Quick & Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry: A Weeknight Delight

Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal but short on time? Look no further! This simple sauteed sesame chicken recipe is your answer to a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces, coated in a savory and slightly sweet sesame sauce, come together in minutes. It’s healthier than takeout, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for busy individuals or anyone new to cooking. Get ready to impress yourself (and your loved ones) with this incredibly easy and flavorful dish!

## Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Healthy(ish):** Made with lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients, this recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout sesame chicken.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of sweetness and spice.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. Using chicken thighs works too, if you prefer a richer flavor, just be sure to trim the excess fat. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute with tofu, cut into similar sized cubes, or use tempeh.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
* **Sesame Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that is essential to the dish. Use toasted sesame oil for a more intense flavor.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** 2 tablespoons. Adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Adjust the amount to your preference. You can also use brown sugar or agave nectar.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of acidity and brightness to the sauce. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Fresh ginger provides a pungent and aromatic flavor. Ginger powder can be used as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves minced garlic. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken for a crispy texture. Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.
* **Sesame Seeds:** 2 tablespoons for garnish. Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
* **Green Onions:** 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish. Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1 tablespoon for cooking. Any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work.
* **Optional Vegetables:** 1 cup of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, bell peppers (sliced), snap peas, carrots (sliced), or zucchini (diced). Adding vegetables will improve the nutritional content of the meal.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) for a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer a mild flavor.

## Equipment Needed

* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or wooden spoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious sesame chicken stir-fry:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the pan.
* In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving a slightly crispy exterior when sauteed.

**2. Make the Sesame Sauce:**

* In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
* If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them to the sauce now.

**3. Saute the Chicken:**

* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
* Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
* Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**4. Saute the Vegetables (Optional):**

* If using vegetables, add them to the same skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Adjust cooking time based on the type and size of vegetables used. For example, broccoli florets will take longer to cook than sliced bell peppers.
* If the pan seems dry, add a little more vegetable oil.
* Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, push them to the side of the skillet.

**5. Combine and Simmer:**

* Pour the sesame sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated with the luscious sesame sauce.
* If you sauteed vegetables, toss them with the chicken and sauce as well.
* Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
* Serve the sesame chicken hot over rice, noodles, quinoa, or your favorite grain. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

## Tips and Variations

* **Marinate the Chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sesame sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it even more tender.
* **Add Spice:** If you like a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Some other great options include mushrooms, water chestnuts, and baby corn.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Also, ensure that all other ingredients you use are gluten-free.
* **Add a Thickener:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. Stir well until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
* **Sweeten it Up:** For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. You can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews over the finished dish for added crunch and flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** This sesame chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve with steamed rice, brown rice, quinoa, noodles (such as ramen or udon), or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it as a topping for salads or in lettuce wraps.

## Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

This sesame chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Steamed Rice:** A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
* **Brown Rice:** A healthier option with more fiber.
* **Quinoa:** A protein-packed grain that adds a nutty flavor.
* **Noodles:** Udon, ramen, or soba noodles all work well.
* **Cauliflower Rice:** A low-carb alternative to rice.
* **Stir-Fried Vegetables:** A medley of colorful vegetables adds extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Edamame:** A healthy and protein-rich snack.
* **Spring Rolls:** Crispy and refreshing, spring rolls make a great appetizer.
* **Miso Soup:** A warm and comforting soup to start your meal.
* **Asian Slaw:** A crunchy and tangy slaw that complements the savory chicken.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
* **Freezer:** While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze sesame chicken for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without rice or side dishes)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This simple sauteed sesame chicken recipe is a guaranteed winner for a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meal. With minimal prep time and readily available ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting the level of sweetness and spice, or trying different serving options. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!