If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe is just what you need! This delightful dish features tender chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying dinner that feels like a treat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce some Asian flavors into your cooking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table!
- Family favorite: The sweet and savory flavors are sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
- Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand.
- Wholesome goodness: Packed with fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic, this dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays a vital role in bringing out those wonderful flavors!
For the Chicken
- 500g Chicken breast fillet, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger, freshly grated
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds
- 1 Spring onion, sliced
For the Sides
- 200g Broccoli florets
- 150g Rice (e.g., Jasmine)
Variations
This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to personalize it to your taste. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
- Swap the protein: Try using tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and color.
- Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha for an extra kick!
- Change up the grain: Serve it over quinoa or brown rice for a heartier option.
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice and Broccoli
Start by cooking your rice according to package directions. While that’s happening, steam or boil your broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. This will ensure everything is ready around the same time.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add your chicken cubes and cook them until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Browning adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is golden, stir in 1 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Cook these for about 30 seconds until fragrant; this step brings out their natural oils and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Now it’s time for that delicious sauce! Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the pan. Bring everything to a simmer while stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened—this helps develop those amazing flavors.
Step 5: Finish Up
Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds before serving. This adds a delightful crunch! Plate your sesame chicken alongside the cooked rice and broccoli. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced spring onion for that fresh touch!
Enjoy your homemade Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe—it’s sure to become a go-to favorite!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Making this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe is all about maximizing flavor and ensuring a delightful experience. Here are some tips to help you create a dish that your family will love!
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Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This not only saves time but ensures a smooth cooking process without any last-minute rush.
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Marinate the Chicken: If time allows, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. This extra step enhances the flavor and makes the chicken even more succulent.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a significant difference in flavor compared to powdered versions. They provide a vibrant taste that truly elevates the dish.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that lovely golden-brown crust from forming.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness. This flexibility allows you to customize the sauce just how you like it!
How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Serving your Easy Sesame Chicken shouldn’t just be about placing food on a plate; it’s an opportunity to create an inviting meal that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Here are some ideas for presenting this delicious dish:
Garnishes
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of additional toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch and enhances presentation.
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley can add a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side gives guests an option to add a zesty kick that brightens up the dish.
Side Dishes
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing! Jasmine or basmati rice perfectly absorbs the savory sauce from the sesame chicken, making each bite satisfying.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots stir-fried with a hint of garlic provides a crisp contrast to the tender chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil offers a cool balance against the warm, hearty chicken.
- Noodle Salad: A light noodle salad tossed with sesame dressing adds an exciting texture and flavor dimension alongside your main dish.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your Easy Sesame Chicken will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented for everyone to enjoy! Happy cooking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This easy sesame chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a larger batch, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to manage your leftovers effectively.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the sesame chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
Freezing
- Let the chicken cool completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals.
- Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!
Can I make this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe with tofu?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with firm tofu cut into cubes. Follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring it’s cooked until golden brown.
How can I serve this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. You can also enjoy it in wraps or salads for a fresh twist!
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a delicious gluten-free version.
What other vegetables can I add to this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe?
Feel free to mix in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. They will add extra color and nutrition while complementing the flavors perfectly!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Of course! You can reduce the honey for less sweetness or replace it with maple syrup for a different flavor profile while keeping it equally delicious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in preparing this easy sesame chicken recipe! It’s not just simple; it’s packed with flavor and warmth that brings everyone around the dinner table. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and personalizing it to your taste—I’m sure you’ll love making it as much as I do! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!
Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast fillet
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 200g broccoli florets
- 150g rice (e.g., Jasmine)
- Instructions:
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package directions. Steam or boil the broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to the pan. Simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in sesame seeds before serving; plate with rice and broccoli, garnished with sliced spring onion.
- Helpful Notes:
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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