Name: Sticky Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp sesame oil (optional); 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sticky Sesame Chicken is a delightful mix of tender chicken glazed in a sweet, savory sauce with a touch of garlic and ginger, topped with nutty sesame seeds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa for a balanced, wholesome meal.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Preheat your pan properly: Ensures chicken sears nicely without sticking.
Cut chicken uniformly: Helps in even cooking.
Use fresh ginger and garlic: Enhances the authentic Asian-inspired flavors.
Cornstarch slurry: Adds thickness and a glossy finish to the sauce.
Toast sesame seeds: Intensifies their nutty aroma and flavor.
Marinate chicken (optional): A quick 20-minute marinade in soy sauce and ginger boosts flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Sticky Sesame Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of healthy and flavorful. It’s a lighter take on a takeout classic, ensuring you enjoy every bite without guilt. The balance of savory soy sauce, sweetness from honey, and the aromatic depth of garlic and ginger makes it a crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and versatility mean you can whip it up quickly on a busy weeknight or impress guests at a dinner party. The glossy sesame glaze is irresistibly delicious, while the toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. You’ll love how adaptable this dish is to dietary preferences and its excellent pairing with sides like brown rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Yield: 4 servings

Sticky Sesame Chicken

A healthy, flavorful Sticky Sesame Chicken recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal-prep with endless customization options.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and toss them in cornstarch, ensuring an even coating. This step helps achieve a crisp exterior.
Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Make It Sticky: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour into the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry. Slowly stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sticky sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve hot with your favorite side.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes for best flavor.
Adjust sauce sweetness to taste by modifying honey levels.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 554Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 186mgSodium 760mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 1gSugar 13gProtein 63g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Chicken Breast/Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken is lean and perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Thighs are juicier; breasts are leaner.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium to control salt levels. Tamari or coconut aminos work well for gluten-free options.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is key for bold flavors. Pre-minced varieties save time but may lack intensity.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild tang to balance the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce. Arrowroot powder can substitute if needed.
Sesame Seeds: Toast for added nutty flavor and aesthetic appeal.

Variations and Substitutions:

Protein Swap: Use tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
Sauce Variations: Add a splash of sriracha for heat or peanut butter for a nutty twist.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of traditional grains.
Sweetness Control: Reduce honey for a less sweet glaze or use sugar-free sweeteners for a keto-friendly option.

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warm.
Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Meal Prep: Portion chicken and sides into containers for ready-to-eat lunches or dinners.