Pieces
Uniform pieces help the chicken cook evenly without drying out.
Avoid Overcrowding the Skillet
If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches. This helps it brown instead of steam.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
Broccoli tastes best when it stays bright green and slightly crisp.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Taste Before Adding Extra Salt
Soy sauce already contains sodium, so adjust additional salt carefully.
Healthy Honey Garlic Chicken Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
Replace broccoli with trimmed green beans. Adjust the cooking time until tender.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Honey Garlic Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice for a vegetable-forward variation.
Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Divide cooked brown rice, chicken, and broccoli into individual containers for easy lunches.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe pairs well with several simple side dishes.
Brown Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the honey garlic sauce.
Quinoa: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and extra texture.
Cauliflower Rice: A lighter vegetable-based alternative.
Steamed Vegetables: Try carrots, snap peas, or green beans.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that complements the sweet and savory sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Allow the cooked chicken and broccoli to cool slightly, then refrigerate promptly in airtight containers.
Store at 40°F (4°C) or below and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Freezer
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Broccoli may soften after thawing.
For best quality, use within approximately 2–3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add a small splash of water if the sauce has thickened during storage.
Is Honey Garlic Chicken Good for Meal Prep?
Yes! This chicken recipe is convenient for preparing several meals ahead of time.
Cook the chicken, broccoli, and sauce, then divide into four meal prep containers.
Add a portion of cooked brown rice or quinoa to each container if desired.
Store in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before eating.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the broccoli during the initial preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is honey garlic chicken healthy?
Honey garlic chicken can be part of a balanced diet. This version includes lean chicken breast, broccoli, and a homemade sauce with a measured amount of honey.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Frozen broccoli can be used, but it may release additional moisture. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make honey garlic chicken without honey?
You can replace honey with another sweetener, although the flavor and sauce consistency may change.
How do I keep chicken breast tender?
Cut it into even pieces, avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook just until the thickest pieces reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you replace the soy sauce with a certified gluten-free tamari and verify that the remaining ingredients are gluten-free.
How many calories are in honey garlic chicken?
The exact calories depend on the chicken, sauce ingredients, portion sizes, and side dishes. Calculate nutrition using the specific ingredients before publishing calorie information.
Final Thoughts
This healthy honey garlic chicken with broccoli is an easy way to bring more variety to your weeknight dinners.
With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful homemade sauce, it combines simple ingredients in one convenient skillet.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing lunches for the week, this is one of those easy chicken dinners you’ll want to make again.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli and carrots and cook for approximately 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove the vegetables from the pan; place them on a plate and cover.
- Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and turn the heat to high.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the pan in a single layer - you may need to do this step in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the vegetables back to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes or until the vegetables are warmed through.
- In a bowl whisk together the chicken broth, honey and soy sauce.
- In a small bowl mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables; cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the cornstarch and bring to a boil; cook for 1 more minute or until sauce has just started to thicken.
- Serve immediately, with rice if desired.
Notes
Slice the carrots very thin so that they cook quickly.
I recommend using low sodium chicken broth to help control the salt content of the dish. You can also use low sodium soy sauce if you prefer.