Savory Clay Pot Sesame Chicken Delight
Experience the rich and tantalizing flavors of our Savory Clay Pot Sesame Chicken Delight, inspired by Dana Jacobi’s culinary wisdom. This dish transforms the humble chicken breast into a succulent meal, simmered in a creamy, nutty sesame sauce that's bursting with savory notes. The clay pot cooking method locks in moisture and enhances the natural flavors, creating a dish that's perfect for sharing. Serve it steaming hot straight from the pot, accompanied by vibrant steamed broccoli and fluffy rice, or shred the chicken for a deliciously unique salad that's perfect for any occasion. With a seamless blend of spices and textures, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup (smooth)
Ginger
1 inch piece (peeled and minced)
Garlic Cloves
3 (minced)
Chinese Five Spice Powder
1 teaspoon (dry spice)
Chicken Broth
1/2 cup (liquid)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (liquid)
Sake (or Sherry Wine)
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Chinese Red Rice Vinegar (or Red Wine Vinegar)
1 tablespoon (liquid)
Toasted Sesame Oil
1 teaspoon (liquid)
Hot Pepper Flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Whole Chicken Breasts
2 (skinned and split)
Scallion
1/2 cup (chopped (white and tender green parts))
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking your 3-quart clay pot in lukewarm water for 15-30 minutes, depending on whether it’s new or pre-owned. Drain thoroughly before use.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, minced ginger, minced garlic, Chinese five spice powder, chicken broth, soy sauce, sake or sherry, red rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, hot pepper flakes, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
3
Once the pot is ready, arrange the two skinned and split chicken breasts in a single layer in the soaked clay pot.
4
Pour the prepared peanut sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the pot with its lid.
5
Place the covered clay pot in a cold oven. Set the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and let it cook for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6
Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate. Drizzle with the sauce from the pot and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Clay Pot Sesame Chicken Delight?
It is a succulent chicken dish inspired by Dana Jacobi, featuring chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, nutty sesame sauce using a clay pot cooking method.
How should I prepare the clay pot before cooking?
You should soak the 3-quart clay pot in lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes and drain it thoroughly before use.
What size clay pot is required for this recipe?
A 3-quart clay pot is recommended for this Savory Sesame Chicken recipe.
What ingredients are used for the sesame sauce?
The sauce includes creamy peanut butter, ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice powder, chicken broth, soy sauce, sake or sherry, red rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and pepper.
Can I substitute the Chinese red rice vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar if Chinese red rice vinegar is unavailable.
What is a suitable alternative for sake?
Sherry wine can be used as a substitute for sake in this recipe.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts?
The two whole chicken breasts should be skinned and split before being placed in the clay pot.
Do I need to preheat the oven?
No, you should place the covered clay pot into a cold oven and then set the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the cooking temperature for this dish?
The oven should be set to 450°F (230°C) after placing the pot inside.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
The chicken typically takes about 45 minutes to become fully cooked and tender.
How do I serve this sesame chicken?
Serve it steaming hot straight from the pot, drizzled with the sauce and garnished with chopped scallions.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Vibrant steamed broccoli and fluffy rice are excellent accompaniments for this meal.
Can this chicken be used for salads?
Yes, you can shred the cooked chicken to create a unique and delicious salad.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat that can be adjusted to taste.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter for a smooth sauce consistency.
Why is a clay pot used for this chicken dish?
Clay pot cooking locks in moisture and enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
What kind of ginger should I use?
Use a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What garnish is used for the final dish?
The dish is garnished with 1/2 cup of chopped scallions, using both white and tender green parts.
What is the role of Chinese five spice powder in this recipe?
It provides a warm, savory depth of flavor to the peanut-based sauce.
Can I use a new clay pot?
Yes, but ensure you soak it for the full 30 minutes if it is new to properly season the ceramic.
How should the chicken be arranged in the pot?
The chicken breasts should be arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to whisk the sauce ingredients?
Yes, whisk all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth before pouring over the chicken.
Is toasted sesame oil necessary?
Yes, one teaspoon of toasted sesame oil is used to provide the signature nutty aroma.
What type of broth is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
The recipe specifies whole chicken breasts that are skinned and split, but bone-in may require a longer cooking time.
Does the pot need a lid?
Yes, the clay pot must be covered with its lid during the cooking process to lock in moisture.
What is the texture of the chicken after cooking?
The chicken should be succulent, moist, and tender.
Is there any soy sauce in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of soy sauce is included in the sauce mixture.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this dish?
The recipe is inspired by the culinary wisdom of Dana Jacobi.