Microwave Sesame Chicken
A quick and flavorful microwave sesame chicken dish featuring tender strips coated in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights craving Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- rice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 sweet red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sesame seed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, dry sherry, sesame oil, minced ginger, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic in a 2-quart microwave casserole dish.
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch strips and add to the marinade.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Drain chicken; reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade.
- Combine the reserved marinade and cornstarch.
- Stir the chicken into the marinade mixture.
- Cover again with plastic wrap, venting one corner.
- Cook on High for 5 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in red pepper strips and scallions.
- Re-cover with vented plastic wrap and cook on High for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Stir in shredded red cabbage, chopped walnuts, sesame seeds, and chopped parsley.
- Re-cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 1 minute.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you don't have dry sherry, use white wine or chicken broth as a substitute. Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper. To enhance the dish, add vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, similar to those found in Chicken-Asparagus Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Microwave Sesame Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. Pair it with a side of shredded carrots or a fresh cucumber salad for crunch. This dish complements other Asian-inspired sides, making it a great addition to a meal featuring Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the dish appears dry, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Sesame Chicken contains roughly 1346 calories, with 40g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1398mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely before marinating for even flavor absorption. If using frozen, allow extra time for cooking, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don't have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or canola oil, though they won't provide the same nutty flavor. To mimic the taste, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds during serving for added authenticity.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat in your Microwave Sesame Chicken, add more cayenne pepper or include some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve it with a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).