Craving a tasty and easy meal? Let me show you how to whip up my Better Than Takeout Honey Sesame Chicken Delight. This dish uses simple ingredients you can find at home. With some juicy chicken and a sweet, savory sauce, you’ll impress yourself and anyone at the dinner table. Follow my step-by-step guide to create a dish that beats takeout any day. Get ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Flavorful Sauce Components
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Aromatics and Garnishes
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 3 green onions, chopped
This recipe starts with the star of the dish: boneless chicken breast. It cooks up nice and tender. Next, we coat the chicken in cornstarch. This gives it a crispy edge that makes each bite so much better.
For the sauce, I use honey. It adds sweetness and pairs well with soy sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish tasty without too much salt. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang, while sesame oil gives it a warm, nutty flavor.
Aromatics play a big role here. Fresh ginger gives a zing, and minced garlic adds a nice aroma. After cooking, I top the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. They give the dish a beautiful look and extra flavor.
Using these ingredients, you create a meal that is better than takeout. You get bright flavors and a great texture. Plus, it’s easy to make at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
1. Coating with cornstarch
Start by placing 1 pound of boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of cornstarch and toss the chicken well until it gets a nice, even coat. This step adds crispiness when you cook the chicken.
2. Cooking the chicken to golden brown
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally. You want them to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
1. Sautéing ginger and garlic
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want to smell that wonderful aroma.
2. Mixing sauce ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Also, add salt and pepper to taste. Carefully pour this mixture into the skillet with the ginger and garlic.
Combining and Serving
1. Thickening the sauce
Let the sauce cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps it to thicken nicely.
2. Mixing chicken with sauce and garnishing
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss it in the sauce until each piece is coated evenly. Cook for an additional minute. Before serving, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds and 3 chopped green onions over the top. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to your dish.
Serve your Better Than Takeout Honey Sesame Chicken hot, over steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. Enjoy the taste of takeout right from your kitchen!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken
To cook chicken evenly, cut it into small pieces. This helps all the pieces cook at the same time. Use a large skillet or wok to give the chicken space. Hot oil is key. Heat the oil until it shimmers. This helps the chicken brown well. Flip it only when it’s golden. This creates a crisp outside.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need alternatives, try maple syrup instead of honey. It gives a nice sweetness. For soy sauce, use tamari for a gluten-free choice. You can also use coconut aminos. This sauce is less salty but still tasty. If you want veggies, try bell peppers or broccoli. They add color and crunch.
Presentation Suggestions
Serve your Honey Sesame Chicken over steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. Rice soaks up the sauce well. For a pop of color, add extra sesame seeds on top. Chopped green onions add freshness and look great. Use a nice plate to make your meal shine.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can make baked honey sesame chicken for a lighter option. Just coat the chicken with cornstarch and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This method cuts down on oil and fat while still giving you a crispy texture.
For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the honey. You can also swap honey for a sugar-free sweetener. This keeps the great taste while making it friendlier for your diet.
Flavor Customizations
Want to spice things up? Add chili sauce to the sauce mix. A teaspoon or two will give your dish a nice kick. You can adjust the heat to your liking.
You can also change up the veggies in this recipe. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These not only add color but also boost nutrition.
International Twists
Try a Korean-style honey sesame chicken by adding gochujang, a Korean chili paste. This gives a sweet and spicy flavor that is hard to resist.
For a Thai peanut variation, mix in some peanut butter with the sauce. This will create a creamy texture that pairs well with the chicken. Top it off with crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
Storage Info
Refrigerator Storage Tips
Honey sesame chicken stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. To store it, place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing to avoid steam buildup.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze honey sesame chicken for up to three months. To do this, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
Meal Prep Ideas
Making a large batch of honey sesame chicken is a great idea. You can enjoy it throughout the week. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Store the chicken and sides separately to keep everything fresh. This way, you can mix and match for variety.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and more flavorful.
– Pros of chicken thighs:
– They stay moist and tender.
– They have a richer taste.
– Cons of chicken thighs:
– They have more fat.
– They may take longer to cook.
Both cuts work well. Choose based on your taste and health needs.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To add heat, try these ideas:
– Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce.
– Mix in some red pepper flakes.
– Toss in sliced fresh chili peppers.
Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want it spicier!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use these alternatives:
– Choose gluten-free soy sauce.
– Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
These swaps keep the flavor while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy your meal without worry!
This blog post covered how to make honey sesame chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and variations. You can enjoy this dish with rice or vegetables. Remember to store leftovers well for later meals. Whether you want a spicy kick or a healthier version, there are many ways to customize your dish. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Cooking can be fun and simple with the right guide and ideas!
