Flavorful, satisfying, and packed with nutritious ingredients, these Sesame Chicken Bowls are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a balanced meal. With tender chicken pieces glazed in a savory sesame sauce, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these bowls are both healthy and delicious.
What Makes These Sesame Chicken Bowls Special
The beauty of these Sesame Chicken Bowls lies in their perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. The chicken is marinated and cooked in a flavorful sesame sauce that’s both rich and aromatic. Fresh vegetables add a crisp, refreshing contrast, while the rice provides a comforting base. It’s a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
A Nutritious and Delicious Meal
Picture this: It’s a busy evening, and you’ve just put together a bowl of Sesame Chicken. The tender chicken, coated in a glossy sesame sauce, pairs perfectly with the fresh, crunchy vegetables and soft rice. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a dish that makes eating healthy feel indulgent.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Sesame Chicken Bowls are versatile and perfect for any occasion. They’re great for a quick weeknight dinner, a packed lunch for work, or even a casual dinner party. The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and grains, making it a go-to meal that you can enjoy in different ways.
Ingredient Notes
Basmati Rice: Light and fluffy with a fragrant aroma, the perfect base for this dish.
Broccoli Florets: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the savory chicken.
Chicken Stock: Enhances depth of flavor while keeping the sauce rich.
Orange Marmalade & Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: A sweet, citrusy balance to the savory notes.
Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings umami and a touch of saltiness.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a bit of tang.
Freshly Grated Ginger & Minced Garlic: Aromatic and essential for authentic flavor.
Sriracha (Optional): Adds a little heat for those who love spice.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful when cooked.
Cornstarch: Helps achieve that crispy, golden coating.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning perfection.
Canola Oil: Ensures a crispy sear on the chicken.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Nutty and aromatic, adding a subtle crunch.
Green Onion (Thinly Sliced): A fresh garnish that brings everything together.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Sesame Chicken Bowls with:
- A side of steamed or roasted vegetables for extra nutrients.
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
- A drizzle of extra sesame sauce for those who love a bit more flavor.
- A wedge of lime or lemon to add a bright, citrusy note.
Tips for Cooking Perfection
- Marinate the chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the chicken evenly: Use medium heat to ensure the chicken is cooked through without burning.
- Prepare the vegetables fresh: Fresh vegetables add a crisp contrast to the savory chicken and rice.
- Use fluffy rice: Fluffy rice makes the base of the bowl more enjoyable and absorbs the sauce well.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped herbs enhances the presentation and flavor.
A Wholesome Dish Worth Sharing
These Sesame Chicken Bowls are a testament to how delicious and satisfying a healthy meal can be. With their flavorful chicken, fresh vegetables, and comforting rice, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. One bite, and you’ll understand why these bowls are perfect for any occasion.
Sesame Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 12 ounces broccoli florets about 2-3 cups
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 ½ tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp Sriracha optional
- 4 ½ tbsp corn starch divided
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions in a large saucepan with 1 1/2 cups of water, then set aside. Steam broccoli florets by placing them in a steamer or colander over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes until tender and vibrant. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together chicken stock, orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, Sriracha (if using), and 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
- Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then coat evenly with the remaining 3 1/2 tbsp of cornstarch.
- Heat canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in two batches, turning until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes per batch). Stir in the prepared sauce mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Add sesame seeds and mix well.
- Serve the crispy chicken over rice and broccoli, garnished with green onions if you like for an extra pop of color and flavor.
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