Creamy Tahini Chicken Delight
Transform your leftover chicken into a delightful dish with this Creamy Tahini Chicken Delight. The nutty flavor of tahini combined with honey, soy sauce, and fresh ginger creates a tantalizing sauce that enlivens cubed chicken. Served over fluffy brown rice, this meal is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fat-free chicken broth
3/4 cup (Use as the base for sauce)
tahini
1/4 cup (Whisk into broth mixture)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (Add to sauce for flavor)
honey
1 tablespoon (Add sweetness to the sauce)
garlic
1 clove (Minced)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (Grated)
hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon (Add for heat)
cooked chicken breasts
2 cups (Cubed)
cooked brown rice
4 cups (Serves as a base)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, bring the fat-free chicken broth to a boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to simmer the broth gently.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and hot pepper sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Gradually pour the tahini mixture into the saucepan with the simmering broth, stirring constantly to incorporate.
5
Add the cubed cooked chicken to the saucepan. Stir well and heat until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through, about 5 minutes.
6
Serve the creamy tahini chicken over a generous scoop of cooked brown rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tahini Chicken Delight?
It is a flavorful dish made by combining cooked chicken with a savory sauce of tahini, honey, soy sauce, and ginger, served over brown rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to transform leftover cooked chicken breasts into a fresh and tasty meal.
What kind of rice is recommended?
The recipe suggests serving the chicken over 4 cups of cooked brown rice for added nutrients and fiber.
What is the base of the sauce?
The sauce base consists of fat-free chicken broth and tahini.
How do I prepare the tahini mixture?
Whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and hot pepper sauce in a bowl until smooth.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains one teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, which provides a mild kick, but you can adjust this amount to suit your heat preference.
How long does it take to heat the chicken?
Once the chicken is added to the sauce, it should be heated through for about 5 minutes.
Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred.
Is fresh ginger necessary?
Freshly grated ginger is recommended for the best flavor, though ground ginger can be used in a pinch (use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon).
What side dishes go well with this?
Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are excellent accompaniments to this meal.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a paste made from toasted ground sesame seeds, common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, while brown rice is recommended for nutrition, white rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice will also work well.
How do I mince the garlic?
Peel the garlic clove and chop it very finely or use a garlic press.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Cooked, cubed chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it uses fat-free broth, nutrient-dense tahini, and brown rice, making it a balanced and healthy choice.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is thicker than you like, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.
Do I need to boil the broth first?
Yes, bring the broth to a boil first, then reduce to a simmer before adding the tahini mixture.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe; just cube the meat and add it to the sauce.
How much ginger should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger.
Can I freeze this dish?
The chicken and sauce can be frozen, but the texture of the tahini sauce may change slightly upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh.
What is the purpose of the soy sauce?
Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami depth to the creamy tahini sauce.
Can I add vegetables directly into the sauce?
Yes, you can stir in spinach or peas at the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
Is the garlic cooked?
The garlic is minced and heated in the simmering broth with the other sauce ingredients to mellow its flavor.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a 2-quart saucepan for the sauce and a mixing bowl for whisking the tahini mixture.
Is tahini high in protein?
Tahini is a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats.
Can I use a different grain besides rice?
Yes, quinoa, farro, or couscous would also be delicious bases for this creamy chicken dish.