Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than our mouthwatering 20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken recipe! Bursting with flavor and ready in no time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal on the table fast. With tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we explore the world of culinary delights and discover how simple it is to create this delectable dish. From detailed instructions to cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb options, this recipe has something for everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Scallions, chopped, for serving
- White rice, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat Sesame Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the chicken.
- Serve: Serve the honey sesame chicken over white rice and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Variation: Add your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the skillet along with the chicken for added color and nutrition.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste preferences. Add more for extra heat or omit it altogether for a milder dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Q: Can I meal prep this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the honey sesame chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Q: What can I serve with honey sesame chicken besides rice?
A: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans. You can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, you can make keto-friendly honey sesame chicken by using a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey and reducing the amount of soy sauce to lower the carb content.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Honey Sesame Chicken:
- Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey.
- Reduce the amount of soy sauce to lower the carb content.
- Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of white rice.
Low-Carb Honey Sesame Chicken:
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb content.
- Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
- Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms to bulk up the dish without adding carbs.
With its irresistible combination of tender chicken, sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and nutty sesame seeds, our 20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken is a dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, why wait? Treat yourself to a delicious meal that’s ready in no time and enjoy the delightful flavors of honey sesame chicken!
With detailed instructions, cook notes, variations, and FAQs, this blog post provides all the information you need to create the perfect 20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, you’ll find everything you need to make this mouthwatering dish a success.
