These Easy Sesame Chicken Bowls are a tasty dinner choice! Tender chicken cooked with soy sauce and sesame oil is served over rice, topped with crunchy veggies and sesame seeds.
It’s like bringing takeout right to your kitchen, minus the waiting! I love whipping these up for a quick meal after a busy day. You can even mix and match your favorite veggies! 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well. If you want a leaner option, go for breast. For a richer flavor, thighs are my favorite! You can also use tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Feel free to use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option!
Honey or Brown Sugar: Honey adds a lovely sweetness. If you need it to be vegan, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Vegetables: While this recipe calls for broccoli and carrots, you can swap in any veggies you like! Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini are all great choices.
How Do I Make the Sauce Perfectly Balanced?
Getting the sauce just right enhances the dish a lot. Mixing your soy sauce with honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil creates a sweet, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and taste it. Adjust the sweetness with more honey or sugar if you prefer.
- If you want a thicker sauce, be sure to add the cornstarch slurry towards the end and stir continually until it thickens. This only takes 1-2 minutes!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Rice?
Cooking the rice properly ensures a great base for your bowls. You can use a rice cooker for perfect results or just follow the package instructions on the stovetop.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Use a 2:1 water to rice ratio and bring it to a boil before reducing to a simmer until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Easy Sesame Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 25-30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and set it aside. This will be your tasty sauce!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure there’s no pink left!
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. This will add a wonderful flavor!
4. Add the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together so the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, stir the cornstarch mixture again and pour it into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it’s nicely thickened.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice into your serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous amount of the sesame chicken, steamed broccoli, and shredded carrots. Make it colorful!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your bowls by garnishing with sliced green onions and sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious sesame chicken bowls!
FAQ for Easy Sesame Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’s best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or you can use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives to rice, you can serve the sesame chicken over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. Each of these pairs well with the flavors of the dish!
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Absolutely! If you enjoy some heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
