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sesame chicken recipe Sticky Orange Glaze With Toasted Seeds
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a vibrant, sticky orange glaze made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, finished with toasted sesame seeds. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice (from 2 large oranges)
- zest of 1 orange
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free, gluten-free option)
- 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Whisk Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, zest, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk in the cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (sear in two batches to ensure perfect browning). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove cooked chicken to a plate.
- Simmer Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the glaze visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine And Coat: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened glaze. Toss gently with tongs, ensuring every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the luscious glaze.
- Finish And Serve: Transfer the glistening chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and a dash of fresh green onions if desired.
Notes
Chicken breast can be substituted for thighs; reduce cooking time slightly. Agave nectar, brown sugar, or granulated sugar can replace honey/maple syrup. Coconut aminos are a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. Add steamed broccoli florets or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Use pre-minced garlic and ginger or pre-cut chicken for shortcuts. The glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning; cook in batches. Allow glaze sufficient time to simmer and thicken; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 170 g)
- Calories: 490 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg