This recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering chicken honey sesame dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We'll cover everything from preparation to serving suggestions, ensuring you achieve perfectly glazed, flavorful chicken every time. This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your spice preferences and dietary needs.
What Makes this Chicken Honey Sesame Recipe So Special?
Our recipe stands out because it balances sweet and savory perfectly. The honey provides a sticky, delicious glaze, while the sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch. We've also focused on creating a recipe that's both easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Add Sesame Seeds: Stir in the sesame seeds during the last minute of cooking. This ensures they don't burn.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken honey sesame immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with extra sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, you can also use chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless) or even chicken drumsticks. Keep in mind that bone-in pieces will require a longer cooking time.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You could also add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the pan during cooking.
What can I serve this chicken with?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. However, it’s best to cook and serve the chicken immediately for optimal flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I thicken the sauce further?
If the sauce isn't thick enough after cooking, you can whisk together 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the pan while stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
This chicken honey sesame recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to adjust to your taste preferences, and a great addition to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy!
