Indulge in the delightful flavors of sesame chicken, a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and savory notes. This easy-to-follow recipe is great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With tender chicken coated in a rich, sesame-infused sauce and topped with crunchy sesame seeds, this meal will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process to create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice, for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
3. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
5. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
7. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat.
8. Add water to the skillet to thin the sauce, if necessary.
9. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Remove from heat, top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh works well. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan version, and gluten-free soy sauce is available for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving and Pairings
Sesame chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a delightful touch, try a side of spring rolls or dumplings.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s well-sealed.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
– Don’t skip the cornstarch; it thickens the sauce beautifully.
– Make sure to whisk the sauce well to prevent clumps.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
– Adjust the sweetness to your liking; add more honey if desired.
Helpful Tips
– Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes for added flavor.
– Use toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
– Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning the sauce.
– Garnish with extra green onions for freshness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat, adjusting to your taste preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This sesame chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality flavors into your home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that will delight everyone at the table. Enjoy the cooking and savor every bite!
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat.
- Add water to the skillet to thin the sauce, if necessary.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
