Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli

A perfect combo of sweet, savory, and satisfying—juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, served with fluffy rice and vibrant green broccoli. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the honey garlic sauce:

4 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, adds depth)
1 tablespoon water + 1 teaspoon cornstarch (slurry for thickening)

For the sides:

1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups broccoli florets
Pinch of salt (for steaming)

For garnish (optional):

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Directions

1. Cook the rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions (typically 1 cup rice to 2 cups water). Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Steam the broccoli:
While the rice cooks, steam broccoli for 4–5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside. (Alternatively, microwave with a splash of water, covered, for 3–4 minutes.)

3. Prepare the chicken:
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch to coat evenly.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy around the edges, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

4. Make the sauce:
In the same skillet (reduce heat to medium), sauté garlic and ginger (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Thicken the sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

6. Combine:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to soak up the flavor.

7. Serve:
Spoon the honey garlic chicken over a bed of steamed rice, with broccoli on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a finishing touch!