Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe for Dinner

If you are looking for an effortless way to spice up your dinner routine, this Sesame Chicken recipe is your answer. Juicy pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce infused with toasted sesame oil create a delightful dish that will excite your taste buds. This recipe combines the bold flavors of Asian cuisine with easy-to-find ingredients in a method that even beginner cooks can master. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting friends for dinner, this iconic dish promises to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fresh vegetables, making it a versatile option for any occasion. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up restaurant-quality sesame chicken right from your kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken
• Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
• How to Make Sesame Chicken
• Tips and Tricks
• How to Serve Sesame Chicken
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Suggestions for Sesame Chicken:
• Choose the Right Chicken Cut
• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
• Balance Your Sauce Ingredients
• Consider Your Cooking Method
• FAQs:
• What is Sesame Chicken?
• How do I store leftover Sesame Chicken?
• Can I make Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
• What sides pair well with Sesame Chicken?
• Conclusion for Sesame Chicken:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
• Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick; peel and finely chop before using
• Toasted Sesame Oil: This ingredient is essential for authentic flavor; use sparingly due to its strong taste

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
• Brown Sugar: This balances the saltiness of soy sauce with its sweetness; light or dark brown sugar works well
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that gives the sauce a nice consistency; mix with water before adding to the dish

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Sesame Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine some soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for about ten minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant—about one minute.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them until browned on all sides—around five minutes—ensuring they are cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch mixed with water. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.

Step 6: Simmer and Thicken

Let everything simmer together on low heat until the sauce thickens—approximately three to five minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch.

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Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

This comprehensive guide ensures you create mouthwatering Sesame Chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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How to Serve Sesame Chicken

This Sesame Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, allowing for easy weeknight meals. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored for up to three days.
• Storing: Leftover Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen Sesame Chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

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Suggestions for Sesame Chicken:

Choose the Right Chicken Cut

Selecting the right chicken cut is crucial for making perfect sesame chicken. Thighs are often juicier and more flavorful compared to breasts, which can dry out during cooking. If you prefer breasts, consider marinating them to enhance moisture retention. The texture of the meat significantly influences the overall taste of the dish. Use skinless, boneless cuts for easier preparation and a healthier option. Always ensure that the chicken is fresh to avoid any food safety issues. When cooked properly, your sesame chicken will be tender and succulent, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooked chicken can ruin your sesame chicken recipe. As soon as the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s time to remove it from heat. Cooking beyond this point results in rubbery and dry meat that lacks flavor. To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer or cut into a piece to check for doneness. Additionally, remember that residual heat will continue to cook the chicken even after it has been taken off the stove. Mastering cooking time ensures your sesame chicken remains juicy and delicious.

Balance Your Sauce Ingredients

An imbalanced sauce can lead your sesame chicken astray. Using too much soy sauce may overpower other flavors, while not enough sweetness can make it bland. Aim for harmony in your sauce by combining soy sauce, honey or sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in appropriate ratios. Taste as you go; adjusting ingredients allows you to achieve a delightful balance between savory and sweet profiles. Also, consider adding toasted sesame seeds towards the end for extra flavor and texture. A well-balanced sauce enhances your dish’s overall appeal and ensures a memorable dining experience.

Consider Your Cooking Method

The cooking method you choose significantly impacts your sesame chicken’s final outcome. While frying offers a crispy texture, baking provides a healthier alternative with less oil involved. If opting for frying, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; this prevents excessive oil absorption. Alternatively, stir-frying in a non-stick pan retains moisture without losing flavor. Each method has its advantages—choose one based on your desired texture and health preferences. Experimenting with different techniques can lead to discovering your favorite version of this classic dish.

FAQs:

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish featuring bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey or sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. The dish often garnished with toasted sesame seeds adds an appealing crunch and nutty flavor contrast to the tender chicken pieces. Originating from Chinese cuisine but widely loved across various cultures, it makes an excellent family meal or party dish served over rice or vegetables.

How do I store leftover Sesame Chicken?

To store leftover sesame chicken properly, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within three days; otherwise, consider freezing it for longer storage—up to three months works well if packaged correctly. To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the fridge then reheat in an oven or stovetop until heated through thoroughly. This approach maintains flavors and textures better than microwaving.

Can I make Sesame Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily adapt sesame chicken into a gluten-free version by substituting traditional soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos which offer similar flavor profiles without gluten content. Ensure that any additional ingredients like sauces or breading mixes are also gluten-free certified before using them in your recipe. By making these simple adjustments while maintaining key flavors, you can enjoy delicious sesame chicken without compromising dietary needs.

What sides pair well with Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken pairs beautifully with multiple side dishes that complement its sweet and savory profile. Steamed jasmine rice is traditional but feel free to experiment with fried rice loaded with veggies for added texture and nutrition. Fresh stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add crunchiness alongside nutrients—consider serving them tossed in light garlic sauce as they enhance visual appeal too! Salad options like cucumber salad bring refreshing elements balancing out flavors perfectly making every bite enjoyable.

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Conclusion for Sesame Chicken:

In summary, creating delicious sesame chicken requires attention to detail at each step—from selecting quality ingredients to mastering cooking techniques that preserve flavor and moisture in the meat. Avoid common pitfalls such as overcooking or unbalanced sauces by following our tips closely; these small adjustments make all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality results at home! Don’t forget about complementary sides that elevate your meal experience further while enjoying this delightful dish with friends or family around the table! Embrace creativity when preparing sesame chicken; experimenting leads toward discovering new favorites tailored just for you!