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how to make 20 minute sesame chicken Recipe

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Before diving into the delightful details of 20-minute sesame chicken, let's consider what goes well with this dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 726 kcal

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

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

Serving: 456gCalories: 726kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 82gFat: 32.2gSaturated Fat: 7.3gTrans Fat: 1.8gCholesterol: 327mgSodium: 1324mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11g
Keyword Sesame Chicken Recipe
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