Quick Savory Sesame Chicken

This sesame ground chicken recipe has become my weeknight dinner hero, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. The sweet and savory combination creates a restaurant-quality dish that makes even the busiest evenings feel special.

I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but satisfying. My family now requests it at least twice a month and I love how easily I can customize the heat level for different preferences.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken breast provides a lean protein base without sacrificing flavor
• Chili garlic sauce adds the perfect balance of heat without overwhelming
• Brown sugar creates caramelization and balances the savory elements
• Toasted sesame oil brings authentic Asian flavor depth start with less and adjust to taste
• Cornstarch creates that perfect glossy thick sauce that clings to every bite
• Fresh scallions add brightness and color to finish the dish
• Sesame seeds provide textural contrast and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil over medium heat and cook diced onions for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden. Add chopped garlic and cook for just one minute more this prevents garlic from burning while still releasing its aromatic qualities.

Cook Ground Chicken

Add ground chicken to the skillet breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until no pink remains about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess liquid from the pan to prevent a watery sauce. Season with salt and pepper to build layers of flavor.

Create Sauce Base

Mix chili garlic sauce soy sauce brown sugar sesame oil and chicken broth in a separate bowl. This premixing ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the dish. Pour this mixture over your cooked chicken and stir thoroughly to coat each piece.

Thicken The Sauce

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer allowing flavors to meld. Add the cornstarch and water mixture while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and clings beautifully to the chicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow nicely.

Finish And Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed more salt pepper or sesame oil. Garnish generously with chopped scallions and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their texture and visual appeal.

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The chili garlic sauce is truly the hidden gem in this recipe. I always keep a jar in my refrigerator as it adds complexity without overwhelming heat. My husband who typically avoids spicy food actually asks for extra sauce when I make this.

Make Ahead Tips

This sesame ground chicken actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator. When reheating add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The flavors intensify beautifully making this an excellent meal prep option.

Customization Options

While this recipe is perfect as written you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like bell peppers broccoli or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal. For a lower carb option serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups instead of traditional rice. Vegetarians can substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh for the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

The sauce in this dish is absolutely magnificent so serve it with something that will capture every drop. Steamed jasmine rice is traditional but ramen noodles or even quinoa work beautifully. For a complete meal add a simple side of steamed broccoli or a quick cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to cut through the richness of the dish.

Cultural Context

This Americanized version of sesame chicken captures the essence of takeout flavors but with fresher ingredients and more control over sweetness and spice. While not traditionally authentic it draws inspiration from various Asian cuisines that feature the magical combination of soy sesame and garlic. The ground chicken makes it more accessible and quicker than traditional recipes that require deep frying.

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Common Questions

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for the chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this dish. The cooking process remains the same, though turkey may release slightly more moisture during cooking.

→ How spicy is this dish?

With 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, it has a mild to medium heat. You can adjust the spice level by decreasing the amount for a milder flavor or increasing it for more heat.

→ What can I serve with sesame ground chicken?

Rice and ramen noodles are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy also make excellent accompaniments.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and verify your chili garlic sauce is gluten-free. Serve with rice or gluten-free noodles.

→ How do I properly thicken the sauce?

You can either mix cornstarch with water and add it once the sauce is simmering, or whisk the dry cornstarch directly into the cold sauce mixture before heating. Both methods will thicken the sauce as it simmers.

→ Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish freezes exceptionally well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.