Before diving into the delightful details of 20-minute sesame chicken, let’s consider what goes well with this dish. Pairing is key to creating a satisfying meal experience. Here are three sides that will complement your sesame chicken beautifully:
Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the sauce wonderfully. Pairing sesame chicken with jasmine rice provides a subtle flavor that won’t compete with the rich, savory notes of the chicken.
Sautéed Broccoli: A vibrant green vegetable is not only great for the plate but also adds nutritional value. The slight crunch of sautéed broccoli contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken.
Crispy Spring Rolls: These bite-sized delights can add a fun crunch to your meal. They’re great for appetizer options or added texture on the plate.
Picture this: It’s a busy weeknight, and you have just over 20 minutes to whip up a tasty dinner that will make your family cheer. That’s where 20-minute sesame chicken comes into play. This dish isn’t just quick; it’s a blend of flavors and textures that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I deeply understand the need for meals that are both healthy and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find this sesame chicken recipe will quickly become a staple in your household.
What is 20 Minute Sesame Chicken?
20-minute sesame chicken is a quick-cooking, savory dish that features tender chicken chunks coated in a delicious sesame sauce. It strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of spice. In no time, you can bring a taste of Asian cuisine into your home without the hassle of complicated recipes. The magic lies in its simplicity and speed.
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Why This Recipe Works
Speedy Preparation: The star of this recipe is its quick cooking time. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can prepare a flavorful meal even on the busiest nights. Time management plays a crucial role in modern cooking, and this recipe excels.
Flavor Fusion: By combining soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha, this recipe achieves a delightful fusion of flavor. You get the umami goodness of the soy sauce, the nutty depth from sesame oil, and a rich spiciness from sriracha. Each bite bursts with flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Healthy Ingredients: This dish is more than just tasty; it’s packed with quality ingredients. Using chicken breast or thighs gives you protein while minimizing excess fat. The sauce, made from low-sodium soy sauce and honey, keeps it on the healthier side without sacrificing taste.
Customizable: One of the best aspects of this sesame chicken is its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level. This recipe can fit a variety of dietary preferences, making it a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound of chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- 1 large egg: This will help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil: Use canola or vegetable oil for frying.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A touch of seasoning.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Ensures a crispy coating.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust to your taste preference.
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions: Adds a mild oniony crunch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Provides garnish and texture.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Infuses that rich, nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Introduces tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest: For a bright, fresh flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce: Adjust for heat level.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated: About ½ tablespoon for flavor depth.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Use tamari as a gluten-free option.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey: Choose your preferred natural sweetener.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: For thickening the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated: An aromatic addition.
- 2 tablespoons water: To help distribute the cornstarch in the sauce.
How To Make This 20-Minute Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken. Cut your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, making them easy to cook quickly. In a bowl, beat the egg and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring that every piece is coated. This step is crucial for that satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. This step is all about that crispy exterior! Once browned, flip the chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked, about another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sesame Sauce
Now, let’s get to the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add garlic, and ginger. Stir for a minute until fragrant. Then, mix together your soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and water in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Whisk together your cornstarch and a tablespoon of water in a separate bowl, and add it to the sauce. Stir until thickened, which will happen pretty quickly!
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, reintroduce the chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is well-coated. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly. Add in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, giving it one last toss.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your sesame chicken to a serving platter. Whether you choose jasmine rice or sautéed broccoli as a side, this meal is sure to impress!
Tips & Tricks
Use thigh meat for juiciness: Chicken thighs tend to be more moist than chicken breasts. If you like a richer taste, consider using thighs.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your sauce sweeter, add more brown sugar or honey.
Add veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or snap peas during the sauce step for added colors and nutrients.
Use high heat for crispiness: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding chicken. This helps the coating crisp up nicely.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t shy away from tweaking the recipe. Try adding sesame oil or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
A serving of 20-minute sesame chicken (about one cup) contains approximately:
This dish is a great source of lean protein while keeping the carbs moderate, and you have control over added sugars through your choice of sweeteners.
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers, which is rare, storing them properly is key. Allow the sesame chicken to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
What Sides Would Complement 20 Minute Sesame Chicken?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
This is a classic pairing. Fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce. If you prefer, you could also add a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil for an extra touch.
Sautéed Broccoli
Bright green broccoli adds a nutritional punch. Simply sauté it in a bit of garlic and olive oil for a fast and satisfying side. The crunchiness of the broccoli counterbalances the tender chicken.
Crispy Spring Rolls
Serve store-bought crispy spring rolls for added crunch and flavor. You can fill them with your favorite vegetables or shrimp. They make a great hors d’oeuvre before diving into the main event.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
Chicken
If chicken isn’t your thing, tofu is a fantastic substitute. Opt for firm tofu, chopped into chunks, and follow the same steps for cooking.
Soy Sauce
For a gluten-free alternative, tamari or coconut aminos can be used. They mimic the flavor of soy sauce while keeping it friendly for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Brown Sugar
If you need to reduce sugars, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Both add sweetness without the calories of sugar.
Sriracha
Not a fan of spice? Use mild chili sauce or even omit it altogether. You can add these sauces incrementally to customize to your liking.
Sesame Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove finely grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by prepping the chicken. Cut your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, making them easy to cook quickly. In a bowl, beat the egg and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring that every piece is coated. This step is crucial for that satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. This step is all about that crispy exterior! Once browned, flip the chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked, about another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sesame Sauce
- Now, let’s get to the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add garlic, and ginger. Stir for a minute until fragrant. Then, mix together your soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and water in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Whisk together your cornstarch and a tablespoon of water in a separate bowl, and add it to the sauce. Stir until thickened, which will happen pretty quickly!
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Once the sauce has thickened, reintroduce the chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is well-coated. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly. Add in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, giving it one last toss.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer your sesame chicken to a serving platter. Whether you choose jasmine rice or sautéed broccoli as a side, this meal is sure to impress!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Cook both the day you plan to serve for the best flavor and texture.
2.What type of skillet should I use?
A non-stick skillet works well, but a cast iron skillet can give a nice sear to the chicken. Choose whatever you’re most comfortable with!
3.Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Certainly! Divide it into meal prep containers and keep the rice or vegetables separate until you’re ready to eat.
4.How spicy is this sesame chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with less sriracha, and incrementally add more if desired.
5.What can I do with any leftover sauce?
It’s perfect for drizzling over steamed vegetables or using as a dipping sauce for wraps!
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but for best quality, avoid freezing the chicken and sauce together. Store them separately, and reheat from frozen.
Conclusion
There you have it – a quick, easy, and delicious recipe for 20-minute sesame chicken. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your home, bringing flavors that everyone will love while keeping things simple in the kitchen.
Whether you pair it with jasmine rice or sautéed broccoli, this meal is flexible and allows for creativity. Enjoy delicious, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you give this delightful recipe a try. Happy cooking!
