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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons organic honey - 2 tablespoons pure sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Cooked jasmine rice - Other side options like steamed broccoli or snap peas For this recipe, I love using chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. The soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor. Honey gives a sweet touch, balancing the savory. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty note that enhances the dish. The additional ingredients are key. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal. Green onions give a fresh finish, perfect for garnishing. For serving, I recommend fluffy jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce well. You can also try steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. This combination makes your meal look great and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your marinade ingredients. You need: - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons organic honey - 2 tablespoons pure sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Combine all these in a medium mixing bowl. Use a whisk to blend everything together. You want a smooth mixture that coats your chicken well. Next, add the chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces to the marinade. Make sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Now, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok. Turn the heat to medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken. Sauté the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often. You want a golden-brown crust and fully cooked meat. As the chicken cooks, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over it. Stir gently to mix. Let the seeds toast for 1 to 2 minutes. This adds a nice nutty flavor. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness. Serve your sesame chicken over cooked jasmine rice. Drizzle any leftover sauce over it for extra taste. Enjoy! For sautéing, use a large skillet or wok. This gives the chicken room to cook evenly. Start with medium-high heat to get a nice sear. Always add oil to the pan when it shimmers. This helps prevent sticking. Stir the chicken often. This ensures all sides get that golden-brown crust. Cook for 6-8 minutes until it's done. You can check by cutting a piece in half. If it’s no longer pink, it's ready. To boost flavor, add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or black pepper for warmth. You can mix in vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. These add color and crunch. If you find the dish too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce. This helps balance the flavors. Taste as you go. This way, you can adjust sweetness or saltiness to your liking. Garnish your dish with finely chopped green onions. This adds a fresh touch and a pop of color. Serve the chicken over fluffy jasmine rice for a beautiful plate. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan on top. This not only looks nice but adds more flavor. Try using a large white plate. It makes the colors of the dish stand out even more. Pro Tips Marinating Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor. If time allows, do it for the full duration! Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your dish an aromatic burst. Avoid pre-minced or powdered versions for the best results. Control the Heat: Keep the skillet on medium-high heat to achieve that golden crust without burning the chicken. Adjust as needed! Garnishing Tips: For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to add sesame oil drizzles or a sprinkle of chili flakes before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner. It cooks faster, but may lack some richness. You may also use tofu for a vegetarian option. If you need a different sweetener, try maple syrup or agave. These can replace honey. They add a unique flavor while keeping it sweet. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is safe for gluten-free diets. Always check labels for hidden gluten. For a low-sodium dish, choose low-sodium soy sauce. This helps cut down on salt. You can also reduce the amount you use in the recipe. Adding vegetables can brighten the dish. Bell peppers work well; they add color and crunch. You can also try snap peas or broccoli for more texture. Incorporating different sauces can change the flavor. Sweet chili sauce adds heat and sweetness. Hoisin sauce brings a rich, sweet taste. Experiment to find your favorite mix! To store your Easy Sesame Chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up. If you want to freeze this dish, follow these steps: - Allow the chicken to cool completely. - Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. - Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This Easy Sesame Chicken is great for meal prepping. Prepare a big batch and store it in portions. Pair it with cooked jasmine rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal. You can also use it in wraps or salads for a tasty lunch option. This adds variety to your meals without extra effort. You can easily add heat to Easy Sesame Chicken. Here are some ideas: - Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for a moderate kick. - Sriracha: Mix in a tablespoon for a nice blend of heat and flavor. - Chili oil: Drizzle a bit on the dish just before serving. - Fresh jalapeños: Slice and add during cooking for a fresh, spicy taste. Adjust the heat to fit your taste. Start small and add more if needed. Yes, you can prepare Easy Sesame Chicken ahead of time. Here’s how: - Marinate the chicken: You can marinate it for up to 2 hours in advance. - Cook and store: Cook the chicken, then let it cool before storing. - In the fridge: It stays fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. - Reheat: Warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later. Easy Sesame Chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Jasmine rice: Its fluffiness complements the chicken perfectly. - Steamed broccoli: Adds color and nutrition to your plate. - Fried rice: A tasty twist that enhances the flavors. - Green salad: A light option for a refreshing contrast. These sides balance the meal and make it more complete. Enjoy your dinner! In this post, we explored the delicious world of Easy Sesame Chicken. We discussed essential ingredients like chicken thighs, soy sauce, and honey, and how to prepare a flavorful marinade. I shared tips for cooking, enhancing flavors, and presenting your dish beautifully. You also learned about substitutes and storage options. With these ideas, you can create a tasty meal for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own!

Savory Sesame Chicken Delight

A flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs sautéed to perfection and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served over jasmine rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons organic honey
  • 2 tablespoons pure sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions finely chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and cohesive; this will serve as your flavorful marinade.
  • Introduce the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully enveloped in the sauce. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.
  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Sauté the chicken, stirring frequently for about 6-8 minutes, or until it develops a delicious golden-brown crust and is thoroughly cooked through.
  • When the chicken is nearly done, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the mixture and gently stir to incorporate. Allow the sesame seeds to toast for an additional 1-2 minutes, enhancing their nuttiness and aroma.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with the finely chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving.
  • For an enticing presentation, serve the Savory Sesame Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish for added taste and visual appeal.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for a deeper flavor.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, jasmine rice, sesame