Sesame Chicken: A Heartfelt Family Favorite
The kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma as the sweet and savory scents of sesame chicken waft through the air. The sound of sizzling chicken and the gentle bubbling of sauce create an ambiance that beckons family members to gather around the dinner table. This beloved recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace, a reminder of laughter shared and stories told around a family feast. Everyone’s eyes light up when they see this festive dish make its grand entrance. If you’ve been searching for a quick family meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, look no further! This homemade recipe is sure to become a cozy favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A delightful dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet, savory, and nutty elements come together in every bite.
- Festive Feel: Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or simply when you want to elevate a regular evening.
- Comforting & Indulgent: Offers a wonderful balance of comfort food and a healthy option.
Ingredients with Notes
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting sesame chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cornstarch (1/3 cup): This creates a crispy coating; feel free to use arrowroot for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil (2 tbsp): Adds a deep, nutty flavor; can substitute with olive oil if necessary.
- Soy Sauce (1/2 cup): Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- Honey (2 tbsp): For a touch of natural sweetness; agave syrup works too.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings depth; you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): A hint of warmth and spice; fresh ginger enhances flavor intensely.
- Sesame Seeds (2 tbsp): For garnish and a bit of crunch; feel free to toast for additional flavor.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): For garnish, adding freshness and brightness.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This recipe is not only quick but also incredibly rewarding—a perfect balance of time spent and flavors created.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
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Coat in Cornstarch: Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle it with cornstarch. Toss until every piece is coated evenly. This step is key for achieving that satisfying crunch.
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Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. The moment you see a shimmer, you’re ready for the chicken.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, cooking them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen.
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Mix the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This sauce will create the heart of your dish.
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Combine and Simmer: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Healthier Swaps: Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture. If you prefer a lighter dish, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Seasonal Twist: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Flavor Upgrades: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a tangy kick.
Serving Ideas
Serve your sesame chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up that wonderful sauce. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a crisp, fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. This comforting dish shines during family gatherings or cozy weeknights, and a chilled glass of iced green tea complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
To keep your sesame chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes well for up to three months, so you can save some for a busy night when cooking isn’t on the agenda. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the coated chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before frying for extra crispiness.
- Double the Sauce: Make a double batch of sauce if you love it extra saucy! Great for drizzling over rice.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro just before serving for a pop of brightness.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toast them in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before garnishing for a deeper flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use tofu instead of chicken? Absolutely! Just press and cube the tofu, and follow the same steps for cooking.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify that the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- What’s a good side dish? Steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with sesame chicken.
Conclusion
Sesame chicken is more than just a quick dinner; it’s an experience that warms the heart and brings loved ones together. I hope you’ll give this delightful recipe a try and savor each moment of joy it brings to your family’s table. With its unbeatable flavors and ease of preparation, this dish is destined to become a cherished tradition in your home. Share it with loved ones, create new memories, and enjoy the happiness it brings!
Contents
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1/3 cup Cornstarch This creates a crispy coating; feel free to use arrowroot for a gluten-free option.
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil Adds a deep, nutty flavor; can substitute with olive oil if necessary.
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- 2 tbsp Honey For a touch of natural sweetness; agave syrup works too.
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh garlic brings depth; you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
- 1 tbsp Ginger Grated; a hint of warmth and spice; fresh ginger enhances flavor intensely.
- 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds For garnish and a bit of crunch; feel free to toast for additional flavor.
- 2 Green Onions Sliced for garnish, adding freshness and brightness.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle it with cornstarch. Toss until every piece is coated evenly.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, cooking them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest