Get ready to transform your lunch routine with a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish that will make your taste buds dance and your coworkers jealous! These Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure packed with golden, glazed chicken, perfectly steamed broccoli, and a sauce so delicious you'll want to lick the spoon. Whether you're a meal prep master or a busy professional looking for a quick and delectable lunch, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent size.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Add cubed chicken to the marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Allow chicken to marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces, reserving remaining marinade.
- Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pieces are golden brown and cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, steam broccoli florets in a separate pot or microsteamer for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Pour reserved marinade into the chicken skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes to create a glossy sauce, stirring continuously.
- Divide cooked rice evenly among four lunch containers or bowls.
- Top rice with cooked honey sesame chicken and steamed broccoli florets.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over each bowl for added texture and garnish.
- Allow bowls to cool slightly before sealing containers if preparing for meal prep, or serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution and juicier results.
- Marinate Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10-15 minutes allow the chicken to absorb maximum flavor.
- Skillet Selection: Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned wok to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful golden-brown edges.
- Sauce Simulation: Save your marinade and reduce it into a glossy sauce for extra flavor intensity.
- Meal Prep Hack: These bowls can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for busy weekdays.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for variety.
- Sesame Seed Secret: Toast your sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling for enhanced nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
