Honey Sesame Chicken

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Author: Catherine
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Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the sweetness of honey with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds, creating a remarkable culinary experience. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special family meal. In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to create this delicious meal in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to love Honey Sesame Chicken for its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility. This dish is a favorite among children and adults alike, making it a perfect family-friendly option. The sweet and savory glaze created by honey and soy sauce elevates the chicken, making it a standout choice for dinner or even meal prep for lunches. With just a few accessible ingredients, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your home.

Ingredients

To get started on your culinary adventure with Honey Sesame Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted for added flavor)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil for sautéing

These ingredients combine to create a dish that is rich in flavor, aroma, and texture—perfect for pairing with rice and vegetables!

Step-by-Step Directions

Preparing Honey Sesame Chicken is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to create a dish that is sure to impress:

  1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce.

  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This combination will be the glaze that brings everything together.

  3. Coat the Chicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken pieces and toss them well to coat. This will help to give the chicken a crispy texture.

  4. Sauté the Chicken: Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.

  5. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey-soy sauce mixture over the sautéed chicken. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a beautiful glaze.

  6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish your dish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor. Serve your Honey Sesame Chicken with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

  • Extra Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding some chopped peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add vegetables to the skillet for a stir-fry; bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work beautifully and add color and nutrition.
  • Marination: For a more pronounced flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This lets the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Honey Sesame Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

  • Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice: Acts as a perfect base for soaking up the sauce.
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add a delightful crunch and color.
  • Asian Noodle Salad: A light side of noodles with sesame dressing complements the main dish well.

Nutritional Information

While enjoying this sumptuous dish, it’s good to have an idea of its nutritional profile. Each serving of Honey Sesame Chicken contributes approximately:

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g

This makes it a balanced option for a fulfilling meal!

Storing Tips & Variations for Honey Sesame Chicken

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Freezing: If you wish to freeze, pack it tightly in a container and consume within 2 months for optimal taste.
  • Variations: Try swapping chicken for tofu or shrimp for a quick vegetarian or seafood option. The sauce will infuse beautifully with these alternatives.

Conclusion for Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful recipe that promises a combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Its simple preparation and achievable steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Encourage everyone in your household to give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite!

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

  2. Is there a vegetarian option available?
    Absolutely! Tofu makes an excellent substitute for chicken and allows the flavors of the sauce to shine.

  3. What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
    Consider serving with sweet and sour sauce or a spicy chili sauce to enhance the meal.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free version, like tamari, to keep this dish gluten-free.

  5. How can I increase the spice level?
    Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with sriracha for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Harness these flavors and techniques in your kitchen to create a comforting dish that’s sure to be a hit at every meal!

Print

Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the sweetness of honey with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds, creating a remarkable culinary experience.

  • Author: catherine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken pieces and toss them well to coat.
  4. Sauté the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the Sauce: Pour the honey-soy sauce mixture over the chicken and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve with rice and steamed vegetables.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider adding chopped peanuts or cashews on top before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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