Skinny 15-Minute Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

15-Minute Healthier Sesame Chicken — 🍗🥦🎉 Ditch the takeout and whip up this Asian favorite right at home in no time! It’s unbelievably EASY and WAY HEALTHIER than restaurant versions but delivers all that crave-worthy flavor we love!

Next time you’re dreaming of sesame chicken stir-fry from your favorite local spot, skip the delivery and try this skinny, homemade sesame chicken and broccoli in just 15 minutes!

This dish is so simple to pull together, cooks up fast, and tastes just as satisfying as what you’d order out. Plus, since you’re cooking it yourself, you get full control over every ingredient and can customize it just the way your family likes.

The chicken comes out tender and juicy, and the sauce hugs each piece perfectly while soaking into the tender-crisp broccoli.

Craving sesame chicken but don’t want to wait forever or mess with deep frying? This skinny 15‑minute sesame chicken and broccoli recipe gives you that same saucy, comforting flavor you love from restaurants—but with fewer calories and way less hassle. It’s quick, made with simple pantry staples, and keeps the chicken juicy and broccoli perfectly crisp-tender.

Keep reading for everything you need: a full ingredients list with measurements, step‑by‑step stir‑fry instructions, handy tips for perfect texture, and easy swaps for different proteins or veggies (plus gluten-free options). This recipe is great for meal prep too — it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezes well for up to 3 months (just a heads up, the broccoli will soften a bit after freezing).

• Ready in about 15 minutes (5 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking).
• No deep frying involved—faster and better for you than takeout.
• A sauce that’s sweet and savory coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully. Plus, garnish ideas included in the recipe card.

Scroll down to the recipe card for exact amounts and detailed steps, then follow the quick stir‑fry instructions to have dinner on your table fast.

Why You’ll Love It

Here’s why I love this sesame chicken and broccoli recipe: it ticks all the boxes. It’s lightning fast, healthier than takeout, and absolutely packed with flavor. The chicken stays perfectly tender, and the sweet-savory sauce clings to every bite and seeps into the broccoli. Because you’re making it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it—no deep frying and no mystery ingredients. If you love a crispy finish without extra oil, try Air Fryer Sesame Chicken for the same sweet-savory vibes. It’s also a meal-prep superstar, keeping well in the fridge for 5 days and in the freezer for 3 months (with the note that broccoli softens a bit after freezing). If you want an easy Asian-style dinner that doesn’t involve ordering in, this one’s a winner—or switch it up with Beef and Broccoli with Stew Meat when you’re craving the same takeout-style comfort.

Ingredients and Sauce Components

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons cold water
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, adjust to your heat preference
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 5 cups broccoli florets
• salt and pepper, optional and to taste
• sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Stir-Fry Method

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the chicken and cook about 5 minutes, stirring and flipping, until almost cooked through.
3. Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry and set aside.
4. Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan; stir and bring to a boil over medium heat, letting it bubble gently 1 minute.

5. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce and continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, add the broccoli to the other side, pour the thickened sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, and gently stir to coat.
7. Cover the skillet and cook about 5 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper if desired and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Broccoli is a superstar when it comes to soaking up sauce, but watch that you don’t overcook it. Nobody likes mushy broccoli! Remember, it will soften a bit more after you take it off the heat while it sits in the sauce, so aim for just crisp-tender—similar to the texture in our Copycat Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Broccoli.

If you’re new to chili garlic sauce or prefer mild spice, start with just one tablespoon. You can always add more to get that perfect little kick. If you’d rather a sweeter, milder flavor profile, try our Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken.

I usually serve this right over plain white rice, but if you want to cut carbs, cauliflower rice works great too. Or enjoy it just as it is for a low-carb meal.

Customizations and Substitutions

Here are some simple switches to customize this recipe your way:

• Protein swaps: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a slightly richer flavor. You can also swap in firm tofu or shrimp; just remember to tweak cooking times accordingly.
• Veggie swaps: You don’t have to stick to broccoli — try adding snap peas, sliced bell peppers, thin carrot slices, or snow peas for extra crunch and color.
• Gluten-free option: Replace low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and you can keep using cornstarch or arrowroot powder as the thickener. For a fully gluten- and dairy-free take, try our gluten-free, dairy-free honey sesame chicken.
• Adjust sweetness and spice: Cut back on brown sugar or honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce, or swap honey for maple syrup for a different twist. Add more or less chili garlic sauce depending on how spicy you want it. For a citrusy-sweet variation, try Quick Orange Chicken and Broccoli.
• Serving ideas: Serve your sesame chicken and broccoli over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, your favorite noodles, or simply enjoy it on its own with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.

Storing and Reheating Guide

In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prepping a few dinners or lunches ahead.

In the Freezer: You can freeze this dish in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just a heads up, the broccoli will lose its crisp-tender texture after thawing but the chicken and sauce will still taste great. For the best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately and plan a fresh side of lemon garlic roasted broccoli when serving.

To Reheat: I usually zap mine in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated through. It’s quick and easy! Or, repurpose leftovers by chopping them and baking into chicken and broccoli stuffed shells.

Common Questions Answered

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Fresh broccoli gives the best texture here. If frozen is all you have, cook it separately so it stays crisp—try roasting frozen broccoli—since adding it straight to the pan can take longer and turn mushy.

Can I Omit the Chili Garlic Sauce? 

Absolutely! If you don’t have it or want to skip the heat, you can leave it out and still enjoy plenty of flavor from the other sauce ingredients.

What’s the difference between General Tso’s chicken and sesame chicken?

Both are delicious but distinct. General Tso’s is spicier with tangy notes, while sesame chicken has a sweeter sauce with a noticeable sesame flavor. This recipe focuses on that sweeter, classic sesame chicken taste.

Is Sesame chicken sauce spicy?

Not really! The sauce is mostly sweet and savory, with just a little gentle heat from the chili garlic sauce. If you prefer no heat, just reduce or skip that ingredient.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you totally can! Chicken thighs work beautifully and add a little extra richness if you prefer them over breasts.