Sesame Chicken And Celery
A flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken and crisp celery coated in savory soy and ginger, topped with toasted sesame seeds — perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and place in a small bowl.
- Add soy sauce and ginger; stir to coat and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Stir chicken broth into cornstarch; set aside.
- Preheat wok or skillet over high heat and add cooking oil.
- Stir-fry celery and green onions for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Remove vegetables from wok.
- Add more oil if needed and drain chicken pieces.
- Add chicken to wok and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until browned.
- Add soy mixture to broth mixture and stir into wok.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 2 minutes.
- Return vegetables to wok and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook for 1 minute.
- Serve spooned over hot rice and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in soy sauce and ginger. You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers during stir-frying. You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition, similar to what you might find in Chicken Broccoli Oriental.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sesame chicken and celery dish over a bed of fluffy hot rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete feast, consider serving alongside other Chinese recipes, such as Oriental Noodle And Chicken Stir-Fry or Crock-Pot Sweet And Sour Pork for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, use a microwave or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture while reheating. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Chicken And Celery contains roughly 648 calories, with 8g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star ingredient, you can easily substitute it with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken.
What can I serve with sesame chicken and celery?
This dish is best served over hot rice, but you can also pair it with noodles or quinoa for a different base. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors and textures.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make sesame chicken and celery gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce. Ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this dish without compromising on flavor.
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).