Name: Sesame Ground Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492163H28M40S
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated; 3-4 green onions sliced; 2-3 teaspoons sesame seeds

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Sesame Ground Chicken combines tender ground chicken with savory sauces and hints of sweetness, all tied together with aromatic sesame oil. This dish is not only easy to whip up but also delivers a punch of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. I remember the first time I tasted a similar dish at a cozy restaurant. The way the garlic melded with the sesame and soy sauce made my taste buds dance—it’s a memory I’ve tried to recreate ever since. Honestly, you’ll find this homemade version even better, made with fresh ingredients straight from your kitchen.

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What sets this recipe apart? It’s a quick weeknight solution that can turn a regular dinner into something truly delicious. With each bite, you’re met with the richness of sesame oil, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the perfect sweetness from honey. To top it off, it comes together in just about 10 minutes of active time—making it perfect for those busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings with friends. I bet you’ll want to add this one to your regular rotation!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sesame Ground Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sesame Ground Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can make this sesame ground chicken in about 20 minutes from start to finish!
Irresistible Flavor: A delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy that tantalizes your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes as much as for the stomach.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner, lunch meal prep, or even served in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using tamari in place of soy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, adding richness. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.
1 pound ground chicken: The main protein, lean and quick to cook. Turkey could be a great alternative if you prefer.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and flavor—fresh garlic is vital for the best taste.
1/4 cup soy sauce: The saltiness contrasts perfectly with sweetness and binds the flavors together. Use low-sodium options if concerned about salt intake.
3 tablespoons honey: For natural sweetness and a glossy finish. Maple syrup works as a vegan substitute.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Deeply flavored oil that adds the distinct sesame taste—make sure it’s toasted sesame oil for the best result.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the dish and balances the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted if needed.
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce: For a little kick! Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it for milder flavor.
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken your sauce slightly, making it cling beautifully to the chicken.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and spiciness; feel free to use ground ginger if that’s what you have.
3-4 green onions, sliced: For garnish and a hint of freshness. You could substitute with chives if green onions aren’t available.
2-3 teaspoons sesame seeds: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor—opt for toasted sesame seeds for added depth.

How to Make Sesame Ground Chicken

Heat the Oil and Sauté Chicken: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, breaking apart the chicken until fully cooked and crumbled, with no pink remaining.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth.
Combine and Thicken: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Stir occasionally, cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over white rice or enjoy in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours—if you make it ahead, refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze your sesame ground chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through; you might want to splash a little water to refresh the texture as it reheats.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by keeping an eye on it while it sautés—cooked until it’s just no longer pink ensures the best texture.
For an umami boost, toss in some mushrooms or snap peas during cooking.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your taste preference.
If you want a thicker sauce, simply mix an extra 1/4 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the bubbling sauce.
Experiment with toppings! Try adding crushed peanuts for crunch or a spoonful of chili oil to elevate the spice.

You’ll love the flavorful journey of sesame ground chicken, from the first bite to enjoying those leftovers the next day. The layers of taste and texture make it such a fantastic dish to serve up in various ways, whether it’s over rice or enveloped in crunchy lettuce wraps. Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredient ratios or add in vegetables that you love; this dish thrives on personalization.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative with a similar flavor profile. You can also try ground beef or even sautéed tofu for a vegetarian option.

How spicy is Sesame Ground Chicken?

The spiciness depends on the amount of chili garlic sauce you use. Start with the recommended tablespoon and adjust according to your heat tolerance. You can even omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and store it in the fridge. Just follow the reheating instructions to bring it back to life—it’s a great meal prep option!

What can I serve with Sesame Ground Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, but it’s equally delicious served in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy alternative. Add a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

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