If you’re looking for a delightful meal that’s both quick and satisfying, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner is one of my go-to dishes for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken and a sweet-savory sesame sauce will have your family asking for seconds.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or just a regular Tuesday night, this dish fits right in. It’s not only easy to make but also brings a taste of Asian cuisine to your dining table that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Get dinner on the table in just 40 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The sweet and savory notes appeal to all ages, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh ingredients that you can feel good about serving.
- Great Leftovers: This recipe holds up well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day!
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes by adding your favorite veggies or swapping proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this dish. You might already have many of these staples in your pantry!
- 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
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 200g broccoli, in florets
- 150g rice (e.g., Jasmine rice)
Variations
One of the best things about this Easy Sesame Chicken is its flexibility! You can easily mix things up based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.
- Swap the protein: Use tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version that’s equally satisfying.
- Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you like some heat!
- Change the grain: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different twist.
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner
Step 1: Prepare the Sides
To start, cook your rice according to package directions. While it’s cooking, steam or stir-fry the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp. This step ensures you’ve got everything ready to go when it’s time to serve!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Mixing these ingredients creates that irresistible sticky glaze that makes this dish so special.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. This step is crucial because browning the chicken adds depth of flavor.
Step 4: Glaze Chicken
Pour the 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 each piece of chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Add Sesame Seeds
Stir in one tablespoon of sesame seeds into the chicken and sauce mixture. The seeds add an extra crunch and enhance that lovely sesame flavor we all adore.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your sesame chicken immediately with the cooked rice and broccoli. Don’t forget to garnish with the remaining tablespoon of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion for that finishing touch!
Now you have all you need to create a delightful Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner! Enjoy every bite with your loved ones!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner
Creating delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some tips to ensure your sesame chicken turns out perfectly every time.
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Marinate for Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before cooking enhances the flavor. This allows the ingredients to infuse into the chicken, making every bite more delicious.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a remarkable difference in taste compared to their dried counterparts. They add vibrant flavors, ensuring your dish is aromatic and full of life.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid crowding the skillet. This ensures even cooking and browning, which adds texture and depth of flavor to your dish.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little extra honey. Taste as you go; it’s all about finding that perfect balance that suits your family’s palate.
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Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix in or substitute veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. This not only adds color but also introduces new flavors and nutrients!
How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner
Serving your Easy Sesame Chicken can enhance both its presentation and taste. Here are some delightful ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Garnishes
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with its fresh aroma, adding a lovely contrast to the sweet sauce.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for those who enjoy a zesty kick. A squeeze of lime juice elevates the dish with a refreshing tang.
Side Dishes
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic pairing! Its fluffy texture complements the sticky sesame chicken perfectly, allowing you to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Stir-Fried Snow Peas: Quick and vibrant, stir-fried snow peas offer a crunchy texture that balances nicely with the tender chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sesame chicken, enhancing your dining experience.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower adds a nutty depth and pairs well with Asian-inspired flavors while adding health benefits to your meal.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress your family at dinner! Enjoy making this delightful Easy Sesame Chicken together.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Easy Sesame Chicken is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, ensuring that you have a quick and satisfying dinner ready to go on busy nights.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- To freeze, place the cooled sesame chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For best results, separate the chicken from the broccoli and rice before freezing, as they may not reheat as well together.
Reheating
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- You can also microwave it on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe.
Can I make Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions above to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.
What can I serve with Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli and jasmine rice, but feel free to get creative with your favorite sides!
Can I use tofu instead of chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Tofu is a great plant-based alternative. Just press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and follow the same cooking instructions.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust to your taste preference!
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari sauce. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without gluten.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making this Easy Sesame Chicken for a Quick Family Dinner! It’s such a delightful dish that brings warmth to your dinner table with its wonderful blend of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
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