Savory Sesame Chicken Bowls Easy Dinner Recipe

ByMaya
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (a vibrant mix of red and yellow) - 1 cup cooked jasmine rice - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste You can add other veggies like snap peas or carrots. For extra protein, try adding tofu or shrimp. Mix in some cashews for a crunchy bite. You can also serve it with a side of lime for a zesty kick. Each serving of sesame chicken bowls offers a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. The chicken provides lean protein, while the veggies add fiber and vitamins. The sesame oil adds healthy fats. Jasmine rice gives you energy from carbs. Overall, this dish is satisfying and nourishing, making it a great dinner option. Start by mixing the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to coat the chicken. This step adds flavor. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The longer it marinates, the better it tastes. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Spread it out so it cooks evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. It should have no pink inside. Now, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry them with the chicken for 3-4 minutes. The veggies should be tender and bright. Take your cooked jasmine rice and divide it among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the chicken and vegetable mix. This creates a colorful dish. For the finishing touch, add sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This not only looks great but adds flavor, too. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken right. Use a bowl big enough for the chicken pieces. Combine chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Stir well so each piece gets coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to an hour. This extra time helps the chicken soak up all the tastes. When cooking, heat your skillet or wok until it’s very hot. Use the remaining sesame oil for the best taste. Add the marinated chicken in one layer. Don’t crowd the pan; this keeps the chicken from steaming. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. When the chicken is browned, add your vegetables. Stir-fry them for another 3-4 minutes. Look for bright colors and a tender-crisp texture. Presentation matters! Serve your sesame chicken bowls in wide, shallow bowls. Start with a base of fluffy jasmine rice. Layer the chicken and veggies on top. This creates a beautiful contrast of colors. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. For a fun touch, add a slice of lime or lemon on the side for zest. This not only looks great but adds more flavor when squeezed on top. {{image_4}} If you want a veggie twist, swap the chicken for tofu. Use firm tofu for best results. Press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate the tofu just like the chicken. You can also use tempeh or seitan for a meaty texture. These options soak up flavors well, giving you a tasty dish. While jasmine rice works great, feel free to explore other grains. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and boosts nutrition. Brown rice offers a chewy texture and is more filling. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Each grain changes the dish, making it unique. You can easily adjust the flavor to your taste. For spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. To enhance sweetness, increase the honey or add a splash of orange juice. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. Each variation gives a new spin to your sesame chicken bowls. To keep your sesame chicken bowls fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken and vegetables from the rice. This helps keep everything from getting soggy. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, take them out of the fridge. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a bowl. Just cover it and heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. Meal prep makes busy days easier. Cook a big batch of sesame chicken and rice on the weekend. You can pack them into containers for quick meals. For added flavor, mix in a bit of extra soy sauce or sesame oil before storing. Keep sliced green onions and sesame seeds separate until you're ready to eat. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. You can use peanut oil or olive oil. Both give a nice flavor. Keep in mind that peanut oil has a nutty taste. Olive oil works well but will change the flavor slightly. For a similar taste, try a mix of other oils and a bit of sesame seeds. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. This change may make the dish less juicy but still tasty. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts. They cook faster than thighs, so check for doneness sooner. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. For even more taste, you can marinate it for up to an hour. Just remember to keep it in the fridge while marinating. This dish is not gluten-free due to soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead. Tamari sauce is a great alternative and tastes similar. Always check labels to be sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. In this article, we explored making sesame chicken bowls. We covered key ingredients, steps to cook, and ways to customize your dish. You also learned useful tips for marinating and serving. For those seeking alternatives, we offered vegetarian ideas and different flavor profiles. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating options. Enjoy creating your sesame chicken bowls with these guides. They are tasty, fun, and easy to make. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Want an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor? These Savory Sesame Chicken Bowls deliver just that! With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this recipe is versatile. From customizing your flavors to tips for storage, you’ll find everything you need right here. Let’s dive into this tasty dinner adventure!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Sesame Chicken Bowls

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 3 tablespoons sesame oil

– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

– 1 cup fresh broccoli florets

– 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (a vibrant mix of red and yellow)

– 1 cup cooked jasmine rice

– 2 green onions, thinly sliced

– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Customization

You can add other veggies like snap peas or carrots. For extra protein, try adding tofu or shrimp. Mix in some cashews for a crunchy bite. You can also serve it with a side of lime for a zesty kick.

