Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken Recipe
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
If you’re a fan of sesame chicken from Chinese restaurants, you’ll love this healthier version that’s baked, not fried. Serve it over steamed or fried rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/8 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 408.4
- Fat: 19.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 68.7mg
- Sodium: 2228.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.6g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 16.8g
- Protein: 33.7g
Instructions:
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Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch chunks.
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Toast Sesame Seeds: In a small skillet, toast the sesame seeds with a little vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the seeds are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes.
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Prepare Marinade: In the skillet with the toasted sesame seeds, add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir to combine.
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Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the marinade mixture. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bake Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken and marinade in a single layer in a 7″ x 5″ baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
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Serve: Serve the sesame chicken over steamed or fried rice.
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Garnish: Garnish with the remaining sliced green onions before serving.
Tips and Variations:
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Rice Options: Serve this sesame chicken over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
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Spicy Variation: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
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Vegetable Additions: Include stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make it a complete meal.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
This Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic Chinese dish, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal at home. Enjoy the rich flavors of sesame, ginger, and garlic without the guilt of deep frying!
