Sesame Chicken(Stir-Fried)
A flavorful stir-fried sesame chicken with snow peas, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts, featuring toasted sesame seeds and a savory garlic chili sauce. Perfect for quick, tasty meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 6 oz. snow peas ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili paste with garlic
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced bamboo shoots ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup canned chicken broth
- 3 green onions ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sesame oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, dry sherry, cornstarch, and chicken in a bowl and stir to marinate.
- Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat peanut oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.
- Add snow peas, minced garlic, and chili paste; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add bamboo shoots and water chestnuts; stir-fry until chicken is almost cooked through, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in canned chicken broth and mix well.
- Add toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add sesame oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or fresh ginger. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure even cooking. This dish is versatile and can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with fried rice for a hearty combination. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, and goes well with other chicken recipes like Chicken Veg-Stir-Fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Chicken(Stir-Fried) contains roughly 1588 calories, with 12g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2679mg per serving (116% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to stir-fry it fresh when you're ready to serve. The flavors will deepen with the extra marinating time, making it even more delicious.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
This sesame chicken is great on its own, but you can serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a more filling meal. Adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad can also enhance the balance of flavors and textures.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili paste to suit your taste or add sliced fresh chilies during the stir-fry. Another option is to include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
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).