Quick Sesame Chicken (Cheater’s Version)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sesame Chicken

• Chicken – Ground chicken works best, but you can also use chopped chicken breast or thighs.
• Sunflower or Coconut Oil – For sautéing and richness.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor.
• Garlic & Ginger – Fresh aromatics that bring authentic flavor.
• Chili Garlic Sauce – For heat; can substitute with sriracha.
• Brown Sugar – Balances savory and spicy flavors.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds umami without too much salt.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Nutty and rich flavor that makes the dish.
• Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the sauce.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce for that glossy coating.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Classic crunch and flavor boost.
• Green Onions – Fresh garnish with a pop of color.

For the Sesame Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and sprinkle with salt. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked through.

2. Add Aromatics

Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add chili garlic sauce and brown sugar, stirring to coat the chicken.

3. Make the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Pour it into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Thicken It

Mix cornstarch with a little chicken broth to make a slurry. Stir it into the simmering chicken and sauce until it thickens into that classic glossy sesame coating.

5. Finish with Sesame & Green Onions

Stir in toasted sesame seeds and garnish with green onions.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Spoon over steamed rice, stuff into lettuce wraps, or use as a topping for noodles.

Serving Suggestions

This sesame chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Over Rice – Classic and comforting.
• With Noodles – Toss it with lo mein or rice noodles.
• In Lettuce Wraps – A lighter, low-carb option.
• On Salads – Add it to a crisp green salad with sesame dressing.
• As Meal Prep – Divide into containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches.

Tips & Variations

• Crunch Factor – Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or cashews before serving.
• Make it Spicier – Add more chili garlic sauce or drizzle with sriracha.
• Add Veggies – Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make great additions.
• Gluten-Free – Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Sweeter Option – Add a splash of honey for a sticky glaze.