why make this recipe
Sticky Sesame Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with friends. This recipe combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to create a sticky glaze that beautifully coats each piece of chicken. It’s not only quick to prepare, but it also fills your kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma that everyone will love. Plus, the dish is versatile; you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even with a side of vegetables. If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make chicken dish that will impress your family and friends, Sticky Sesame Chicken is the way to go!
how to make Sticky Sesame Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined to form a tasty marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps to infuse the chicken with rich flavors.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet, leaving some marinade in the bowl for later. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- After the chicken is cooked, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes sticky. This will create a delicious glaze that adds flavor to your chicken.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions before serving. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch, while the green onions give a fresh taste.
how to serve Sticky Sesame Chicken
Sticky Sesame Chicken can be served in many delicious ways. One popular method is to serve it over a bed of steamed rice. The sticky glaze pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, soaking in the flavors. Alternatively, you can serve it over noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for a different twist. Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli can create a colorful and nutritious meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it on a bed of salad greens. No matter how you serve it, make sure to drizzle some of the sticky sauce on top for that extra flavor punch!
how to store Sticky Sesame Chicken
To store leftover Sticky Sesame Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If reheating frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first.
tips to make Sticky Sesame Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs: While you can use chicken breasts, thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking, making them a better choice for this recipe.
- Marinate Longer: For even more intense flavors, consider marinating the chicken for a longer period, ideally leaving it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey in the marinade to your liking.
- Garnish Variety: Feel free to experiment with garnishes. Chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts can also be great additions alongside sesame seeds and green onions.
variation
There are many variations you can try with Sticky Sesame Chicken. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Sticky Sesame Chicken: Add some heat to your dish by including red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade. This will give a nice kick to the flavors.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press and drain the tofu to help it absorb the marinade and achieve a great texture.
- Add Nuts: Mixing in cashews or peanuts during the last few minutes of cooking can give you a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Different Proteins: Try using shrimp or even pork as a different protein base for this sticky glaze. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may need careful attention to avoid drying out during cooking.
Q2: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the Sticky Sesame Chicken in advance, then freeze it for later use. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Q4: Is it necessary to use fresh ginger and garlic?
While fresh ginger and garlic add a lot of flavors, you can use powdered versions if necessary. However, fresh ingredients will provide the best taste.
Q5: How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you want a thicker glaze, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the simmering sauce, stirring until it thickens to your liking.
Enjoy making and serving your Sticky Sesame Chicken! It’s a delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of flavors and easy preparation makes it a go-to meal option for many occasions. Happy cooking!
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Sticky Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious chicken dish with a sticky glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar to form a marinade.
- Add chicken thighs and coat them well, then cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add marinated chicken, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Pour in the remaining marinade and let it simmer until it thickens into a sticky glaze.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For improved flavor, marinate the chicken overnight and feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg