Easy Sesame Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe. With a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this dish can easily become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the minimal ingredients required, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks who still want to enjoy a homemade meal.
Why It’s My Go-To
This Easy Sesame Chicken has become my go-to dish for several reasons. First, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. Second, the combination of soy sauce, honey, and lime juice creates a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, giving it a mouthwatering finish. Lastly, the addition of sesame seeds not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it with rice, salad, or veggies, this dish never disappoints!
Shopping List
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ tablespoon white sesame seeds
- ½ tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 2 chicken breasts, skin on
- Handful of fresh coriander
Essential Tools for Success
- Skillet or frying pan – for cooking the chicken.
- Measuring spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or tongs – for flipping the chicken and stirring.
- Cutting board and knife – for prepping the garlic and ginger.
- Serving dish – to present your Easy Sesame Chicken beautifully.
Easy Sesame Chicken, Made Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well blended. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also creates a delicious glaze when cooked.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for even more flavor.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a splash of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, coating the chicken in a glossy glaze.
Step 6: Add the Sesame Seeds
Sprinkle both white and black sesame seeds over the chicken in the skillet, ensuring they stick to the glaze. Cook for an additional minute to toast the seeds slightly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving dish. Garnish with a handful of fresh coriander for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken warm, alongside your favorite rice or salad.
Texture-Safe Substitutions
- Chicken thighs – use skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Maple syrup – substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Lemon juice – if lime isn’t available, lemon juice works well too.
- Tamari – for a gluten-free version, switch soy sauce with tamari.
Cook’s Commentary
This Easy Sesame Chicken is not only a fantastic main course but also versatile. Feel free to experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the skillet for a complete one-pan meal. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference. The key to achieving that beautiful glaze is to ensure the marinade reduces slightly in the skillet, so don’t skip that step! Enjoy this dish with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Leftover Easy Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to let the chicken cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist during reheating.
Common Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they may cook faster than bone-in cuts.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this Easy Sesame Chicken is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile. However, if you enjoy some heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it.
What can I serve with Easy Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or noodles for a more substantial meal.
What to Make After This
The Last Word
This Easy Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that comes together quickly and satisfies the taste buds with its vibrant flavors. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a scrumptious plate of Easy Sesame Chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Easy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well blended.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil if needed.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving it. Cook the chicken skin-side down for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and simmer until it thickens slightly, coating the chicken in a glaze.
- Sprinkle both sesame seeds over the chicken and cook for an additional minute to toast the seeds.
- Remove the chicken and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve warm with rice or salad.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Substitute chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Add vegetables for a complete one-pan meal.
