Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken Noodles with Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 10 oz. linguine pasta, uncooked; 4 cups frozen broccoli; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1.5 lb chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, crushed; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce; 3 Tbsp honey; 2 Tbsp sesame oil; 3 Tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp sriracha; 1 Tbsp sesame seeds; Green onions, sliced

Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli are more than just a weeknight meal; they’re a vibrant bowl of flavor and goodness that will have you reaching for seconds. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen and I suspect it will be in yours too. What’s not to love? It’s packed with lean protein from the tender chicken, the satisfying crunch of fresh broccoli, and the irresistible savory-sweet embrace of the sesame noodle sauce. It’s the perfect solution when you crave something deeply comforting yet remarkably wholesome, proving that delicious and healthy can absolutely go hand-in-hand. The magic truly lies in the balance of textures and the addictive umami-rich dressing that coats every strand of noodle, making this a truly special and incredibly satisfying recipe that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

Ingredients:

10 oz. linguine pasta, uncooked
4 cups frozen broccoli (340g)
1 Tbsp olive oil (15g)
1.5 lb chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp fresh gin extractger, crushed (freshly migin extractd or ginger paste works best, but powder works in a pinch)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (60g) or coconut aminos
3 Tbsp honey (63g)
2 Tbsp sesame oil (28g)
3 Tbsp rice vinegar (45g)
2 tsp sriracha (12g) or a few shakes cayenne pepper (can omit for less spice)
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Green onions, sliced

Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 10 ounces of uncooked linguine pasta to the boiling water. Stir the pasta immediately to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. While the pasta is coogin extractg, you can begin preparing the other components of your healthy sesame noodles with chicken and broccoli.
In the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the 4 cups of frozen broccoli directly into the boiling water with the pasta. This is a great time-saving tip as it allows both to cook simultaneously. The broccoli will steam and tenderize in the hot water, becoming vibrant green and perfectly cooked by the time the pasta is done. Once both the pasta and broccoli are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander. Set aside the drained pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This reserved water can be a lifesaver later if your sauce needs a little thinning.

Cook the Chicken and Aromatics

While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1.5 pounds of chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces, to the hot skillet. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed forgin extract3 minutes until it begins to brown on one side. Then, stir and continue to cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and thgin extract tablespoon of crushed fresh ginger. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds over medium heat until fragrantgin extracte careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can make them bitter. If the pan seems a little dry, you can add a tiny splash more olive oil or a tablespoon of water. Once fragrant, reduce the heat to low.

Whisk Together the Sauce and Combine

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option), 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons sriracha (or cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat, or omit entirely if you don’t like spice). Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the honey has dissolved. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more sweetness from the honey, a touch more tang from the vinegar, or a bit more heat from the sriracha.
Return the cooked chicgin extract to the skillet with the fragrant garlic and ginger. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and coat the chicken beautifully.
Add the drained linguine and broccoli to the skillet with the sauced chicken. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and bgin extractcoli are thoroughly coated with the delicious sesame-ginger sauce. If the mixture seems a bit too thick or dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water to help loosen it up and create a silkier sauce. Continue to toss until everything is heated through.
Serve the healthy sesame noodles with chicken and broccoli immediately. Garnish generously with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and the sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish. This dish is wonderful as is, but you can also serve it with extra sriracha on the side for those who enjoy more heat. Enjoy your vibrant and satisfying meal!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your delicious and wholesome Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli is ready to be devoured! This dish offers a perfect balance of lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a satisfyingly savory sauce, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a fantastic option for meal prepping. We hope you enjoyed creating this recipe as much as we enjoyed sharing it. It’s a truly adaptable dish, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

For serving, this dish is wonderful on its own, but for an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of sriracha for a bit of heat. If you’re looking for variations, try swapping the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp, or experiment with different vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots. The key is to have fun and make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli is fantastic for meal prepping. You can cook the noodles, chicken, and broccoli separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss everything together with the sauce just before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.

What if I don’t have all the sauce ingredients?

No worries! While the listed ingredients create the perfect flavor profile, you can adapt. If you’re out of sesame oil, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will work, though the flavor won’t be as pronounced. For tamari or soy sauce, use whichever you have on hand, keeping in mind potential salt differences. A touch of honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar if needed.