Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful sesame chicken recipe? This dish marries tender chicken with a savory, sweet sauce featuring sesame oil and seeds, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe is surely a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 320 calories, 20g of protein, 18g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, and 4g of fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture, cooking until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring to coat.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. Agave syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly version, and tamari can substitute soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.
Serving and Pairings
Serve this sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a light salad or spring rolls.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; it will steam instead of sear.
- Ensure the sauce is thickened properly before serving.
- Marinating for too long can make the chicken overly salty.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
Helpful Tips
- For extra crunch, add toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the dish.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free.
Can I make sesame chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and chicken a day in advance. Just store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy it in a wrap or salad.
How can I adjust the spiciness?
You can add chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat, adjusting to your taste preference.
Conclusion
This sesame chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. With its sweet and savory glaze, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this dish with loved ones and make mealtime a delightful experience!
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture, cooking until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring to coat.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
