Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

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This Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic blend of crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce. The hoisin and honey combine with soy and garlic for an Asian-inspired flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with tender-crisp broccoli. The rice is the perfect accompaniment, soaking up the extra sauce and rounding out the dish with a comforting touch.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed; it’s a quick 30-minute recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something with a bit of spice and a touch of sweetness, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

For the chicken and broccoli:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with a spoonful of vinegar)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

3–4 cups broccoli florets

For the sauce:

3 cloves garlic

1 1-inch piece fresh ginger
3/4 cup light soy sauce
1/2 cup water

1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons sambal oelek

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a metal cooling rack on top if you have one.

Soak the chicken tenders in the buttermilk. In a bowl, mix the panko, cornmeal, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and press into the panko mixture to coat. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Flip each piece of chicken and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

While the chicken bakes, pulse all the sauce ingredients in a food processor. For a more developed flavor, simmer the sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until it thickens slightly.
Prepare the broccoli by boiling for 1 minute and plunging into ice water or stir-frying until tender-crisp.
When the chicken is done, dip each piece in the sauce and return to the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, then dip again for a final coat of sauce. Let rest briefly.

Serve the chicken over rice, accompanied by the broccoli and extra sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

The Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is an Asian-inspired dish that brings together sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It features tender pieces of chicken breast, lightly coated and baked until crispy, and then coated with a flavorful sauce. The sauce is made with a mix of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sambal oelek, giving it a sweet, sticky glaze with a hint of heat. The broccoli adds a fresh crunch and a pop of vibrant green, perfectly balancing the dish’s flavors and textures.

Cooking Tips

Baking vs. Frying: The recipe opts for baking the chicken to achieve a crispy coating without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option. If you prefer, you can pan-fry the chicken for an even crispier texture, but be sure to use a neutral oil that withstands high heat.
Prepping Broccoli: To maintain the vibrant green color of the broccoli, blanch it by boiling for just a minute, then plunging it into ice water to halt the cooking process. Alternatively, you can stir-fry the broccoli quickly until tender-crisp for added flavor.
Making the Sauce: To enhance the flavor of the sauce, simmer it gently on the stovetop until it thickens slightly. This helps deepen the flavors of the garlic and ginger and creates a more luxurious texture.

Serving Suggestions

Over Rice or Noodles: Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is best served over a bed of fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the rice to absorb the sweet and savory sauce. For a twist, serve it over noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for a heartier meal.
Vegetable Variations: While broccoli is the star vegetable, you can easily switch it up or add other vegetables for a medley of flavors. Snow peas, bell peppers, or green beans work well and complement the sauce beautifully.
Toppings: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch and added flavor.

Customization and Variations

Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Cube and coat the tofu in the panko mixture just like the chicken, then bake until crispy before dipping in the sauce.
Level of Spice: Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sambal oelek in the sauce. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the sambal, and for extra heat, add more sambal or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Benefits

This recipe provides a balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins:

Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that helps build and repair tissues while keeping the dish light.
Broccoli: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants, making this vegetable a nutritious addition.

Lower Oil Content: Since the chicken is baked, it uses less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier choice.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli dish is an ideal candidate for meal prepping:

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare and bake the chicken and broccoli ahead of time, storing them separately. Reheat and toss with the sauce when you’re ready to eat.

Storing and Reheating: Store the chicken and broccoli in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out the meal, consider pairing this dish with:

Appetizers: Start with a light appetizer such as miso soup, edamame, or a fresh cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar.

Beverages: Pair the meal with a crisp, refreshing drink like iced green tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light, citrusy white wine.

Origins and Inspiration

This Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli dish draws inspiration from Asian flavors, particularly the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy elements commonly found in Chinese, Thai, and Korean cuisines. The sticky sauce with garlic and hoisin is reminiscent of dishes like General Tso’s Chicken or Korean Fried Chicken, with a nod to traditional stir-fries. It brings together familiar ingredients in a quick and simple way that highlights bold flavors without overwhelming the palate. The result is a dish that’s approachable for those new to Asian-inspired cooking while being satisfying for those who love complex flavors.

Dietary Adaptations

Low-Carb/Keto Adaptation: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour to achieve a similar crispy coating for the chicken. Instead of serving with rice, opt for cauliflower rice or stir-fried cabbage.

Paleo Adaptation: Make this dish paleo-friendly by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and replace the hoisin sauce with a mixture of almond butter, coconut aminos, and a little honey for sweetness.

