Name: Healthy Sesame Noodles Chicken Broccoli Recipe
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 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 is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more. Imagin extracte perfectly cooked noodles, tender bites of seasoned chicken, and vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy, nutty, and slightly tangy sesame sauce. This dish is a revelation for anyone seeking a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly satisfying and packed with wholesome goodness. We love it because it strikes that perfect balance between comfort food and a nourishing meal, making it a go-to for busy families and health-conscious individuals alike. What truly sets this Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli apart is the homemade sauce – a delightful blend of pantry staples that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to discover your new favorite noodle obsession!

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 gin extractger, crushed (freshly grgin 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
Begin by getting your pasta water ready for the linguine. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 10 oz. of uncooked linguine pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles 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 cooking, it’s time to prepare the frozen broccoli. In a medium saucepan, add the 4 cups of frozen broccoli. You can either steam it directly, or if you prefer a slightly softer texture, add about 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the saucepan, cover it, and let it steam over medium heat. This will take about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. Be careful not to overcook it, as we want it to retain some firmness and its vibrant color. Once cooked, drain any excess water thoroughly.

Cook the Chicken and Build the Sauce

Now, let’s focus on the chicken. Heat the 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your 1.5 lb of chicken, cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet just yet, as those browned bits will add flavor to our sauce.
In the same skillet (with the chicken drippings, if any), add the minced 3 cloves of garlic angin extracthe crushed 1 Tbsp of ginger. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This aromatic base is crucial for the flavor of our sauce.
Now, it’s time to create the delicious sauce for your Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option), 3 Tbsp of honey, 2 Tbsp of sesame oil, 3 Tbsp of rice vinegar, and 2 tsp of sriracha (or cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder heat or want to omit the spice altogether). Ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Combine and Serve

Pour the prepared sauce directly into gin extract skillet with the garlic and ginger. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow it to bubble and thicken slightly, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This simmering process helps meld the flavors and creates a glossy, rich sauce.
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained, cooked broccoli to the skillet as well. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly with the sauce. Continue to cook for another minute or two, just to heat everything through and allow the flavors to marry.
By now, your linguine should be perfectly cooked. Drain the pasta well and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything together vigorously to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in the delectable sesame sauce. Make sure all the ingredients are well distributed.
To serve, divide the Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli among your plates or bowls. Garnish generously with 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!

Conclusion:

We’ve reached the end of our journey creating the incredibly satisfying and healthy Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli! This dish is a testament to how vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. The creamy sesame sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli make for a perfectly balanced bite every time. I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this recipe as much as I do.

For serving, this Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of edamame or a light Asian-inspired salad for a more complete meal. Feel free to get creative with variations! If you’re vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more of your favorite vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce will do the trick. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sesame sauce for the Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to whisk it a bit before using as separation can occur.

What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?

While ramen noodles or spaghetti are common and work well, for the best texture and ability to absorb the sauce, I recommend using udon noodles or even soba noodles for a healthier, nuttier flavor profile in your Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli.