Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe: Quick Dinner Idea

A surprising fact is that the easy sesame chicken recipe can be made in under 30 minutes. Some recipes skip the breading to make it faster and healthier1. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner with 534 kcal per serving1.
This recipe is a favorite that can be made crispy or non-crispy. It uses 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs1. It’s quick and delicious, with chicken cooking for about 5 minutes per side1.
This easy sesame chicken recipe is great for a homemade meal. It has 23g of carbs and 29g of protein per serving1. It’s healthy, with 36g of fat and 8g of saturated fat per serving1.
Key Takeaways
- The easy sesame chicken recipe can be made in under 30 minutes1.
- The recipe skips the breading to make it faster, easier, and a little healthier1.
- The total calorie count per serving is 534 kcal1.
- The total weight of chicken thighs used is 1.5 pounds1.
- The cooking time per side for chicken is approximately 5 minutes1.
- The easy sesame chicken recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner1.
This easy sesame chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy meal. It’s easy to make and needs just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick meal and can be served with rice or veggies. It’s also great for a homemade meal, with 23g of carbs and 29g of protein per serving1. It’s a popular dish that can be made crispy or non-crispy, with a cooking time of about 5 minutes per side1. It has 36g of fat and 8g of saturated fat per serving1.
Introduction to Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a favorite in the U.S. It’s sweet and savory sauce is made from soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. This dish comes from the southern province of China2.
It’s crispy chicken tossed in a honey sesame sauce2. You can find it in Chinese restaurants in the U.S. It’s made with chicken breast or thighs. They’re marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then deep-fried and tossed in the sauce2.
What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken mixes Chinese and American flavors. It uses soy sauce and sesame oil from China. But it’s deep-fried and has a sweet sauce, like in the U.S3..
Origins of the Dish
The exact start of sesame chicken is unclear. But it’s thought to come from China’s southern province2. It might have been inspired by roasted chicken from Cantonese style. This was marinated in soy sauce, sugar, and spices before roasting. The recipe was then changed for American tastes, making the sweet and savory dish we love today3.
Ingredients Needed for Sesame Chicken
To make tasty crispy sesame chicken, you need chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, and more. You’ll also need rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch4. These items are easy to find in most stores. Having everything ready is key for a quick recipe.
Important ingredients include chicken pieces and spices like salt and pepper5. The sauce is also vital, and we’ll talk about it next. For crispy chicken, you’ll need oil like avocado or canola4.
Here’s what you need for sesame chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1″ pieces4
- 1 tsp kosher salt4
- 1/2 tsp white pepper4
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce4
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine4
- 4 cloves grated garlic4
- 1/2 tbsp grated ginger4
- 1 tsp sesame oil4
For a quick sesame chicken recipe, make sure you have all ingredients. Follow the steps carefully. This way, you can enjoy delicious crispy sesame chicken for dinner.
Preparing the Chicken
To make your homemade sesame chicken, pick the right chicken cut. You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, with 1 ½ lbs6. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking and easy coating.
Marinating the chicken adds flavor. Use soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil7. This makes the chicken tender and tasty. The second source says to cut the chicken into small pieces and coat with eggs, flour, and cornstarch7.
Here are some key ingredients you’ll need for the chicken preparation:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs6
- 2 eggs6
- ½ cup cornstarch6
- Soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for marinating7
Making the Sesame Sauce
To make the best sesame chicken, you need to make the sesame sauce. This sauce is key to the Asian sesame chicken recipe. It’s made with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch8.
To make the sauce, whisk all the ingredients together. Then, cook them in a pan until it thickens. This makes the sauce just right for the sesame chicken. You can also add honey or sweet chilli sauce to taste9.
Key Ingredients for the Sauce
The main ingredients for the sesame sauce are:
- Low sodium soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Toasted sesame oil
- Cornstarch
Step-by-Step Sauce Preparation
To make the sauce, do these steps:
- Whisk all the ingredients in a pan.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until it thickens.
