Honey Sesame Chicken

Sweet and savory flavors dance together in a sticky-sweet glaze that clings to tender pieces of chicken, making every bite a delicious adventure. The crunch of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful contrast, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

I remember the first time I made Honey Sesame Chicken for my friends. Picture this: I was a novice cook armed with optimism and a questionable amount of confidence. As I stirred the sauce, my roommate walked in and asked if the sweet aroma was coming from our kitchen or the dessert aisle at the grocery store. Spoiler alert: it was definitely my cooking!

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Sesame Chicken is not just easy to prepare; it’s packed with unique flavors that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. With its stunning golden glaze and sprinkle of sesame seeds, it looks as good as it tastes. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness to match your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken

Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:

• Chicken breast Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. Opt for fresh over frozen for better flavor.
• Honey This adds natural sweetness and creates that irresistible sticky glaze. Choose pure honey for optimal flavor.
• Soy sauce A key ingredient that gives depth and umami richness to the dish; select low-sodium soy sauce to avoid overwhelming saltiness.
• Sesame oil Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste; use pure sesame oil rather than blends for the best quality.
• Garlic Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic warmth; avoid pre-minced versions to capture the vibrant essence.
• Ginger Grated fresh ginger adds zest and brightness, balancing out sweetness beautifully.
• Sesame seeds Toasted sesame seeds provide crunch and visual appeal; toast them lightly in a dry pan before using for maximum flavor.
• Green onions Thinly sliced green onions add freshness and color as a garnish; choose firm stalks with vibrant green tops.
• Cornstarch Acts as a thickening agent in your sauce, giving it that luscious texture; dissolve in water before adding to ensure smoothness.
• Broth (chicken or vegetable) Use broth instead of water to enhance the overall flavor profile of your dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Honey Sesame Chicken

Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare this delicious recipe:

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes work perfectly. Pat them dry with paper towels to help achieve that coveted caramelization during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and broth until thoroughly combined. Then add cornstarch mixed with water gradually while whisking to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 3: Cook Your Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in one layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Once your chicken is beautifully cooked through (check there’s no pink!), pour in the honey soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken. Stir well to coat every piece! Reduce heat slightly and let simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully.

Step 5: Toast Your Sesame Seeds

While your chicken simmers away, toast some sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown—this should only take about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once your sauce has thickened to perfection and clings lovingly to each piece of chicken, remove it from heat. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles.

Garnish with fresh green onions and serve immediately to enjoy that crispy texture coupled with sweet goodness!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best Honey Sesame Chicken, start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows flavors to soak in. Next, cook the chicken until it’s golden brown before adding the sauce for that perfect sticky finish.

Add Your Personal Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or beef in your Honey Sesame Chicken. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness that’s equally delicious.

Storage & Reheating

To maintain the juicy texture of your Honey Sesame Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to avoid drying it out.

Helpful Chef Tips

• Use freshly grated ginger for a zesty kick that elevates your Honey Sesame Chicken’s flavor profile.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when cooking; this ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
• Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving; this locks in moisture and enhances tenderness.

One time, I made this Honey Sesame Chicken for a dinner party, and everyone kept asking for seconds! I felt like a culinary rock star that evening!

Conclusion for Honey Sesame Chicken

In conclusion, Honey Sesame Chicken offers a delightful sensory journey that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The golden-brown chicken, coated in a luscious honey-sesame sauce, delivers an irresistible crunch with every bite. The secret to achieving this delectable dish lies in using high-quality honey and toasting the sesame seeds just right. These small but crucial steps elevate the flavors and create a memorable meal. I encourage you to embrace this recipe and experiment in your own kitchen—your family and friends will thank you for it!

Honey Sesame Chicken

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• Author: Anna Williams
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Sesame Chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in a sticky glaze that clings to tender chicken pieces. With a delightful crunch from toasted sesame seeds, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning. Perfect for dinner, it can be customized with your favorite vegetables or adjusted for sweetness, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Experience a comforting yet exciting meal that will impress your family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp pure sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Begin by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes work perfectly.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help achieve caramelization during cooking.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and broth until thoroughly combined.
4. Gradually add cornstarch mixed with water while whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
5. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil.
6. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in one layer without overcrowding.
7. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
8. Once the chicken is cooked through, pour in the honey soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
9. Stir well to coat every piece and reduce heat slightly.
10. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
11. While the chicken simmers, toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until lightly browned.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Serving: Serve Honey Sesame Chicken over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation. Pair with steamed vegetables for a balanced dish.

Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey soy sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb more of the flavors, resulting in a richer taste. Additionally, be sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a better sear.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Stovetop

Nutrition

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0

FAQs

What can I substitute for sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil on hand, consider using a combination of vegetable oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to mimic the nutty flavor. While it may not replicate the exact taste, it will still provide a pleasant backdrop for your Honey Sesame Chicken. Alternatively, peanut oil can also work well due to its similar flavor profile.

How do I ensure my chicken is tender?

To achieve tender chicken, it’s essential to marinate it properly. Allowing the chicken to soak in a mixture that includes soy sauce helps break down proteins, making it juicier and more flavorful. Additionally, avoid overcooking the chicken; cook until just done to maintain moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time! Cook the chicken and toss it in the sauce. Allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave when ready to serve, ensuring not to overheat.

What side dishes pair well with Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, as they absorb the delectable sauce. For added color and nutrition, consider serving alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. These sides complement the dish without overpowering its flavors.