Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes14!
• Better Than Takeout: Seriously, it’s tastier and healthier52!
• Customizable: Make it your own with different veggies or spice levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves sesame chicken!
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the delivery fees and use simple ingredients5.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Serving Size: 4

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1. 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces24 (or use 1 lb cooked popcorn chicken for an even faster version!)1
• 2. tbsp canola oil2 (or vegetable oil)1
• Marinade for Chicken (optional, but recommended for extra flavor):
  • 1/4 cup water4
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt4
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda4
  • 1 large egg5
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch4
  • 1 tbsp oil4

For the Sesame Sauce

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce21
• 1/3 cup brown sugar2
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar2
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil2
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger root2 (or 1 tsp minced fresh garlic)3
• 4 cloves garlic, minced21
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce2 (or 2 tsp chili paste)1
• 1 tbsp cornstarch2
• 2 tsp Sesame seeds for garnish21
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced, white part and green part separated14

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Get Started: If you’re using regular chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for best results)4. If you’re using frozen popcorn chicken, cook it according to the package directions1.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger (or garlic), chili garlic sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside2.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat12. If you marinated the chicken, sear until browned on one side, then flip and repeat on the second side, until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes per side26.
4. Add the Flavor: Add the sauce to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has started to thicken and the chicken is nicely coated2.
5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy12!

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or flavorful fried rice54.
• Veggies: Add steamed broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for a complete meal.
• Noodles: Toss with lo mein noodles for a fun twist.

Tips for Customization

• Spice It Up: Add more chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Make It Sweeter: Increase the brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
• Add Veggies: Toss in your favorite stir-fry veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
• Healthier Version: Use honey or a sugar substitute instead of brown sugar3.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

• Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcook them so they stay tender3.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes, you can! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do I store leftovers?

• Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How do I reheat leftovers?

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximation)2

• Calories: 534kcal
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 36g

Enjoy this Easy Sesame Chicken!