Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Craving a quick, tasty dinner? Look no further than my Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken! This dish features tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory sauce. With simple ingredients like honey, garlic, and soy sauce, it’s both easy to make and delicious. Whether you choose to serve it over rice or quinoa, your family will love this flavorful meal. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 3 tablespoons honey

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 1 tablespoon water

The chicken thighs are the star here. They stay juicy and tender. Honey gives a sweet touch. Garlic and ginger add depth. Soy sauce brings umami, while sesame oil offers a nutty flavor.

Optional Garnishes

- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted

- 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Garnishes make your dish pop. Sesame seeds add crunch. Green onions bring a fresh taste and color.

Suggested Side Dishes

- Cooked rice

- Quinoa

- Steamed vegetables

For a complete meal, serve with cooked rice or quinoa. Steamed veggies add nutrients and balance. These sides soak up the tasty sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

To start, grab a medium bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of honey. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well combined. This marinade will give your chicken a great taste.

Marinating the Chicken

Take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a better flavor, marinate for 1-2 hours.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, remove the chicken from the fridge. Take the marinated chicken out and set the marinade aside. Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns golden-brown and is fully cooked.

Next, make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Once the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade back into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken well.

Tips & Tricks

Marinating for Best Flavor

To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper taste, aim for 1 to 2 hours. This lets the honey, garlic, and ginger soak in well. You can even marinate it overnight if you want to plan ahead. Just remember to keep it in the fridge.

Cooking Techniques

For perfect golden-brown chicken, heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken without crowding the pan. This helps it cook evenly. Stir frequently to ensure it cooks all around. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.

Sauce Thickness

To get the right sauce thickness, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add this to your cooked chicken and sauce mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This will give you a glossy sauce that coats the chicken nicely. If you want it thicker, add a bit more cornstarch. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of water.

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can boost your meal by adding vegetables. Bell peppers and broccoli work great here. Slice bell peppers into thin strips. Add them to the skillet while cooking the chicken. They will cook quickly and add crunch. Broccoli florets are another option. Add them about halfway through cooking. This way, they stay bright and fresh. Both choices add color and nutrients.

Adjusting Sweetness

You control the sweetness of this dish. If you prefer a less sweet meal, reduce the honey. Start with two tablespoons instead of three. Taste the marinade before adding chicken. If it needs more sweetness, add a bit more honey. This flexibility lets you adjust flavors to suit your taste.

Alternative Proteins

Want to switch things up? You can use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken. For tofu, press and cube it before marinating. Cook it until golden in the skillet. For shrimp, add them directly to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink, about 3-5 minutes. Both options create a delicious twist on this classic recipe.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store any leftover honey garlic sesame chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Let the chicken cool down first to avoid steam. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay tasty for about 3 to 4 days. When you reheat, make sure it’s hot all the way through.

Freezing the Dish

You can freeze honey garlic sesame chicken for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Shelf Life

Honey garlic sesame chicken has a good shelf life. When stored properly, it can last about 4 days in the fridge. If you freeze it, expect it to stay good for about 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner, making it lower in fat. However, chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook them. They can dry out quickly. For the best results, cut them into even pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate as the thighs.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce. Mix a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the marinade. If you prefer sriracha, add it to the marinade in small amounts. Taste as you go to reach your desired spice level. Fresh chopped chili peppers also work well for a bold kick.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you need a soy-free option, try coconut aminos. It has a similar flavor profile but is gluten-free. Another option is a mix of balsamic vinegar and water. This can mimic the salty taste of soy sauce. For a quick fix, use Worcestershire sauce, but remember it has a stronger flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

This blog post guided you through making a tasty chicken dish. We covered main ingredients, like chicken thighs, honey, and soy sauce. I shared steps for marinating and cooking, along with tips for flavor and texture. You learned about variations to suit your taste. Lastly, I explained storage tips for leftovers. Experiment with these ideas to enjoy a meal you can customize and share. Every step helps you create your own delicious version. Cooking should be fun, so get started now!