Cooking Techniques to Enhance the Dish

Double-Dipping for Extra Crunch: To make the chicken extra crispy, you can double-dip the tenders in the buttermilk and breadcrumb mixture before baking. This will give you an extra-thick coating that’s deliciously crunchy.
Adding Aromatics to the Sauce: If you’re looking to elevate the sauce even further, consider adding additional aromatics like lemon grass, lime zest, or star anise while simmering. These add subtle layers of flavor and complexity.

Oven Broiling for a Charred Effect: To achieve a charred, smoky flavor, finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after the final sauce coating. Be careful to watch it closely to prevent burning.

Cultural Twists for a Unique Experience

Korean-Style Twist: Give the dish a Korean spin by substituting the sambal oelek with gochujang (Korean chili paste). This will provide a rich, fermented flavor and a deeper spice profile.
Japanese Fusion: To add a Japanese twist, sprinkle the final dish with furikake (a mix of sesame seeds, seaweed, and dried fish flakes) and drizzle with a bit of Japanese mayo before serving.

Thai Influence: For a Thai-inspired variation, add a few tablespoons of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamier texture, and garnish the dish with fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Presentation Ideas

Stylish Plating for a Special Occasion: To create a restaurant-style presentation, serve the chicken and broccoli over a molded mound of rice. Use a small bowl to shape the rice before placing it on the plate, and drizzle the sauce artistically around the dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for a touch of elegance.
Family-Style Serving: If you’re serving this dish family-style, arrange the chicken pieces over a bed of rice on a large platter, with the broccoli florets scattered around. Pour the remaining sauce on top and garnish with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime.

Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is not only a vibrant green vegetable that adds color and crunch to the dish but is also packed with numerous health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants: Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
High in Fiber: It supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut, providing a good amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Vitamin Boost: It’s a great source of Vitamin C for immune health and Vitamin K for bone health, making it an excellent vegetable to include in a balanced diet.

Making It Kid-Friendly

If you want to introduce this recipe to kids or picky eaters, consider the following adjustments:

Mild the Spice: If your kids are sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the sambal oelek in the sauce, making it sweeter by adding an extra tablespoon of honey.

Vegetable Alternative: If broccoli isn’t a favorite for your family, swap it for carrots, snap peas, or even corn. The sauce complements a variety of vegetables, and you can mix and match as desired.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Use Chicken Thighs: If you’re looking to save a bit on cost, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast tenders. Thighs tend to be juicier and have more flavor, making them a great alternative.
Frozen Broccoli Option: For convenience and cost-effectiveness, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Seasonal Adaptations

This dish is highly adaptable to seasonal ingredients:

Spring/Summer: Incorporate fresh green beans, zucchini, or snap peas for a light and crisp summer version.
Fall/Winter: Use heartier vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash to make a more warming, comforting dish that suits the cooler weather.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli can be transformed into a variety of new meals:

Stir-Fried Rice: Dice the leftover chicken and toss it with cooked rice, broccoli, and scrambled egg to make a delicious stir-fried rice dish.
Asian Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve it in corn tortillas, topped with sliced cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of the leftover sauce for an Asian-inspired taco.

Salad Topper: Make a refreshing salad with mixed greens, sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and cucumbers. Top it with the sticky garlic chicken and drizzle a bit of the sauce as a dressing.

Balance of Flavors

The magic of this recipe comes from the balance of flavors. The sticky garlic sauce is a perfect blend of sweet from the honey, salty from the soy sauce, and spicy from the sambal oelek. The garlic and ginger provide an aromatic base that elevates the dish. Combined with the crunchy texture of the chicken and the fresh broccoli, every bite is a satisfying mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Recipe Pairing Ideas

To create a well-rounded meal experience, pair this dish with complementary sides and drinks:

Asian Cucumber Salad: A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a refreshing crunch.
Steamed Dumplings: For an appetizer or side, steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or shrimp make a tasty addition to the meal.
Green Tea or Jasmine Tea: A warm, soothing cup of green tea or jasmine tea pairs perfectly with the sticky, savory chicken and enhances the overall experience.

Highlighting Nutritional Balance

This recipe provides a balanced nutritional profile, with lean protein from the chicken, complex carbs from the rice, healthy fats from olive oil, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the broccoli and sauce ingredients. It’s a wholesome dish that can be tailored to suit different dietary needs while still maintaining its flavor-packed appeal.

Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a flavorful, quick, and versatile recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, crispy chicken, and tender broccoli, it delivers a delicious Asian-inspired meal that’s easy to adapt for various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping, or looking for a wholesome, balanced dish, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and nutrition with every bite!