Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli are about to become your new go-to meal for a weeknight dinner that’s as satisfying as it is good for you. Imagin extracte tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked noodles all bathed in a luscious, nutty sesame sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love? This dish delivers on comfort food cravings without the guilt, offering a fantastic balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. People adore Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli because it’s incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to different vegetables or protein sources, and the homemade sauce is leagues ahead of any store-bought version. Get ready to discover why this is the ultimate wholesome and delicious meal you’ll be making on repeat.
Ingredients:
- 10 oz. linguine pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups frozen broccoli florets (approximately 340g)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (approximately 15g)
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh gin extractger, crushed or grated (freshly migin extractd or ginger gin extractte is ideal; ginger powder can be used if necessary)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (approximately 60g) or coconut aminos for a soy-free option
- 3 Tbsp honey (approximately 63g)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil (approximately 28g)
- 3 Tbsp rice vinegar (approximately 45g)
- 2 tsp sriracha sauce (approximately 12g), or a few shakes of cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat or a different spice profile (this can be omitted entirely if you want no spice)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts), for garnish
Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 10 oz. of uncooked linguine pasta to the boiling water. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Cook the linguine according to the package directions until it is al dente, meaning it has a slight chegrape juicess and is not mushy. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This reserved water will be invaluable later for emulsifying the sauce and ensuring a silky smooth consistency. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the broccoli. You have a couple of excellent options here to ensure it’s perfectly tender-crisp. One method is to steam the frozen broccoli. Place the 4 cups of frozen broccoli florets in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender but still has a slight bite. Alternatively, you can blanch the broccoli. Add the frozen florets directly to the boiling pasta water during the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time. This is a great time-saver and ensures your broccoli is perfectly cooked alongside your linguine. Once cooked, drain the broccoli along with the pasta. Now, let’s get to the chicken and the flavorful sauce that will tie everything together. Heat the 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1.5 lb of chicken pieces that you’ve cut into 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This should take approximately 6-8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper searing rather than steaming. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. If there’s excessive oil, you can drain off some of it, leaving just enough to sauté the aromagin extracts. Add the minced garlic and crushed ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor. Next, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: the 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), 3 Tbsp of honey, 2 Tbsp of sesame oil, 3 Tbsp of rice vinegar, and 2 tsp of sriracha (or cayenne pepper, if using). Pour this prepared saugin extractmixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine all the flavors. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine pasta and the cooked broccoli florets to the skillet as well. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, this is where that reserved pasta water comes in handy. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time, tossing continuously, until the gin extractce reaches your desired consistency – glossy and clinging to the noodles, chicken, and broccoli without being watery. Continue tossing for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. Finally, it’s time to plate up this delicious and healthy meal. Divide the Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli among your serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with the 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds for a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal. Top with the thinly sliced green onions for a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while warm. Congratulations on mastering the art of creating delicious and nutritious Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli! This dish is a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly good for you. We’ve walked through each step, from preparing the tender chicken and crisp broccoli to whisking together that irresistible sesame sauce, ensuring you have all the knowledge to recreate this flavorful experience in your own kitchen. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! For serving, I love to enjoy this Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli on its own as a complete meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed edamame or a light cucumber salad for an extra burst of freshness. If you’re looking for variations, feel free to swap out the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp, or add other vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots. The key is to maintain that delightful balance of textures and flavors. So go forth, cook with confidence, and savor every bite of your homemade Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli! Absolutely! The components of the Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli can be prepared in advance. Cook the chicken and broccoli separately, and mix the sauce. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken and broccoli and toss everything together with the sauce. You might need to add a splash of water or more sauce to loosen it up after refrigeration. Don’t worry! The sesame sauce is quite forgiving. If you’re missing soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos. For the rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a decent substitute. While sesame oil is key to the flavor profile, a small amount of peanut or almond butter can help thicken and add richness if you’re running low on sesame paste or tahini. A quick and healthy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and flavorful sesame noodles. It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice. Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.Cook the Broccoli
Cook the Chicken and Sauce
Sear the Chicken
Build the Savory Sauce
Combine and Thicken
Garnish and Serve
Conclusion:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
What if I don’t have all the sauce ingredients?
Healthy Sesame Noodles Chicken Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, steam the frozen broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, or blanch them in the pasta water during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain with the pasta.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and crushed ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a small bowl. Pour into the skillet with aromatics.
Simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and cooked broccoli. Toss to coat evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Toss for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Allergy Information
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