20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Serve it over steamed rice, and you have a complete meal ready in no time.
Imagine the aroma of sizzling chicken in a sticky honey sesame glaze and the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Visualize yourself enjoying a forkful of tender chicken coated in that irresistible sauce. Let’s get cooking and make this speedy and flavorful meal!
Ingredients:
A Collection of Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium for a milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions:
Creating Quick and Flavorful Honey Sesame Chicken
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
- Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Coating with Flour:
- In a shallow bowl or plate, place the all-purpose flour. Dredge the seasoned chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Searing the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Making the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- In the same pan, add honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmering the Sauce:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
6. Combining the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the honey sesame sauce.
7. Adding Sesame Seeds:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
8. Serving:
- Serve your honey sesame chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
9. Enjoy Your Quick Meal:
- Dive in and enjoy your 20-minute honey sesame chicken!
Tips and Variations:
Elevate Your Honey Sesame Chicken Experience
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 20-30 minutes before coating and cooking them.
Variations:
- Add a kick of spice by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce into the honey sesame sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Customize your meal by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the sauce-simmering step.
Pairing Suggestion: Serve your honey sesame chicken over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can complement the dish nicely.
Storage and Enjoyment: Leftover honey sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain its deliciousness.
Cook’s Note: 20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken is proof that a quick and flavorful homemade dinner is within your reach, even on busy evenings. As you savor each bite of tender chicken coated in that irresistible honey sesame sauce, appreciate the convenience and deliciousness of this speedy meal. Share it with family or friends, explore different variations, and relish the satisfaction of a homemade dinner in just 20 minutes.
