Craving a delicious Chinese-inspired dish that's both quick and incredibly tasty? Look no further! This Sesame Chicken and Broccoli recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken pieces perfectly complemented by crisp, vibrant broccoli, all infused with the rich, nutty flavor of sesame. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply someone who loves mouthwatering meals, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant in less time than it takes to order takeout!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to create a marinade. Add chicken pieces and let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add remaining sesame oil and allow it to become hot and shimmering.
- Remove chicken from marinade and carefully add to the hot skillet. Cook chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through with no pink interior.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet with chicken. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and broccoli, tossing to distribute evenly and lightly toast the seeds.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Tips
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all chicken pieces are roughly the same size (1-inch cubes) for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Marinate Smart: Don't skip the 10-minute marinating time. This allows the chicken to absorb maximum flavor from the soy sauce and garlic.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high heat to achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior on the chicken without overcooking.
- Broccoli Crispness: Stir-fry broccoli just until it's bright green and slightly tender to maintain its nutritional value and satisfying crunch.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: When sprinkling sesame seeds, give them a quick toss in the hot pan to release their nutty aroma and enhance their flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, paired with steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sesame-soy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
