Amber Sesame Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s also relatively easy to make at home? Look no further than Amber Sesame Chicken! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet, savory, and slightly nutty sesame sauce, resulting in a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The “amber” in the title refers to the beautiful, glossy color the sauce takes on as it caramelizes during cooking. This isn’t just about aesthetics; that caramelization deepens the flavors and adds another layer of deliciousness.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it comes together relatively quickly. It’s also easily customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a thinner sauce? Add a little more chicken broth. Need it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. The possibilities are endless!

## Why You’ll Love This Amber Sesame Chicken

* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates a complex and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** You can have this dish on the table in under 45 minutes.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The glossy amber sauce makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the process much smoother and more efficient.

**For the Chicken:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

**For the Amber Sesame Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
* 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

**Equipment:**

* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Large skillet or wok
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking!

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This coating will help the chicken crisp up nicely when fried.
2. Add the beaten egg to the bowl and toss again until the chicken is fully coated. The egg will help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken and create a crispy crust.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
2. Carefully add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in steamed rather than fried chicken. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

**Step 3: Make the Amber Sesame Sauce**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch remaining. The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce.
2. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (drain any excess oil first), add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste.
3. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and become glossy. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, continue cooking it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Stir in the optional red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat to the sauce.

**Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

1. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the amber sesame sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Ensure that every piece of chicken is glistening with the flavorful sauce.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has further thickened and caramelized. This step allows the flavors to meld together and create a cohesive dish.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish the Amber Sesame Chicken with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or vegetables. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.

## Tips for Perfect Amber Sesame Chicken

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The flavor of this dish depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Use good quality soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness, sourness, and spiciness of the sauce to your preference. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce, more rice vinegar for a tangier sauce, and more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
* **Thicken the Sauce Properly:** Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the chicken broth before adding it to the skillet. This will prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic and Ginger:** Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger when cooking them in the skillet. Burnt garlic and ginger will give the sauce a bitter taste.
* **Serve Immediately:** This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is still warm and glossy.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute tofu for the chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before coating it in cornstarch and frying it.
* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Vegetables:** Add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the dish for a more complete meal.
* **Noodles:** Serve the Amber Sesame Chicken over noodles instead of rice. Lo mein or udon noodles work particularly well.
* **Lower Sodium:** Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
* **Different Sweetener:** Maple syrup can be used instead of honey.

## Serving Suggestions

Amber Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.

* **With Rice:** Serve it over steamed rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a classic and satisfying meal.
* **With Noodles:** Serve it over lo mein, udon, or other types of noodles for a different twist.
* **With Vegetables:** Serve it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for a more complete and nutritious meal.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve smaller portions of the Amber Sesame Chicken as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** Serve the Amber Sesame Chicken in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Amber Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the chicken may not be as crispy. A better way is to use an air fryer to keep the crispness.

## Nutrition Information (approximate)

* Calories: 450
* Protein: 35g
* Fat: 20g
* Carbohydrates: 30g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 15g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* It is advisable to use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or similar for better accuracy. This values do not include any sides, just the chicken itself.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will be more tender and flavorful, but they may also take slightly longer to cook.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it is best to cook the chicken and combine it with the sauce just before serving to ensure that the chicken remains crispy.

**Q: Can I freeze this recipe?**
A: While technically you *can* freeze it, the texture of the chicken and sauce might change upon thawing. The chicken may become less crispy, and the sauce might separate. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: What if my sauce is too thin?**
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Cook for a minute or two, or until the sauce has thickened.

**Q: What if my sauce is too thick?**
A: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to this recipe. Add the vegetables to the skillet after cooking the garlic and ginger, and cook until they are tender-crisp.

**Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?**
A: While rice vinegar is recommended for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch. However, the flavor of the sauce will be slightly different.

**Q: Where can I find sesame oil?**
A: Sesame oil can be found in the Asian foods section of most grocery stores. Look for toasted sesame oil, which has a richer and more intense flavor.

**Q: Is this recipe healthy?**
A: While this recipe is not necessarily a health food, it can be part of a balanced diet. It provides a good source of protein from the chicken and can be customized to reduce the sodium and sugar content. Using lean chicken breasts, low-sodium soy sauce, and a smaller amount of honey can make it healthier. Consider serving it with brown rice and plenty of vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal.

## Final Thoughts

Amber Sesame Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With its flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature version of this classic dish. Happy cooking! Remember to adjust the recipe based on your needs and preferences to create the perfect Amber Sesame Chicken tailored just for you.