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Cozy Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Bake – Easy One Pan Dinner

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This cozy honey garlic chicken and broccoli bake is a one-pan dinner that delivers sticky, glossy, golden chicken with tender broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and tastes like comfort food that actually nourishes you.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup honey (runny, mild honey like clover or orange blossom)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh, not jarred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken thighs and broccoli florets. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the chicken pieces aren’t touching too much.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir and let it come to a gentle simmer—about 2 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken almost immediately—about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over the chicken and broccoli on the baking sheet. Use a brush or spatula to spread it evenly, making sure every piece gets coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the pan and use tongs to flip the chicken pieces. Give the broccoli a gentle stir too. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the broccoli is tender with slightly charred edges.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the reserved sauce over everything, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Notes

For extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes, but watch closely as honey burns fast. Don’t crowd the pan to ensure proper roasting. Pat frozen broccoli dry to avoid thinning the sauce. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for best flavor. Start rice or quinoa before baking so everything finishes together.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, broccoli bake, one pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, chicken and broccoli, honey garlic sauce

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-honey-garlic-chicken-and-broccoli-bake-easy-one-pan-dinner/