Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken Noodles-Broccoli Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 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 or coconut aminos; 3 Tbsp honey; 2 Tbsp sesame oil; 3 Tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp sriracha or a few shakes cayenne pepper; 1 Tbsp sesame seeds; Green onions, sliced

Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli are a weeknight warrior’s dream, a symphony of flavors and textures that manages to be both incredibly satisfying and remarkably good for you. Who doesn’t love a dish that feels like a treat but secretly nourishes your body? This is precisely what makes this recipe so universally loved. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food indulgence and smart eating, making it a go-to for busy families and health-conscious individuals alike. What truly sets our Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli apart is the vibrant, nutty sauce – a delightful blend of creamy tahini, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness – that coats every strand of noodle and tender piece of chicken and broccoli. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or convenience. Get ready to discover your new favorite wholesome meal.

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 extract extractger, crushed (frgin extractly migin extract 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

Start by getting your pasta water boiling. 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 linguine pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite. While the pasta is cooking, you can get started on the other components of our Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli.
In the last 5 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the 4 cups of frozen broccoli florets directly to the boiling water with the pasta. This is a fantastic shortcut to cook your broccoli perfectly while the pasta finishes. The hot, boiling water will gently steam the broccoli, making it tender-crisp. Once the pasta is done, drain both the pasta and the broccoli together in a colander. Set aside for now; we’ll toss it all together later.

Cook the Chicken and Sauce

While your pasta and broccoli are draining, let’s move on to the chicken. Heat the 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb of chicken pieces to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you have too much chicken, cook it in batches to ensure it browns nicely instead of steaming. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Now it’s time to build our flavorful sesame noodle sauce directly in the same skillet. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic angin extracthe 1 Tbsp of crushed ginger to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. The aroma should be incredible at this point!
Pour in the 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option), the 3 Tbsp of honey, 2 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 3 Tbsp of rice vinegar. Stir everything together to combine. If you like a bit of heat, stir in the 2 tsp of sriracha. If you’re sensitive to spice or prefer it milder, you can simply omit the sriracha or add just a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken beautifully. This simmering step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.

Assemble and Serve

Now for the grand finnon-alcoholic ale! Add the drained linguine pasta and broccoli back into the skillet with the saucy chicken. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand of pasta and every broccoli floret is coated in the delicious sesame sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the noodles and broccoli. Continue to toss for another minute or two over low heat, allowing the flavors to truly marry and the noodles to absorb some of that incredible sauce.
Serve the Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli immediately. To garnish, sprinkle with the 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green onions. The sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch, and the green onions provide a fresh, sharp counterpoint to the rich sauce. This dish is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, packed with protein, fiber, and wonderful Asian-inspired flavors. Enjoy your delicious and healthy creation!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your very own batch of delicious and nutritious Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli. We’ve walked through each step together, and I’m so excited for you to try this vibrant and satisfying dish. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and enjoyable. The tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and that irresistible sesame sauce create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling nourished and happy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the serving suggestions and variations below – this recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

I truly encourage you to give this Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli a go. It’s a recipe that’s not only good for you but also a joy to make and share. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken and broccoli can be cooked and cooled, and the sauce can be prepared separately and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and broccoli (or enjoy them cold!), cook your noodles, and toss everything together with the sauce. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping.

What other vegetables can I add to the Healthy Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli?

The possibilities are endless! Bell peppers (any color), snap peas, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and even edamame would be wonderful additions. Feel free to customize the dish based on what you have on hand or your favorite seasonal produce.