By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can make a tasty Asian sesame chicken recipe. The sesame sauce is very important. With the right preparation, you can make the best sesame chicken recipe8.
Cooking Methods for Sesame Chicken
To get the perfect crispy sesame chicken, pick the right cooking method. You can cook it by stir-frying or baking10. Stir-frying is quicker, making quick sesame chicken in a wok or skillet.
Here are some key considerations for each cooking method:
- Stir-frying: This method gives a crispy outside and soft inside. It’s great for crispy sesame chicken10.
- Baking: This is a healthier choice. It keeps the chicken moist and is good for quick sesame chicken without oil7.
It’s important to keep the right temperature when cooking. Stir-fry at 350°F (177°C)11. Bake at about 400°F (204°C)7. Cook until the chicken hits 165°F (74°C)7.
Here’s a summary of the cooking methods and their temperatures and times:
Cooking Method | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Stir-frying | 350°F (177°C)11 | approximately 4 minutes11 |
Baking | 400°F (204°C)7 | approximately 20 minutes7 |
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to serve tasty sesame chicken. You can pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or veggies12. For a bigger meal, try it with fried rice. Use frozen peas and corn, and cooked rice for this13.
To make your sesame chicken look great, add sesame seeds and green onions. This makes it colorful and fresh. If you’re cooking for a small family, cut the ingredients in half. This way, you get the right amount for everyone14.
Some good sides for sesame chicken are steamed broccoli, ramen noodle salad, or baked egg rolls.
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Quinoa for a healthier option
- Steamed broccoli or other vegetables
- Ramen noodle salad for a fun twist
- Baked egg rolls for a crispy snack
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days121314. With these ideas, you can enjoy your homemade sesame chicken with many tasty sides and toppings.
Storage and Leftover Ideas
Storing leftovers of your easy sesame chicken recipe is easy and smart. You can keep it fresh for up to three days in the fridge15. This is perfect for a quick meal when you’re busy.
Freezing leftovers is also a good idea. You can store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months15. This is great for saving time during the week.
Use leftovers in salads, wraps, or on rice or noodles. Sesame chicken is very versatile. It lets you enjoy your meal in many ways. This way, you waste less food and save time.
Also, think about the food’s nutritional value. A serving of sesame chicken has about 417 kcal15. It has 32.5g of carbs, 32.5g of protein, and 19g of fat. This helps you plan healthy meals.
Dietary Adjustments
For those with dietary needs, the best sesame chicken recipe can be changed. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. Serve it with gluten-free sides16. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy.
To make it low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice. A serving has 47g of carbs16. A few tweaks can make it fit many diets.
Some important tips for dietary changes include:
With these changes, everyone can enjoy the best sesame chicken recipe. It can be gluten-free or low-carb, fitting many tastes and needs17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask about making homemade sesame chicken. They wonder if to stir-fry or bake the chicken19. They also ask about the ingredients, like oil and sauce20.
To make tasty sesame chicken, you need the right stuff and how to cook it. Some questions about sesame chicken are:
- Cooking time: Stir-frying takes about 20 minutes, baking 12-15 minutes20
- Ingredients: You’ll need 1.5 cups of chicken, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil20
- Sauce thickening: Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce19
For a great homemade sesame chicken, follow the recipe well. If you run into problems, like sauce too thin, try adjusting the ingredients19.
By using these tips and the right ingredients, you can make a yummy homemade sesame chicken. It’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken | 1.5 cups |
Soy sauce | 4 tablespoons |
Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Enjoy the last bites of your homemade sesame chicken. It’s a mix of tender chicken, crispy batter, and a yummy sesame sauce. It’s a treat for your taste buds21.
This recipe is great for any meal or party. It’s easy to make and always a hit22.
Feel free to try new flavors and spices. Homemade cooking lets you make it just how you like it23. Try different sauces or marinades to make it your own.
Good sesame chicken comes from careful prep and detail. With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can make it amazing. So, when you want the best sesame chicken, start cooking. Your kitchen will fill with great smells. Bon appétit!