Garlic Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and sesame in a wholesome meal that everyone will love. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a mouthwatering taste that will leave your family asking for seconds. With tender pieces of chicken coated in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, fresh garlic, and toasted sesame oil, this dish brings together the best of Asian-inspired cooking right in your kitchen. Whether you serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables, Garlic Sesame Chicken makes for a satisfying dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delectable dish that promises to impress. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Sesame Chicken

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

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Ingredients for Garlic Sesame Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
• Toasted Sesame Oil: This gives an authentic flavor; don’t skip it!
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the savory elements of the dish

For Garnish:

• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds enhance the flavor and add crunch
• Sliced Green Onions: Fresh green onions add color and freshness to your final dish

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Sesame Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces along with all the marinade. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through—about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

If desired, allow the sauce to simmer on low heat until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked properly, remove from heat. Transfer to plates or a serving platter.

Step 6: Garnish

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving for extra flavor.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Chicken

This Garlic Sesame Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the chicken in the garlic sesame sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all marinade ingredients and coat the chicken, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Storing: Leftover Garlic Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; it will maintain its best quality for about three months when frozen.
• Reheating: For optimal results, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave, heating it in short intervals (30 seconds) while stirring in between to ensure even warming without drying out.

Suggestions for Garlic Sesame Chicken

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

One common mistake when preparing Garlic Sesame Chicken is overcooking the chicken. This can lead to a dry and tough texture, diminishing the overall taste of your dish. To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (75°C). Cook it just until this temperature is reached; then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite remains juicy and flavorful. Always monitor your cooking time closely, and consider using a skillet or wok over medium-high heat for best results.

Using Low-Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the flavor of Garlic Sesame Chicken. Using low-quality soy sauce or sesame oil can result in an unbalanced taste. Aim for high-quality, authentic products for the best results. Opt for organic chicken if possible, as it tends to have better flavor and texture compared to conventional options. Fresh garlic also enhances the dish’s aroma and taste. Don’t underestimate the importance of fresh ingredients; they elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Investing in good-quality components will enhance the overall flavor profile of your Garlic Sesame Chicken.

Skipping Marination

Marinating your chicken is crucial in developing flavor depth in Garlic Sesame Chicken. Skipping this step may lead to bland chicken that lacks the rich, savory taste you desire. A simple marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger can work wonders. Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, if you have time, longer marination can deepen flavors even further. The acids in the marinade help tenderize the meat while infusing it with delicious notes that complement sesame oil’s nuttiness beautifully. Never underestimate the power of a good marinade.

Not Balancing Flavors

Another mistake people often make is failing to balance flavors in Garlic Sesame Chicken. This dish requires a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and umami profiles to shine. If you find your dish too salty, consider adding a touch of honey or sugar to balance it out. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, a splash of rice vinegar can enhance acidity and bring everything together beautifully. Adjusting these elements ensures that all flavors are well-rounded without overshadowing one another. Taste as you go along; this is key in achieving that perfect balance essential for Garlic Sesame Chicken.

FAQs

What sides pair well with Garlic Sesame Chicken?

Garlic Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its rich flavors. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice acts as an excellent base for soaking up those delicious sauces. For added crunch and freshness, consider serving this dish alongside stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli tossed lightly in sesame oil and garlic. A crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds brightness and contrast to the meal as well. Finally, crispy wontons or egg rolls can serve as delightful appetizers before diving into your main course.

Can I make Garlic Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

Making Garlic Sesame Chicken ahead of time is entirely possible! You can marinate the chicken several hours or even overnight for deeper flavor infusion before cooking it on serving day. Once cooked, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on medium heat until warmed through; be careful not to overcook during reheating to maintain tenderness. Additionally, consider making extra sauce so you can drizzle some on top when serving later—this keeps everything flavorful and moist!

Is there a vegetarian version of Garlic Sesame Chicken?

Yes! You can easily create a vegetarian version of Garlic Sesame Chicken by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh—both options absorb flavors wonderfully when marinated appropriately. Use extra-firm tofu cut into cubes or slices for best results; press it beforehand to remove excess moisture so it crisps nicely during cooking. Marinate as you would with chicken using similar ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil, then sauté until golden brown and crispy on all sides—a perfect plant-based alternative without sacrificing taste!

How do I store leftovers of Garlic Sesame Chicken?

Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy your Garlic Sesame Chicken later without compromising its quality! Allow any remaining chicken to cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container suitable for refrigerating food items safely—this prevents moisture loss while keeping flavors intact during storage! Leftovers should be consumed within three days when kept chilled in the fridge; alternatively, you may freeze them for up to two months if necessary! Just remember that reheating may alter texture slightly; therefore gentle warming works best!

Conclusion

Garlic Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish bursting with flavor when prepared correctly. Avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking chicken or using low-quality ingredients will significantly enhance your cooking experience and outcome. Remember that marinating adds depth while balancing flavors makes all parts come together seamlessly—these steps ensure a memorable meal every time! Whether served alongside steamed rice or fresh veggies, this dish offers versatility that appeals widely across palates. By following these tips and answering common questions about preparation methods and storage solutions effectively, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience centered around this beloved recipe!

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Garlic Sesame Chicken

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Garlic Sesame Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your table. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, fresh garlic, and toasted sesame oil, creating a mouthwatering experience that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish can be served over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful dinner that is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, Garlic Sesame Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Optionally, let the sauce simmer to thicken.
5. Serve on plates or a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition. Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.