Caramelized Sesame Chicken
A delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or upscale dinners.
Ingredients
For the marinade and chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup For a vegan option, use maple syrup.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Used to coat chicken for crispiness.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For cooking.
For garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Toasted
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped For garnishing
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Add chicken pieces and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for better flavor, a few hours in the fridge.
Prepare for Cooking
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
- Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch to coat lightly.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer, cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Add Sauce and Finish
- Once all chicken is cooked, reduce heat to medium and pour remaining marinade into the skillet.
- Stir continuously until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add toasted sesame seeds to the skillet, tossing well to coat the chicken evenly.
Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy warm!
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
For a lighter option, serve over a stir-fried vegetable mix. Reheat with a splash of water or oil for best texture.