Easy Weeknight Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love These

This sesame chicken stir-fry isn’t just another recipe; it’s a secret weapon in your weeknight dinner arsenal. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• Quick & Easy: Seriously, from fridge to table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when time is of the essence.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Hello, savings!
• Kid-Friendly: The slightly sweet sesame sauce is a guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters. You might even get requests for seconds!
• Versatile: Swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand. Broccoli? Bell peppers? Zucchini? It all works!
• Customizable: Adjust the sauce to your liking – more ginger, less garlic, extra spice? You’re the boss!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

How to Make

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This helps the chicken get nice and crispy when stir-fried.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for best results. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the onion is softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook – you want them to have a little bit of crunch!
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. This is your magic sesame sauce!
6. Pour the sesame sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully so the sauce doesn’t burn!
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sesame sauce and vegetables. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is heated through and the sauce is nicely coating the chicken.
8. Serve the Easy Weeknight Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Tips & Tricks

Want to take your sesame chicken to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to make it even more amazing:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sesame sauce for a little kick.
• Veggie Power: Get creative with your veggies! Snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini all work great in this stir-fry.
• Make it Ahead: You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the recipe as directed. This is a HUGE time saver!
• Double the Sauce: If you like extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients. Trust me, you’ll want it!
• Freezer-Friendly: This stir-fry freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight.

Dietary Variations

Need to adjust this recipe to fit your dietary needs? Here are a few simple swaps: