Sesame Chicken
This sesame chicken dish combines crispy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a comforting family meal that's ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. (Tip: Prefer breast? Feel free to swap!)
- ½ cup cornstarch For that fantastic crunch—don't skimp on this!
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil Adds depth and nuttiness. (Note: Use toasted sesame oil for more flavor.)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for depth—this elevates the dish beautifully.
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce The base of our sauce. Swap for tamari for a gluten-free option.
- ¼ cup honey For sweetness, but you can substitute with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar For a slight tang. Apple cider vinegar works too!
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds For garnishing—these add a lovely crunch.
- green onions Brightness and color are essential—feel free to chop extra!
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cutting chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the cornstarch in a bowl and toss the chicken until they’re all coated evenly.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces.
- Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Once the chicken is well-coated in luscious sauce, remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top.
Notes
This sesame chicken is great for leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick.