Garlic Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously flavorful and easy-to-make dish, Garlic Sesame Chicken is a perfect choice.

This recipe combines tender chicken with a savory garlic and sesame sauce that’s both rich and aromatic. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sesame Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic sesame sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce to ensure it’s well-coated. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken before serving. Serve the garlic sesame chicken over steamed rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Garlic Sesame Chicken

1. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger

Fresh garlic and ginger will give your sauce a vibrant, aromatic flavor. Avoid using garlic powder or dried ginger for the best results.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the chicken to brown evenly and prevents it from steaming.

3. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more honey. For a more savory flavor, reduce the amount of honey and add a splash more soy sauce.

4. Add Vegetables

For a more nutritious meal, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet along with the chicken.

5. Make it Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Steamed Rice

The garlic sesame chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying.

2. With Noodles

Serve this dish over lo mein noodles or rice noodles for a hearty and flavorful meal.

3. As a Wrap

For a fun twist, use the garlic sesame chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortilla wraps.

Conclusion

Garlic Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender chicken with a savory garlic and sesame sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prepping. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic sesame sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just reheat it before adding the chicken.

3. Can I freeze garlic sesame chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. What can I use instead of honey?

If you prefer, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Both will provide a similar sweetness to the sauce.

5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure that the soy sauce and hoisin sauce used are vegetarian-friendly.

Yield: 4

Garlic Sesame Chicken Recipe

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If you’re looking for a deliciously flavorful and easy-to-make dish, Garlic Sesame Chicken is a perfect choice. This recipe combines tender chicken with a savory garlic and sesame sauce that’s both rich and aromatic. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering meal!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
   Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
   
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is well coated and heated through.
   
5. Serve:
   Transfer the garlic sesame chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden for extra flavor.

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter sodium content.

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet for a more complete meal. Stir-fry them before adding the chicken back into the skillet.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the texture of the chicken.