Nutritional Information of Ingredients

Each serving of sesame chicken bowls offers a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. The chicken provides lean protein, while the veggies add fiber and vitamins. The sesame oil adds healthy fats. Jasmine rice gives you energy from carbs. Overall, this dish is satisfying and nourishing, making it a great dinner option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

Start by mixing the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to coat the chicken. This step adds flavor. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The longer it marinates, the better it tastes.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Spread it out so it cooks evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. It should have no pink inside. Now, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry them with the chicken for 3-4 minutes. The veggies should be tender and bright.

Assembling the Bowls

Take your cooked jasmine rice and divide it among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the chicken and vegetable mix. This creates a colorful dish. For the finishing touch, add sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This not only looks great but adds flavor, too.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Marinating Chicken

To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken right. Use a bowl big enough for the chicken pieces. Combine chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Stir well so each piece gets coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to an hour. This extra time helps the chicken soak up all the tastes.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry

When cooking, heat your skillet or wok until it’s very hot. Use the remaining sesame oil for the best taste. Add the marinated chicken in one layer. Don’t crowd the pan; this keeps the chicken from steaming. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. When the chicken is browned, add your vegetables. Stir-fry them for another 3-4 minutes. Look for bright colors and a tender-crisp texture.

Presentation Tips for Serving

Presentation matters! Serve your sesame chicken bowls in wide, shallow bowls. Start with a base of fluffy jasmine rice. Layer the chicken and veggies on top. This creates a beautiful contrast of colors. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. For a fun touch, add a slice of lime or lemon on the side for zest. This not only looks great but adds more flavor when squeezed on top.

Variations

Vegetarian Alternative Ideas

If you want a veggie twist, swap the chicken for tofu. Use firm tofu for best results. Press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate the tofu just like the chicken. You can also use tempeh or seitan for a meaty texture. These options soak up flavors well, giving you a tasty dish.

Serving with Different Grains

While jasmine rice works great, feel free to explore other grains. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and boosts nutrition. Brown rice offers a chewy texture and is more filling. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Each grain changes the dish, making it unique.

Flavor Profile Variations (Spicy, Sweet, etc.)

You can easily adjust the flavor to your taste. For spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. To enhance sweetness, increase the honey or add a splash of orange juice. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. Each variation gives a new spin to your sesame chicken bowls.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your sesame chicken bowls fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken and vegetables from the rice. This helps keep everything from getting soggy. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, take them out of the fridge. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a bowl. Just cover it and heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway.

Tips for Meal Prep

Meal prep makes busy days easier. Cook a big batch of sesame chicken and rice on the weekend. You can pack them into containers for quick meals. For added flavor, mix in a bit of extra soy sauce or sesame oil before storing. Keep sliced green onions and sesame seeds separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps them fresh and crunchy.

FAQs

What can I substitute for sesame oil?

You can use peanut oil or olive oil. Both give a nice flavor. Keep in mind that peanut oil has a nutty taste. Olive oil works well but will change the flavor slightly. For a similar taste, try a mix of other oils and a bit of sesame seeds.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. This change may make the dish less juicy but still tasty. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts. They cook faster than thighs, so check for doneness sooner.

How long does the chicken need to marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. For even more taste, you can marinate it for up to an hour. Just remember to keep it in the fridge while marinating.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This dish is not gluten-free due to soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead. Tamari sauce is a great alternative and tastes similar. Always check labels to be sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

In this article, we explored making sesame chicken bowls. We covered key ingredients, steps to cook, and ways to customize your dish. You also learned useful tips for marinating and serving. For those seeking alternatives, we offered vegetarian ideas and different flavor profiles. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating options.

Enjoy creating your sesame chicken bowls with these guides. They are tasty, fun, and easy to make. Happy cooking!

