There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of sesame noodles with tender chicken and bright green broccoli. This Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli recipe strikes that perfect balance between wholesome and crave-worthy, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
Inspired by Asian takeout favorites but lightened up with fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce, this dish delivers complex flavors without the heavy feeling that often comes with restaurant versions. The nutty sesame sauce coats every strand of noodle, while the protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli transform this into a complete meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pan meal that comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
- Balanced nutrition with lean protein, vegetables, and complex carbs
- Kid-friendly flavors that still satisfy adult palates
- Versatile recipe that works with whatever vegetables you have on hand
- Leftovers taste even better the next day for an easy lunch
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 ginger, crushed (freshly minced 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
Instructions
- Add water to a large pot with a tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the linguine pasta and cook for 6-7 minutes. Then add the frozen broccoli to the pot with the noodles and continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Drain and set the noodles and broccoli aside.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha (or cayenne pepper if using). Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, minced garlic, ginger, and season with a few shakes of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir the sauce mixture again to make sure everything is well mixed. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sauce to the skillet with the chicken. Stir until all the pasta is coated with sauce and everything is evenly incorporated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or edamame
- Swap broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy
- Make it gluten-free by using rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce
- For meal prep, store the sauce separately and combine with freshly cooked noodles when ready to eat
- Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce for extra heat
- For a creamier sauce, increase the tahini or peanut butter to 2 tablespoons
Serving Suggestions
These sesame noodles are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a simple side of cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast. For a more elaborate spread, serve alongside some vegetable potstickers or a small bowl of miso soup to start the meal.
If you’re entertaining, consider setting out small bowls of additional toppings like chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges, and extra chili sauce so everyone can customize their bowl to taste.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- For the best texture, don’t overcook the broccoli – it should remain slightly crisp
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until golden for maximum flavor
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components separately up to 2 days ahead. Store the sauce, cooked chicken, broccoli, and noodles separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
How can I make this spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, though fresh provides better texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before adding to the stir-fry, and reduce the cooking time slightly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but the stovetop method helps maintain better texture.
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