Honey Sesame Chicken
Whatever your work or life schedule, we all have those nights when what we really need is a super quick dinner solution that also happens to be reliably delicious. Well, that’s exactly what we’ve got here with our Honey Sesame Chicken. It’s incredibly quick to come together – if you make some white rice and steam some broccoli at the same time, you can have a full meal done in just twenty minutes. And thanks to the tasty sesame-accented sweet and savory sauce, it’s a dinner you won’t hesitate to rely on again and again. It’s quicker than takeout, and it’s tastier too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Sesame Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to its delectable sauce. It’s fast, easy, and can be paired with simple sides like rice and broccoli to make a complete meal. Not only is it quicker than ordering takeout, but it also lets you control the ingredients for a healthier option.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- A medium bowl for mixing the sauce
- A large bowl for prepping the chicken
- A large skillet for cooking
- A whisk for mixing ingredients
- A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Scallions, chopped, for serving
- White rice, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt and pepper and toss with cornstarch.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat for at least 2 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and the chicken to the pan and stir fry until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the sauce to the skillet and let simmer until thickened and sticky, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve the chicken over white rice and sprinkle with scallions and additional sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a nice sear. Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces will help it cook evenly and quickly. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the heat needed for proper browning.
Additional Tips and Variations
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely. For a more intense sesame flavor, you can toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the sauce.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 350, Protein: 26g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fat: 12g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and can be used in the same way.
What if I don’t have sriracha? You can substitute with another hot sauce or leave it out for a milder dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the chicken in advance. However, it’s best to cook it fresh for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick, tasty, and satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative twists you add. Enjoy your cooking!