Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share my Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken recipe. It’s a simple and tasty dish that your whole family will love. With just a few key ingredients like chicken, honey, and soy sauce, you’ll create a sweet and savory meal in no time. Let’s dive into the cooking fun and make this delicious dish together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a sweet and savory glaze that is utterly irresistible.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal suitable for any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids, thanks to its sweet flavor profile and tender chicken pieces.
Ingredients
List of Necessary Ingredients
– Chicken thighs
– Honey and soy sauce
– Sesame oil and sesame seeds
– Garlic and ginger
– Cornstarch and black pepper
For this sticky honey sesame chicken, you will need some simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These are juicy and tender, making them perfect for this dish.
Next, you’ll need 1/4 cup of honey. This will give your chicken that sweet and sticky glaze. Two tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce add a savory note that balances the sweetness.
You will also need 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This oil has a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. Two cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger will add depth and warmth to the marinade.
For thickening the sauce, have 1 tablespoon of cornstarch ready. Mix it with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Lastly, you’ll need 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper for a hint of spice, and 1/4 cup of sesame seeds to coat the chicken and add crunch.
Optional but great for garnish are 2 green onions, thinly sliced. They bring a nice freshness to the dish. Serve your sticky honey sesame chicken over cooked white or brown rice for a complete meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, you need to mix the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine these ingredients:
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Whisk these together until smooth. This mixture will add great flavor to the chicken.
Next, add the chicken. I use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for even better taste.
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, but save the marinade for later. Sauté the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often, so it cooks evenly. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and lightly golden brown.
Once the chicken is done, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the skillet. Stir it in and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and make it sticky.
Final Touches
Now for the final touches. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup of sesame seeds over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken with the seeds. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.
For serving, place the sticky honey sesame chicken over a bed of cooked rice. I suggest using either white or brown rice. You can also garnish each serving with thinly sliced green onions. This adds a fresh touch and makes the dish look even better!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Flavor and Texture
To make your sticky honey sesame chicken full of flavor, marinate the chicken. I suggest at least 30 minutes. If you have time, try marinating for up to 2 hours. This longer time helps the chicken soak up all the yummy tastes.
For cooking, I love using a large skillet or wok. It helps the chicken cook evenly. Keep the heat at medium-high. This way, the chicken gets tender and golden brown. Sauté it for 6-8 minutes. Stir it often to prevent sticking.
Presentation Enhancements
Garnishing is key for a pretty dish. I like to use thinly sliced green onions. They add color and a fresh taste. Just sprinkle them on top before serving.
Serve your sticky honey sesame chicken over cooked white or brown rice. This adds a nice base. You can also add colorful steamed vegetables. They not only look nice but also boost nutrition.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Use High Heat for Searing: Searing the chicken over medium-high heat will help achieve a nice golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness; you can also substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Garnish for Freshness: Always garnish with fresh green onions just before serving to add a burst of color and a fresh crunch.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can make this dish healthier by swapping chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. It soaks up the marinade well, giving it a tasty flavor. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice texture.
If you’re watching carbs, try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and still fills you up. You can easily make it by grating cauliflower or buying it pre-made.
Flavor Boosters
To add some heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the marinade. This will give your chicken a spicy kick that many love.
You can also mix in different vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas all work well. Add them to the skillet with the chicken for a colorful and nutritious dish. You can even toss in some carrots for added crunch and sweetness.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sticky honey sesame chicken fresh, follow these tips:
– Refrigeration guidelines: Place leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the chicken safe to eat later. Store the chicken in an airtight container. It can last for up to three days in the fridge.
– Recommended storage containers: I like to use glass containers with tight lids. They keep the food fresh and prevent any smells from leaking out. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing.
Reheating Tips
Reheating is key to enjoying your dish again.
– Best methods for preserving texture: The best way to reheat sticky honey sesame chicken is in a skillet. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce sticky. Heat the skillet on medium and add a splash of water to help steam the chicken back to life.
– Microwave versus skillet reheating: While the microwave is quick, it may dry out the chicken. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. The skillet is my favorite for better flavor and texture.
FAQs
Common Questions about Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast. They may cook faster than thighs. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. The taste will be slightly different, but it will still be tasty.
What can I substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar. They will give a similar sweetness. If you want to skip sweeteners, try brown sugar mixed with water.
How can I make the dish spicy?
To add spice, include red pepper flakes or sriracha in the marinade. You can also add chopped fresh chili peppers. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This will enhance the flavor. You can also cook it and store leftovers for later meals.
This blog post showed you how to make a tasty sticky honey sesame chicken. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to make it perfect. You learned about healthy swaps and how to store leftovers.
Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to get creative with this dish. It’s simple, fun, and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Make this dish your own and share it with family and friend
