Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together in no time? This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is your answer! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy, golden crust and tossed in a sticky, sweet-savory sesame sauce that’s bursting with umami. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want restaurant-quality flavor at home without the fuss, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or your favorite veggies. Simple, quick, and utterly delicious—this sesame chicken will soon become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sesame Chicken
Fast and easy: Ready in under 25 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Crispy and saucy: Crunchy chicken coated in a luscious sesame glaze.
Balanced flavors: Sweet, savory, and nutty notes create a crave-worthy sauce.
Versatile: Great served with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.
Kid-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, appealing to all ages.
Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples for easy shopping and prep.
Ingredients for Easy Sesame Chicken
Sweet and savory sesame glaze coats tender chicken for a delicious bite every time. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and juicy, perfect for quick cooking.
Cornstarch: This helps create a crispy coating on the chicken, giving it that delightful crunch.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying, it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced, it adds a fragrant kick that elevates the dish.
Soy sauce: A savory base for the sauce, bringing umami goodness to every bite.
Honey: This adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity that brightens the flavors and adds depth.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, imparting a rich, nutty flavor that’s quintessential in Asian cuisine.
Sesame seeds: These not only add texture but also a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they add a fresh, crisp element to the final presentation.
Cooked rice: A perfect base for serving the chicken, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
For those looking to mix things up, consider substituting chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. You can also add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making this Easy Sesame Chicken. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re well coated. This step is crucial for that crispy texture we all love!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures your chicken is perfectly crispy!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish. This step adds a wonderful aroma that will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. This sauce is the heart of your Easy Sesame Chicken, so don’t rush it!
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it in the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple chicken into a flavorful dish!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and give it a gentle stir. Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions. This not only adds color but also a fresh crunch. Enjoy your meal, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Tips for Success
Prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. It makes the process smoother.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; this ensures even browning.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before adding them.
Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can lose their crispiness.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works best, but any large pan will do.
Mixing bowl: For tossing the chicken with cornstarch; a large plate can also work.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the sauce; a fork can be a handy substitute.
Spatula: For flipping the chicken; a wooden spoon is a great alternative.
Variations
Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Sweet and Sour Sesame Chicken: Mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Nutty Variation: Incorporate chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed Broccoli: A vibrant side that adds color and nutrients to your meal.
Fried Rice: A delicious alternative to plain rice, packed with flavor.
Chilled Sake: A refreshing drink that pairs beautifully with Asian dishes.
Presentation: Serve in a shallow bowl, garnished with extra sesame seeds and green onions for a restaurant-style look.
FAQs about Easy Sesame Chicken
As you embark on your culinary journey with this Easy Sesame Chicken, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I make Easy Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and combine them for a quick meal.
What can I serve with Easy Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, fried rice, or even a simple salad. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, but be aware that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.
Is this Easy Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari. This will keep all the delicious flavors while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Easy Sesame Chicken is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of joy in your kitchen. The aroma of garlic and sesame oil wafting through the air brings back memories of family dinners and laughter. In just 25 minutes, you can serve a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your skillet, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the garlic and bring to a simmer.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to combine.
Serve the sesame chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
