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Soy-glazed chicken with broccoli: a quick and tasty recipe

This diabetic-friendly soy-glazed chicken with broccoli is a delightful dish that balances savoury and sweet flavours while keeping health in mind. The tender chicken thighs are infused with a rich marinade of honey, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a fragrant glaze that pairs beautifully with crisp, vibrant broccoli. The addition of rice vinegar adds a hint of acidity, making this dish both satisfying and refreshing.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this quick recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a wholesome dining experience. Serve it over steamed rice, topped with sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a touch of elegance. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced meal that fits seamlessly into a diabetic-friendly lifestyle, ensuring that flavour doesn’t have to be compromised for health.

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Ingredients for Soy-glazed chicken with broccoli

  • 45 ml honey

  • 45 ml soy sauce or tamari

  • 45 ml unseasoned rice vinegar

  • 5 ml finely grated ginger, from one 5 cm piece

  • 15 ml vegetable oil

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

  • 9 g kosher salt, divided, plus more

  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

  • steamed rice (for serving)

  • sliced spring onions

  • toasted sesame seeds

  • hot sesame oil (for serving; optional)

How to make Soy-glazed chicken with broccoli

  1. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger in a small bowl.

  2. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

  3. Pat the chicken dry and season with 1 tsp salt.

  4. Place the chicken cut side up in the frying pan, ensuring the smooth side with the most surface area is in contact with the pan. Cook until deeply golden brown, for 8–10 minutes.

  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and reduce the heat to medium-low.

  6. Turn the chicken and continue cooking, spooning the sauce over occasionally, until the sauce is syrupy and the chicken is cooked through, for an additional 6–8 minutes.

  7. Meanwhile, set a steamer basket in a large pot filled with about 2.5 cm of salted water.

  8. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil.

  9. Add the broccoli to the steamer basket, cover, and steam until just tender, for 4–5 minutes.

  10. Season the broccoli with the remaining ½ tsp salt.

  11. Transfer the chicken to a platter and spoon any remaining sauce over the top.

  12. Serve with rice and broccoli on the side.

  13. Top the chicken with scallions, sesame seeds, and sesame oil if using.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 30 Oct 2025 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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