Looking for a quick yet flavorful meal? You’re in the right place! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up Honey Sesame Chicken Bowls that are both tasty and easy. This dish mixes tender chicken with sweet honey and savory soy sauce, topped with bright broccoli and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking and make your dinner time a breeze!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
These chicken thighs offer a rich flavor. They stay juicy during cooking. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives umami. Together, they create a tasty glaze.
Vegetables and Garnishes
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Broccoli adds crunch and color. It cooks quickly, keeping some bite. Green onions brighten the dish with freshness. Sesame seeds give a nutty flavor and a nice finish.
Cooking Basics
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Cornstarch helps the chicken brown and thicken the sauce. Sesame oil adds depth and a toasted note. Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, perfect for frying chicken.
These ingredients come together to make a quick, colorful, and flavorful meal. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the joy of a delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
Start by taking a medium bowl. In this bowl, combine 1 pound of diced chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients well until the chicken is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for 5 minutes. This step adds great flavor and helps the chicken stay juicy.
Cooking the Dish
Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns brown and is fully cooked. After the chicken is done, add in 1 cup of broccoli florets. Stir-fry the chicken and broccoli together for 2 to 3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Assembly of Bowls
While the chicken and broccoli are cooking, prepare your rice. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Once the rice is ready, spoon it into each serving bowl. Next, take the honey sesame chicken and broccoli mixture and spoon it over the rice in each bowl. For a finishing touch, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious Honey Sesame Chicken Bowls!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Chicken
To achieve optimal browning, use a hot skillet. This helps the chicken sear nicely. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This way, the chicken gets that delicious crust.
For tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least five minutes. The honey and soy sauce work together to keep it juicy. Use boneless, skinless thighs for the best flavor and texture. They stay tender even when cooked quickly.
Broccoli Cooking Tips
Cook the broccoli for just 2-3 minutes with the chicken. This timing gives you crisp-tender broccoli that holds its bright color. If you like more crunch, add it later in the cooking process.
If you want alternatives to broccoli, try snap peas or bell peppers. Both add great color and crunch. You can even use green beans for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish your bowls with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds flavor and a nice look. For an extra zing, include a lime wedge. A squeeze of lime brightens up the dish beautifully.
Pair with other veggies or a fresh salad on the side. This adds more nutrients and flavors to your meal. Enjoy your honey sesame chicken bowls!
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Tofu is a great choice for a vegan meal. Use firm tofu and press it to remove water. For a vegan sweetener, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.
Rice Options
You can choose between brown rice and white rice. Brown rice has more fiber and a nutty taste. White rice is softer and cooks faster. For a fun twist, try quinoa. It’s high in protein and adds a unique flavor. If you want a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works well. It’s light and absorbs flavors nicely.
Flavor Enhancements
To make your dish pop, consider adding spices or herbs. A pinch of garlic powder or ginger can boost the flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add freshness. You can also explore different sauces. Try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a different taste. Each choice will give your meal a new twist.
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
To keep your honey sesame chicken bowls fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors intact. The dish stays good for about three days.
For freezing, make sure the chicken is cooled first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date.
Reheating Suggestions
To reheat, the best method is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir for about 5-7 minutes until it’s hot.
You can also use a microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid. Heat in 30-second bursts until it’s warm. This should take about 2-3 minutes total.
Meal Prep Tips
For meal prep, chop the chicken and veggies in advance. Store them separately in containers. This will save you time on busy days.
Use glass or BPA-free containers for storage. They hold up well and help keep food fresh. You can easily grab and go when you need a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. To do this, marinate the chicken the night before. Mix the chicken with honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also chop the broccoli and green onions ahead. Just keep them in separate containers. This way, you save time when you’re ready to cook.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you want to replace honey, you have a few options. Maple syrup works well for sweetness. You can also use agave nectar or brown sugar. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Each of these will give your dish a nice flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount, as some substitutes are sweeter than honey.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free with a few changes. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. This simple swap keeps the flavor while making it safe for gluten-free diets. Always check labels on sauces and other ingredients to avoid hidden gluten. Serve it with gluten-free rice for a complete meal.
This blog post shared easy steps to make a tasty chicken dish. We discussed main ingredients like chicken, honey, and soy sauce. You learned how to marinate, cook, and serve your meal. Tips on perfecting chicken and broccoli added to your skills. We explored alternatives for proteins and rice options.
In conclusion, this dish is simple and flexible. You can adjust flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your meal prep!
