Name: Easy Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a dish that combines crispy textures with a mouthwatering sauce? Easy sesame chicken delivers just that! This delightful dish features tender pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. Imagine the satisfying crunch as you bite into the perfectly cooked chicken, followed by the rich flavors that dance on your palate.

Every time I make easy sesame chicken, I am reminded of family gatherings where this dish steals the spotlight. The aroma wafts through the home, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws everyone to the kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests without spending countless hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience an unforgettable flavor journey that will have your taste buds singing in delight!

Key Ingredients For Easy Sesame Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Sesame Oil: Look for toasted sesame oil for a richer taste; it elevates the dish beautifully.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of your dish.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient provides sweetness and balances out the salty flavors.
Rice Vinegar: Opt for rice vinegar for its mild tanginess, which complements the sweetness perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Easy Sesame Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and allows for maximum flavor absorption.

Second Step : Marinate

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.

Third Step : Cook

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add marinated chicken pieces and sauté until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Fourth Step : Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together any remaining marinade with rice vinegar. Pour this mixture into the skillet with cooked chicken and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Fifth Step : Serve

Transfer to plates and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy your homemade easy sesame chicken—it’s sure to impress!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger significantly enhance flavor compared to their dried counterparts.
Adjust Sweetness Levels: Feel free to modify brown sugar levels based on your preference for sweetness.
Add Vegetables: Consider including bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and color.

With these tips and steps, you’ll create an easy sesame chicken that will become a favorite at your dining table!

Cooking Instructions

To prepare your Easy Sesame Chicken, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Allow the chicken to soak in these flavors for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.

After cooking the chicken, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these vegetables for around 5 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.

Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in more soy sauce along with honey for sweetness. Toss everything together to ensure that each piece of chicken is coated with sauce. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top just before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken over steamed rice or noodles to create a complete meal. The savory sauce pairs perfectly with:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its subtle aroma complements the robust flavors of the dish.
Egg Noodles: They absorb the sauce beautifully, adding a delightful texture.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add more color and nutrients to your plate with seasonal veggies.

Nutritional Information

This Easy Sesame Chicken offers a balanced meal filled with protein and essential nutrients. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from the chicken while incorporating vitamins from fresh vegetables. The dish is also light on calories if you use less oil during cooking.

The combination of soy sauce and sesame seeds adds depth while keeping it relatively low in carbohydrates when served with vegetables instead of rice or noodles. Adjust portion sizes based on individual dietary needs.

Storage Tips

To store leftover Easy Sesame Chicken, place it in an airtight container once cooled. Refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to two months.

When reheating, do so gently on low heat to preserve the chicken’s tenderness and prevent it from drying out. You can add a splash of water or additional soy sauce while reheating to maintain moisture.

FAQs :

What can I substitute for chicken in Easy Sesame Chicken?

If you prefer a meat-free option or wish to try something different, tofu makes an excellent substitute for chicken in Easy Sesame Chicken recipes. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well and mimics the texture of chicken when cooked properly. Simply press out excess moisture from tofu before marinating it in soy sauce and sesame oil like you would with chicken. For extra crispy texture, pan-fry the tofu cubes separately before combining them with vegetables and sauce.

Can I make Easy Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Easy Sesame Chicken ahead of time by marinating the chicken earlier in the day or even overnight for enhanced flavor. You can also stir-fry all ingredients except for sesame seeds beforehand and store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat everything together and sprinkle sesame seeds just before serving for that finishing touch.

Is Easy Sesame Chicken healthy?

Yes! Easy Sesame Chicken can be a healthy meal option depending on how you prepare it. Using skinless chicken breast reduces fat content while adding plenty of fresh vegetables boosts fiber intake. Additionally, by controlling added sugars from sauces like honey or using low-sodium soy sauce, you can further enhance its nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is Easy Sesame Chicken?

Easy Sesame Chicken tends to be mild but allows room for customization based on your preference for spice levels. If you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha during cooking for an extra kick without overwhelming other flavors present in this dish. Conversely, if you prefer milder dishes, feel free to omit any spicy elements entirely!