Discover The Ultimate Healthy Way To Enjoy Sesame Chicken: No Frying Required!
What To Know
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken.
- Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a party-pleasing appetizer, this sesame chicken is sure to impress.
- Store the sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Craving the tantalizing flavors of sesame chicken without the guilt of deep-frying? Look no further! This blog post will guide you through the art of making crispy sesame chicken without frying, ensuring a healthier yet equally satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Ensure they are evenly coated.
2. Pan-Fry the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
5. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken. Stir to combine.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sesame chicken immediately over rice or your favorite side dish.
Tips for Crispy Chicken
- Use a large skillet: This will prevent the chicken from overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Cook over medium heat: This will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the coating.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking will result in tough, dry chicken.
Variations
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice or orange juice to the sauce.
- Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Replace the honey with 1/4 cup of garlic honey.
Healthier Benefits
- Reduced Fat: Pan-frying uses significantly less oil than deep-frying, reducing the overall fat content.
- Lower Calories: Without the excess oil, the sesame chicken contains fewer calories.
- More Nutrients: Pan-frying preserves more of the nutrients in the chicken and vegetables.
Ending Notes: Savor the Sesame Goodness
Indulge in the crispy, savory goodness of sesame chicken without compromising your health. This guilt-free recipe allows you to enjoy all the flavors you love while reaping the benefits of a healthier cooking method. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a party-pleasing appetizer, this sesame chicken is sure to impress.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use other types of chicken?
A: Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
A: You can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Q: How do I store leftover sesame chicken?
A: Store the sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat.