Looking for a dinner that packs a punch of flavor? You’re in the right place! My Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken is sweet, savory, and super easy to make. With simple ingredients, this dish will bring excitement to your table in no time. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy it is to create a tasty meal everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and sesame oil creates a deliciously sweet and savory sauce that is irresistible.
- Healthy Option: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps this dish lean while still being packed with protein.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add vegetables to the stir-fry, making it versatile for all tastes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
These main ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory dish. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender, making them perfect for this recipe. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce provides depth. Sesame oil gives a nice, nutty flavor. Garlic and ginger enhance the taste, making each bite amazing.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
You can add some optional ingredients to boost flavor:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh cilantro for freshness
- Broccoli or bell peppers for crunch
Adding red pepper flakes brings a nice kick. Fresh cilantro adds bright notes. Vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers give texture and color. These extras make your meal even more exciting.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Each serving contains:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
This meal packs a good amount of protein, which helps keep you full. The carbs come mainly from honey and soy sauce. While it has some fat from sesame oil, it’s healthy fat. Enjoy this dish guilt-free!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
First, gather your ingredients. You will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into small cubes. This helps them cook evenly. The chicken thighs have great flavor and stay juicy.
Marinating the Chicken
Next, make the marinade. In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Stir until everything blends well. Now, add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Make sure all pieces are coated in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This adds deeper flavor.
Cooking the Chicken in a Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and the marinade. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Stir regularly so it cooks evenly. You want it fully cooked and slightly caramelized. This gives it a nice color and taste.
Thickening the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine everything. This will thicken your sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Then, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the top. Gently mix to distribute them. Now, you can remove it from heat and add sliced green onions for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Best Flavor
To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken long enough. I suggest at least 30 minutes. If you can, let it sit for two hours. This gives the chicken time to soak up the honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Use fresh garlic and ginger for a stronger taste. They bring a bright and fresh flavor that dried spices just can’t match.
Recommended Cooking Techniques
For cooking, use a large skillet. Heat it to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps to caramelize the chicken and gives it a nice color. Stir often to cook the chicken evenly. If you want a bit of crunch, you can finish cooking it on high heat for a minute or two. This adds texture and makes the dish even better.
Alternative Thickening Options
Cornstarch is a great thickener, but there are others you can use. Arrowroot powder works well and is gluten-free. You can also use all-purpose flour for a different texture. Just mix it with water, like you do with cornstarch. If you want a rich flavor, try adding a little peanut butter to the sauce. It adds creaminess and a nutty taste that pairs well with the honey and garlic.
Pro Tips
- Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice caramelization.
- Thickening the Sauce: Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the skillet will create a smooth, thick sauce without lumps.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations
Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken with Veggies
You can easily add veggies to your honey garlic sesame chicken. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work great. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. When you cook the chicken, toss in the veggies during the last five minutes. This way, the veggies stay crisp and colorful. Plus, they soak up all that tasty sauce!
Spicy Version: Adding Heat
If you like a bit of spice, you can tweak the recipe. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Start with a small amount, then adjust to your taste. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the sweet honey flavor. I love the balance of sweet and spicy in this dish!
Alternative Proteins: Tofu or Shrimp
You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. For tofu, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and press out excess water. Marinate it just like the chicken. For shrimp, peel and devein them. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, which takes just a few minutes. Both options provide a delicious twist on this classic dish!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and flavors intact. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before sealing the container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For a skillet, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat until warmed through. This ensures you keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Freezing and Thawing Tips
If you choose to freeze the chicken, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, move the container to the fridge for a full day to thaw. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it safe. After thawing, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner than thighs. It will cook faster. Just cut the chicken into small cubes. Marinate as you would with thighs. The flavor will still be great!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari. Ensure your sesame oil is also gluten-free. Check labels on all ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten.
What sides pair well with Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken?
Many sides go well with this chicken. Great options include steamed rice or jasmine rice. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are tasty choices too.
How long can I marinate the chicken for?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Just remember to keep it in the fridge. Longer marinating helps the flavors soak in best.
This post covered all you need for great Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken. You learned about key and optional ingredients, how to cook it step by step, and tips for more flavor. I shared fun variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions.
With these insights, you can enjoy this tasty dish any day. Now, it’s time to try it ou
Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cubed chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure they're well coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (you can also marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken along with the marinade. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Mix gently to distribute.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.