Welcome to a culinary journey where bold flavors and quick cooking techniques come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Our 20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and minimal prep time. With tender pieces of chicken bathed in a luscious honey sesame sauce, every bite is a burst of savory-sweet goodness that will leave you craving more. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up a delicious meal in no time with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s perfect for busy days and hungry appetites.
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 mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the chicken.
- Serve: Serve the honey sesame chicken hot over a bed of cooked white rice, garnished with additional sesame seeds and scallions if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets to the skillet along with the chicken for added color and nutrition.
- Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of honey or adding a pinch of brown sugar for extra richness.
- Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of sriracha according to your preference for heat.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Substitute Chicken Thighs: Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful keto-friendly option.
- Swap Sweeteners: Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of honey to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Serve with Cauliflower Rice: Instead of white rice, serve the honey sesame chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Is sesame oil necessary for this recipe?
- Sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with another neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil if needed.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to feed a larger crowd. Simply adjust the cooking time and skillet size accordingly.
- What can I serve with honey sesame chicken?
- Serve the chicken over cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a satisfying meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for added nutrition.
Elevate your weeknight dinners with the irresistible flavors of our 20-Minute Honey Sesame Chicken – a quick and easy dish that packs a punch of sweet and savory goodness. With tender chicken coated in a luscious honey sesame sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this simple yet flavorful dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, grab your skillet and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade honey sesame chicken in just 20 minutes flat.