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (a vibrant mix of red and yellow) - 1 cup cooked jasmine rice - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste You can add other veggies like snap peas or carrots. For extra protein, try adding tofu or shrimp. Mix in some cashews for a crunchy bite. You can also serve it with a side of lime for a zesty kick. Each serving of sesame chicken bowls offers a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. The chicken provides lean protein, while the veggies add fiber and vitamins. The sesame oil adds healthy fats. Jasmine rice gives you energy from carbs. Overall, this dish is satisfying and nourishing, making it a great dinner option. Start by mixing the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to coat the chicken. This step adds flavor. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The longer it marinates, the better it tastes. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Spread it out so it cooks evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. It should have no pink inside. Now, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry them with the chicken for 3-4 minutes. The veggies should be tender and bright. Take your cooked jasmine rice and divide it among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the chicken and vegetable mix. This creates a colorful dish. For the finishing touch, add sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This not only looks great but adds flavor, too. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken right. Use a bowl big enough for the chicken pieces. Combine chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Stir well so each piece gets coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to an hour. This extra time helps the chicken soak up all the tastes. When cooking, heat your skillet or wok until it’s very hot. Use the remaining sesame oil for the best taste. Add the marinated chicken in one layer. Don’t crowd the pan; this keeps the chicken from steaming. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. When the chicken is browned, add your vegetables. Stir-fry them for another 3-4 minutes. Look for bright colors and a tender-crisp texture. Presentation matters! Serve your sesame chicken bowls in wide, shallow bowls. Start with a base of fluffy jasmine rice. Layer the chicken and veggies on top. This creates a beautiful contrast of colors. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. For a fun touch, add a slice of lime or lemon on the side for zest. This not only looks great but adds more flavor when squeezed on top. {{image_4}} If you want a veggie twist, swap the chicken for tofu. Use firm tofu for best results. Press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate the tofu just like the chicken. You can also use tempeh or seitan for a meaty texture. These options soak up flavors well, giving you a tasty dish. While jasmine rice works great, feel free to explore other grains. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and boosts nutrition. Brown rice offers a chewy texture and is more filling. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Each grain changes the dish, making it unique. You can easily adjust the flavor to your taste. For spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. To enhance sweetness, increase the honey or add a splash of orange juice. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. Each variation gives a new spin to your sesame chicken bowls. To keep your sesame chicken bowls fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken and vegetables from the rice. This helps keep everything from getting soggy. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, take them out of the fridge. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a bowl. Just cover it and heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. Meal prep makes busy days easier. Cook a big batch of sesame chicken and rice on the weekend. You can pack them into containers for quick meals. For added flavor, mix in a bit of extra soy sauce or sesame oil before storing. Keep sliced green onions and sesame seeds separate until you're ready to eat. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. You can use peanut oil or olive oil. Both give a nice flavor. Keep in mind that peanut oil has a nutty taste. Olive oil works well but will change the flavor slightly. For a similar taste, try a mix of other oils and a bit of sesame seeds. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. This change may make the dish less juicy but still tasty. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts. They cook faster than thighs, so check for doneness sooner. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. For even more taste, you can marinate it for up to an hour. Just remember to keep it in the fridge while marinating. This dish is not gluten-free due to soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead. Tamari sauce is a great alternative and tastes similar. Always check labels to be sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. In this article, we explored making sesame chicken bowls. We covered key ingredients, steps to cook, and ways to customize your dish. You also learned useful tips for marinating and serving. For those seeking alternatives, we offered vegetarian ideas and different flavor profiles. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating options. Enjoy creating your sesame chicken bowls with these guides. They are tasty, fun, and easy to make. Happy cooking!

Sesame Chicken Bowls

Satisfy your taste buds with these savory sesame chicken bowls, a perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and fluffy jasmine rice! This easy recipe features marinated chicken thighs cooked until golden and tossed with fresh broccoli and bell peppers for a nutritious meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights. Click through for the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 cup fresh broccoli florets

1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (a vibrant mix of red and yellow)

1 cup cooked jasmine rice

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

    In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat until hot.

      Carefully add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on the chicken and stirring occasionally until it is browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining.

        Next, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the chicken for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender-crisp and vibrant in color.

          Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat, ready to serve.

            To assemble, divide the fluffy cooked jasmine rice among serving bowls. Generously top each bowl with the succulent sesame chicken and colorful vegetable stir-fry.

              For a delightful finish, garnish each bowl with a handful of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, adding an extra dimension of crunch and flavor.

                Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in wide, shallow bowls, artfully arranging the chicken and vegetables over the rice to create an appealing contrast of colors. For an extra decorative touch, add a few additional sesame seeds on top and consider a slice of lime or lemon on the side for a pop of zest.

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