Savory Sesame Chicken Delight
Satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese cuisine right at home with this Savory Sesame Chicken Delight. This dish features tender, juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and savory glaze made with honey and low-sodium soy sauce, accented with a hint of ginger and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve it over a fluffy bed of rice and steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal that feels indulgent without the added calories. This recipe allows for customization with fresh ginger, garlic, or even different proteins like shrimp or pork, making it a versatile option in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy this healthier, homemade version of Sesame Chicken that is sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (pat dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch strips or bite-size pieces)
honey
1/2 cup
low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup
water
1 cup
cornstarch
2 tablespoons
ground ginger
1/2-1 teaspoon ((fresh is better if available))
red pepper flakes
1/2-1 teaspoon ((optional for heat))
toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips or bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2
In a large non-stick skillet, heat over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray.
3
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for approximately 6 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
4
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, water, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
5
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
6
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
7
Once thickened, sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds and gently fold them into the chicken.
8
Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the flavors of the sauce.
9
For added depth, consider drizzling a few drops of sesame oil at the end of cooking or incorporating fresh garlic and ginger if desired.
10
Serve hot over rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
42g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sesame Chicken Delight?
It is a healthier, homemade version of traditional Chinese sesame chicken featuring tender chicken in a sweet and savory honey-soy glaze.
How many calories are in a serving of this sesame chicken?
There are approximately 367 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 30g of protein per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 42g of carbohydrates.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from honey, low-sodium soy sauce, water, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
Cut 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves into 1-inch strips or bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken should be cooked for approximately 6 minutes, or until it is no longer pink.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, fresh ginger is highly recommended for better flavor if it is available.
How do I prevent the sauce from having lumps?
Whisk the honey, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, and spices in a separate bowl until smooth before adding it to the skillet.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat, which can be adjusted or omitted based on your preference.
What is the purpose of simmering the chicken for 10 minutes?
Simmering allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors of the honey-soy sauce.
Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Yes, this versatile recipe works well with shrimp or pork as alternatives to chicken.
How much honey is used in the glaze?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of honey to create the sweet glaze.
Should I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends low-sodium soy sauce to maintain a healthier profile.
What kind of skillet is recommended?
A large non-stick skillet is best for cooking the chicken and the sticky glaze.
Are sesame seeds necessary?
Toasted sesame seeds are used as a garnish and to add a signature nutty flavor to the dish.
How much cornstarch is needed for thickening?
You will need 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the chicken over fluffy rice with a side of steamed vegetables.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding fresh garlic is a suggested customization for those who want more depth of flavor.
Is sesame oil used in this recipe?
While not a main ingredient, you can drizzle a few drops of sesame oil at the end for added aroma.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal-prep friendly recipe and makes for a great weeknight dinner.
How many chicken breast halves are required?
The recipe uses 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The sauce mixture requires 1 cup of water.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Does this dish contain fat?
The recipe is described as a low-fat meal, though specific fat grams are not listed.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick and easy chicken recipe suitable for busy schedules.
How do I toast the sesame seeds?
You can toast them in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and golden.
Can I make this recipe more indulgent?
While healthy, you can add more honey or a drizzle of sesame oil for a richer taste.
Is this recipe authentic Chinese food?
It is a healthier, homemade take on popular Chinese-American takeout flavors.