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Easy Sesame Chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Sesame Chicken is a quick and delicious way to satisfy your craving for a savory meal. Tender chicken coated in a sweet and salty sesame sauce makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. You won't believe how easy it is to make this dish tonight!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger root
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Set this aside for later.
  2. Next, heat the canola oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers slightly but isn't smoking. This is the perfect time to introduce your chicken.
  3. Carefully add the chicken thighs to the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you want to give each piece space to sear properly. Let them cook without moving them for about five minutes, or until they form a nice golden crust.
  4. Once the first side is beautifully browned, flip the chicken pieces over to cook the other side. Continue searing until they are cooked through, which should take another five minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible at this point!
  5. When the chicken is done, carefully pour in the sauce mixture. Stir it around to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for one to two minutes until it thickens slightly, clinging to the chicken.
  6. As the sauce thickens, take a moment to admire the glossy finish it gives to your chicken. Once it’s ready, remove the pan from the heat. This is where you can taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Before serving, garnish your Easy Sesame Chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal. You can also add some sliced green onions if you have them on hand.
  8. Plate the chicken along with any sauce from the pan, and serve it over steamed rice or noodles to soak up every bit of flavor. Enjoy your homemade meal!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.