Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner

If you’re looking for a delightful meal that can bring the family together without taking up too much of your evening, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner is a dish that I hold dear. It’s simple to whip up and tastes amazing, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want everyone to enjoy a hearty meal. I love how the sticky, sweet sauce clings to tender chicken and pairs beautifully with rice and broccoli.

This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about flavor and satisfaction. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Preparation: You can have this delicious meal ready in just 40 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring happy faces around the dinner table.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and broccoli, this dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Make-Ahead Potential: The chicken can be marinated in advance, saving time on those extra-busy days.
• Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking with simple, wholesome ingredients makes this dish all the more enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need to create your Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner:

For the Chicken

• 500g chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sides

• 200g broccoli, in florets
• 150g rice (e.g., Jasmine rice)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste:

• Swap the protein: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based option that still packs a punch.
• Change the veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Try different grains: Serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner

Step 1: Prepare Sides

Let’s get started by cooking our sides. Begin by preparing your rice according to package directions—this way, you’ll have fluffy rice ready when it’s time to serve. While that’s cooking, steam or stir-fry your broccoli until it’s tender-crisp. It adds great texture and nutrition to your meal!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This sauce is what makes our Easy Sesame Chicken so special! The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an irresistible glaze that perfectly complements the chicken.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add in the chicken cubes. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Browning adds flavor and gives our dish that lovely golden hue!

Step 4: Glaze Chicken

Pour your prepared sauce over the cooked chicken. Bring everything to a simmer and cook while stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every piece of chicken beautifully. This step ensures each bite is deliciously flavorful!

Step 5: Add Sesame Seeds

Stir in one tablespoon of sesame seeds into the chicken and sauce mixture. These little seeds provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that elevates this dish even more.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your sesame chicken immediately alongside your cooked rice and sautéed broccoli. For an extra touch of flair, garnish with the remaining tablespoon of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Enjoy every bite with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner

Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to streamline the process!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop your chicken and vegetables in advance. This saves time during cooking and makes the process feel less hectic.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly. They bring a brightness that dried spices simply can’t match.

• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or honey levels based on your family’s preference. A little extra honey can add sweetness for kids, while more soy sauce can enhance savory notes.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows each piece to brown evenly and prevents steaming, ensuring a better texture.

• Make it a One-Pan Meal: For even easier cleanup, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas right before glazing the chicken. They cook quickly and add color and nutrients to your meal.

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner

Presentation is key when serving up this delicious dish! A well-plated meal not only looks appealing but also enhances the dining experience for your family.

Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of additional sesame seeds adds texture and visual appeal.
• Sliced Green Onions: These add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Chili Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice perfectly absorbs the flavorful sesame sauce, creating harmony on your plate.
• Sautéed Bok Choy: This leafy green vegetable adds crunch and nutrition; simply sauté with garlic and a dash of soy sauce for an easy side.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil balances out the richness of the chicken.
• Stir-Fried Snow Peas: Quick to prepare and packed with vitamins, these sweet peas provide both color and crunch alongside your sesame chicken.

With these serving ideas and tips, your Easy Sesame Chicken will not only taste fantastic but also look amazing on your dinner table! Enjoy creating memorable family moments around this delightful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy flavorful dinners throughout the week with minimal effort. Preparing this dish in advance not only saves time but also makes for convenient reheating when you’re short on time.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sesame chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Place the cooled sesame chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen sesame chicken overnight in the refrigerator if time allows.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to your Easy Sesame Chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press and drain the tofu well before cooking for the best texture.

What can I serve with Easy Sesame Chicken?

Easy Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You can also serve it alongside fresh veggies or a salad for added crunch and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner! This recipe is not only simple but also packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, I believe this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!

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