High Protein Sesame Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breast with a savoury sesame sauce and a variety of colourful vegetables.
Imagine perfectly cooked chicken pieces coated in a rich and flavorful sesame sauce, served with a medley of fresh vegetables that add both taste and texture to the dish.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake while enjoying a satisfying and wholesome meal.
The star of this dish is the chicken breast, which is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
The chicken is cooked until it is juicy and tender, then coated in a mouthwatering sesame sauce that combines the umami flavours of soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the tanginess of rice vinegar.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: The chicken breast provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
- Rich and Savory: The sesame sauce adds a rich and savoury flavour to the dish.
- Nutritious and Colorful: The variety of vegetables adds both nutrition information and colour to the meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for any home cook.
- Customizable: Add your favourite vegetables or spices to create a personalized dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Sesame Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger.
- Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and snap peas to the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the vegetables and sauce.
- Add the sesame seeds and sliced green onions and stir to combine. Serve the High Protein Sesame Chicken over cooked brown rice or quinoa.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and enjoy the rich and savoury flavours.
Storage and Serving
Serving
Serve the High Protein Sesame Chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs well with cooked brown rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavour and texture of your dish.
- Cook the Chicken Properly: Ensure the chicken is cooked until browned and cooked through for the best texture.
- Customize the Vegetables: Add your favourite vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, for added flavour and nutrition.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavour, serve the dish fresh and hot.
Variations
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sesame sauce for a spicy kick.
- Nutty Sesame Chicken: Sprinkle chopped cashews or peanuts over the dish for added crunch and flavour.
- Lemon Sesame Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sesame sauce for a tangy twist.
- Teriyaki Sesame Chicken: Add a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce to the sesame sauce for an extra layer of flavour.
FAQ
Yes, you can use other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or beef as a substitute for chicken.
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until just cooked through and avoid overcooking.
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat and combine with fresh vegetables before serving.
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking.
Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.
High Protein Sesame Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breast with a savoury sesame sauce and a variety of colourful vegetables.
The combination of tender chicken, savoury sauce, and crisp vegetables creates a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake while enjoying a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Customize the dish with your favourite ingredients and enjoy the rich and savoury flavours in every bite.
Make Protein Sesame Chicken a beloved addition to your meal repertoire, and share the joy of this delicious dish with your loved ones.
This recipe not only provides a healthy and satisfying meal but also brings a touch of creativity and fun to your cooking experience.
Whether you're enjoying it with family and friends or simply treating yourself, this sesame chicken dish is the perfect way to savour the flavours of a homemade, nutritious meal.
The ease of preparation and the delicious result make it a go-to recipe that you'll want to make again and again.
HIGH PROTEIN SESAME CHICKEN
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and honey. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it with the sauce and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top.
Serve:
- Serve the high protein sesame chicken over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- Protein Variations: You can use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different source of protein.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy for added nutrition and variety.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Make-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
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