Lightly sweetened sesame chicken with garlic

This lightly sweetened sesame chicken features tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful garlic and sesame oil sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

04 Dec 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
1 lb chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Lightly sweetened sesame chicken with garlic

Experience the delightful combination of savory and sweet with this recipe for Lightly Sweetened Sesame Chicken with Garlic. This dish features tender chicken breasts enhanced by a flavorful sauce made with garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 1-2 hours.
3. Season and Coat the Chicken:
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, and flour. Toss the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
5. Finish with Sesame Seeds:
- Lower the heat to medium and pour the remaining marinade from the bag or dish into the skillet with the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken pieces.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to combine.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

This Lightly Sweetened Sesame Chicken with Garlic is a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors makes it a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Serve this chicken with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete dinner that everyone will love.

Lightly sweetened sesame chicken with garlic FAQ:

What is the cooking time for the chicken?

Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

How should I store leftovers of this sesame chicken?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs, firm tofu for a vegetarian option, or shrimp. Adjust the cooking times accordingly depending on the protein used.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.

What type of vinegar can I use in this recipe?

Rice vinegar is recommended for a milder flavor, but you can also use white or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor may slightly change based on the vinegar used.

Tips:

- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the soy sauce and vinegar mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—mince it finely to ensure it distributes evenly in the sauce.

- To prevent the chicken from becoming tough, avoid overcooking it. Cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the pan towards the end of cooking.

- Toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on the finished dish for an added layer of flavor.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 240kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 0.58g
Sugar 2.31g
Fat 15g

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