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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups broccoli florets - Marinade components: - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt and pepper to taste Chicken thighs bring a juicy texture to this dish. They cook evenly and soak up flavors well. Broccoli florets add color and crunch. The marinade blends sweet and savory notes, making it special. - Sesame seeds - Chopped green onions Garnishes enhance the look and taste. Sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch. Chopped green onions add a fresh bite. They make the dish more appealing and tasty. - 2 tablespoons olive oil Olive oil is key for cooking the chicken. It adds richness and helps achieve a nice browning. The low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without too much salt. Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness of honey. It adds a lovely tang to the meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a bowl and mix the marinade. Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. Once mixed, add the chicken pieces. Toss them until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor. A longer marination will deepen the taste. While the chicken marinates, prepare your broccoli. Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets. Blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly tender. Watch the time closely. If you overcook, they will lose their crunch. After blanching, drain the broccoli and set it aside. Now, let’s cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade but save that marinade for later. Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure the chicken browns nicely. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the broccoli. Toss the blanched broccoli into the skillet and stir everything together. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and broccoli. Let it cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This will thicken the sauce, making it delicious and sticky. Stir until everything is well coated. To make your honey garlic chicken even tastier, consider adding optional spices and herbs. - Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth. - Red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat. - Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. You can also try different marinades. Mix honey with orange juice for a fruity twist, or use balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor. When cooking in a skillet, keep a few best practices in mind. - Heat: Start with medium-high heat to brown the chicken well. - Stirring: Stir the chicken often to cook evenly. To avoid overcooking chicken and broccoli, watch the time closely. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until it’s no longer pink. Blanch the broccoli for just 2-3 minutes; it should stay bright green and crisp. Pair your honey garlic chicken and broccoli with rice or noodles. - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce nicely. - Noodles: Stir-fried noodles add a fun twist. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds color and extra texture to your dish. Pro Tips Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour for deeper flavor. Overnight is even better! Browning the Chicken: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice caramelization. Perfectly Blanched Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli until just tender to maintain its vibrant color and crunch. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the skillet during the final cooking stage. {{image_2}} You can easily switch chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast has less fat and cooks quickly. If you want shrimp, it works great too. Just reduce cooking time to about 3-4 minutes. For a vegetarian twist, use tofu. Tofu soaks up flavors well. Choose firm tofu for better texture. Cut it into cubes, then marinate and cook just like chicken. Feel free to add bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Slice them thinly and toss them in with the broccoli. Snap peas are another great choice. They add a nice snap and bright color. You can also customize with other greens. Spinach or kale works well. Just add them at the end for a quick wilt. Want more kick? Add chili flakes to the sauce. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste. You can also play with sweeteners. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a unique flavor. Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness too. Each change gives a new twist to the dish. To store your honey garlic chicken and broccoli, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. This helps keep moisture in and prevents sogginess. You can refrigerate your leftovers for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet. Just label your containers with the date so you know when to use them. For reheating, the stovetop is the best method. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the chicken moist. Stir gently until everything is warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the food in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. This way, the flavors stay intact. In the fridge, honey garlic chicken and broccoli will last for about four days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Look for signs of spoilage. If the chicken smells off or the broccoli has a slimy texture, discard it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To marinate chicken, mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. For this recipe, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Add your chicken pieces and toss to coat them well. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness. If you have time, you can marinate it for a few hours or overnight for an even richer taste. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the marinade and chicken as directed. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer. You can also blanch the broccoli and store it in a separate container. When you are ready to cook, just heat the skillet. Add the marinated chicken and follow the cooking steps. This makes meal prep easy and quick for busy days. If you want to add some heat, there are a few options. You can sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinade to give it a spicy kick. Another option is to add fresh chopped chili peppers when cooking the chicken. You can also serve the dish with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce on the side. Adjust the amount based on your spice level preference. If you need a substitute for soy sauce, try using coconut aminos. It has a similar taste but is gluten-free. Another option is tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. You can also mix equal parts of balsamic vinegar and water for a different flavor profile. These options keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. This blog post covers a tasty chicken thigh dish made with broccoli and a flavorful marinade. We discussed marinating chicken, preparing broccoli, and cooking steps to get it just right. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and storing leftovers effectively. Try different proteins and vegetables to make the dish your own. Keep experimenting to find what you enjoy most. With practice, you will create meals that shine on your table. Happy cooking!

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

A delicious blend of sweet honey and savory garlic, this chicken dish is complemented by tender broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish sesame seeds
  • for garnish chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • While the chicken is marinating, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and broccoli, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything well.
  • Remove from heat, and serve the chicken and broccoli hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if time allows.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic