I love experimenting in the kitchen, especially when it comes to balancing sweet and spicy flavors. One of my favorite go-to meals during busy weekdays is this Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy. I came up with this dish one evening when I was craving takeout but wanted something lighter and more homemade. The bold heat of sriracha paired with the natural sweetness of honey creates an irresistible glaze that clings beautifully to the ground chicken. And when you add crisp, vibrant broccoli into the mix, you’ve got a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
What I really appreciate about this recipe is how it comes together in just one pan, saving me both time and cleanup. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over fluffy rice, stir it into noodles, or even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps. That means I can keep it fresh and exciting with just a few tweaks depending on my mood. And let’s not forget – the aroma while it’s cooking? Absolutely mouthwatering.
I like to keep a jar of the honey sriracha sauce ready in the fridge for days when I’m too tired to cook something elaborate. It’s honestly a lifesaver. The combination of garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha not only adds depth but also a glossy, sticky coating that turns a simple dish into something special. Whether I’m making this for myself, my family, or even guests, it never fails to impress. It’s hearty, it’s bold, and most of all – it’s delicious.
If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers on both taste and ease, this recipe is definitely worth trying. Let’s dive into the details of how to bring it to life.
Ingredients:
-
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
-
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
-
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
3 tablespoons honey
-
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
-
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
-
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
-
Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
-
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli:
To begin, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, stirring frequently so it browns evenly. Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it to the mix as well.
Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir everything together well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens and clings to the meat.
While the sauce is simmering, steam the broccoli until tender but still crisp – this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. You can steam it in a separate pot, microwave, or even in the same skillet by adding it directly after the sauce has simmered a bit, then covering the pan.
Finally, add the steamed broccoli into the skillet with the chicken and stir until everything is well combined and coated in the flavorful sauce.
Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice, and if you like, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, finishing touch.
How Long to Cook Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli:
Cooking this dish is both quick and convenient. The ground chicken takes about 6 to 8 minutes to brown completely over medium heat. During this time, make sure to break it apart and stir it well so it cooks evenly. Once the chicken is no longer pink and begins to crisp slightly, it’s ready for the sauce.
After pouring in the sauce, allow it to simmer gently for around 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend beautifully while thickening the glaze. If you’re using a cornstarch slurry, the sauce will become glossy and clingy within this timeframe.
As for the broccoli, steaming takes only 3 to 4 minutes. To save time, you can microwave it in a bowl with a splash of water, covered loosely, for about 2 minutes. Alternatively, add it to the skillet and steam by covering the pan after the sauce simmers. Make sure the broccoli stays bright green and slightly crisp—it shouldn’t turn mushy.
Altogether, this meal comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prep days.
How to Store Leftovers:
Leftovers can be a lifesaver, and this recipe keeps really well. First, allow the dish to cool completely. Then, transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate. Stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly.
If you’ve made extra rice, store it separately to prevent it from getting soggy. Just like the chicken, rice can be reheated with a small splash of water for the best texture.
Tips for Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken and Broccoli:
-
Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the sriracha to 1 tablespoon. For more kick, go up to 3 tablespoons or add red chili flakes.
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and color. Avoid over-steaming it—keep it crisp-tender for a nice contrast with the chicken.
-
Thickening the Sauce: The cornstarch is optional, but it really helps the sauce cling to the chicken. If you like a saucier dish, use a bit more slurry and let it simmer a minute longer.
-
Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds crunch and freshness. These little touches elevate the final presentation without extra effort.
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If doubling the recipe, cook in batches to avoid steaming the chicken instead of browning it.
-
Try with Noodles: For a twist, serve it over noodles instead of rice. The sauce pairs wonderfully with both.
Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground chicken is cooked with garlic and onions, coated in a sweet and spicy honey-sriracha sauce, and paired with crisp broccoli for a balanced, delicious dish. Serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
-
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
-
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
3 tablespoons honey
-
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
-
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
-
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
-
Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
-
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
-
Add ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
-
In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry if using.
-
Pour sauce into skillet and stir to coat the chicken. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Steam broccoli until crisp-tender (3–4 minutes). Add to skillet and stir to combine.
-
Serve hot over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
-
Adjust sriracha to control spiciness.
-
Substitute ground turkey or lean beef if preferred.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?
Absolutely. If you don’t have ground chicken, you can use ground turkey or lean ground beef as great alternatives. Ground turkey gives a similarly light flavor, while beef adds a richer taste. Just be sure to drain any excess fat if you’re using beef to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.
2. How spicy is this dish, and can I tone it down?
The heat level depends entirely on how much sriracha you add. The base recipe uses 2 tablespoons, which gives a balanced heat without overpowering the honey’s sweetness. If you prefer milder dishes, start with 1 tablespoon and taste before adding more. For those who love spice, a pinch of chili flakes or extra sriracha can boost the heat.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and broccoli in advance and store them in separate containers or together. It reheats well in the microwave or skillet. In fact, the flavors deepen slightly overnight, making leftovers even more flavorful the next day.
4. What’s the best way to serve Honey Sriracha Chicken and Broccoli?
It pairs beautifully with a variety of bases. Steamed white or brown rice is classic, but you can also use jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Another fun idea is using it as a filling in lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal. Add some sliced cucumber or shredded carrots on the side for extra crunch and freshness.
If you enjoy variety, make a larger batch and switch up how you serve it throughout the week. The versatility of this dish makes it a staple in any meal plan.