Sticky sesame chicken
Sticky sesame chicken features marinated chicken thighs infused with soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, complemented by sautéed carrots and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This Asian-inspired dish is simple to prepare, offering a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
6 chicken thighs2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp salsa sauce
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp ginger root
4 cups carrots
1 tsp sesame seeds
Sticky sesame chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger with a sweet hint of brown sugar, all balanced out by vibrant carrots and a touch of sesame seeds. This Asian-inspired recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner, providing a good source of protein and a colorful side of vegetables.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, salsa sauce, brown sugar, and finely grated ginger root.
- Whisk the mixture until the brown sugar has dissolved and everything is well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.
- While the chicken is marinating, slice the carrots into thin rounds.
- Set them aside until ready to cook.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if necessary.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if they have skin. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown color.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- In a separate skillet, add a small amount of oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced carrots and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Arrange the sautéed carrots on a serving platter.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the carrots, and drizzle any remaining marinade from the skillet over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the chicken and carrots for garnish.
- Serve your Sticky Sesame Chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
Sticky sesame chicken is not only easy to make, but it's also a treat for your taste buds. The tender chicken thighs, coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze, paired with the crisp carrots makes this dish satisfying and nutritious. Garnished with sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal, it's a meal that will definitely become a favorite in any household.
Sticky sesame chicken FAQ:
Bake the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster. Ensure they also reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and a bit of sugar (about 1 tbsp of vinegar with 1/2 tsp of sugar) for similar sweetness and acidity.
Sauté the carrots for 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp. They should retain some firmness and not be mushy.
Tips:
- Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully soak in.
- Use a large enough pan to avoid overcrowding the chicken pieces, which helps in even cooking and browning.
- Cook the carrots until they are tender but still have a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Turn the chicken frequently while cooking to ensure they are evenly coated in the sticky sauce.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or cilantro for an added layer of flavor and color.
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the marinade.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 400kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 3.78g
Sugar 8g
Fat 27g
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