Delicious Sesame Chicken Bowls: Easy Homemade Recipe Guide

Sometimes I just want a bowl that's full of color and crazy taste and Sesame Chicken Bowls is exactly that. You get bite size chicken pieces cooked in a sticky sesame sauce, toss in some bright veggies, then plop it all over rice or grain. It started out in China where people prized sesame seeds for their nutty flavour and healthy oils. Over time it spread everywhere so now there are tons of versions to try.

Making it at home beats takeout more times than not. You pick what goes in, watch the salt and sugar, and skip weird additives. Want extra broccoli? Throw it in. Don’t like the sauce too sweet? Use less honey. Plus its fun to cook and you can show off to friends or family. Whether you’re just learning to cook or you’ve been at it for years, Sesame Chicken Bowls is a tasty project to try.

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Why Sesame Chicken Bowls?

Homemade Sesame Chicken Bowls is a healthier pick than most takeout. When you make it yourself you use fresh stuff and control how much soy sauce or sugar goes in. That means fewer calories and less salt, which is great if you watch your health. Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, and they bring vitamins, minerals and a nice crunch.

Another big plus is you can tweak everything to your taste. Use chicken breast or thighs, pick your veggies, even decide how sweet or spicy the sauce should be. If you like heat, stir in some chili paste. Want low carbs? Swap rice for cauliflower rice. Its all up to you.

These bowls are also super easy and fast. In about 30 minutes you can have a warm, filling meal on the table. That’s why both beginners and seasoned cooks love them.

Key Ingredients

The main star is chicken. You can use breast for lean meat or thighs for a juicier bite. Marinate it in sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger to pack in flavour and keep it tender.

Sesame oil is what makes this dish stand out. It has a nutty taste that deepens the sauce and helps you cook the chicken and veggies. It’s also full of antioxidants that can help your heart.

Fresh vegetables add color, crunch and good stuff like fiber and vitamins. Broccoli, carrots and bell peppers are my favs, but you can mix in snap peas or zucchini if you want.

The sauce ties everything together. It’s a simple combo of soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger. Getting the balance right between sweet and salty is key so the sauce isn’t too heavy or too bland.

Your base can be jasmine rice, brown rice or quinoa. Each one brings a different texture and nutrients. Cooking the grain just right makes a perfect bed for the chicken and veggies.

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Key Ingredients

The main star is chicken. You can use breast for lean meat or thighs for a juicier bite. Marinate it in sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger to pack in flavour and keep it tender.

Sesame oil is what makes this dish stand out. It has a nutty taste that deepens the sauce and helps you cook the chicken and veggies. It’s also full of antioxidants that can help your heart.

Fresh vegetables add color, crunch and good stuff like fiber and vitamins. Broccoli, carrots and bell peppers are my favs, but you can mix in snap peas or zucchini if you want.

The sauce ties everything together. It’s a simple combo of soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger. Getting the balance right between sweet and salty is key so the sauce isn’t too heavy or too bland.

Your base can be jasmine rice, brown rice or quinoa. Each one brings a different texture and nutrients. Cooking the grain just right makes a perfect bed for the chicken and veggies.

Detailed Recipe for Sesame Chicken Bowls

Ingredients List

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
  • 2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Vegetables:
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• For Serving:
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Green onions, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Preparation: Mix chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cooking Chicken: Heat a pan with oil and sear chicken pieces till golden on both sides.
3. Sautéing Vegetables: Push chicken aside, add veggies and stir-fry until tender but still crisp.
4. Preparing the Sauce: Pour sauce mix over chicken and veggies. Stir well until sauce thickens and coats everything.
5. Assembling Bowls: Spoon rice into bowls, top with chicken, veggies, and drizzle extra sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions.

Additional Cooking Advice

• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Spice Level: Add chili flakes or fresh peppers to turn up the heat.
• Meal Prep Tips: Cook chicken, rice and veggies ahead. Store in separate containers for quick bowls all week.

Variations of Sesame Chicken Bowls

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Marinate the same way.
• Spicy Version: Mix in chili paste or sliced peppers.
• Sweet and Sour: Add pineapple chunks and a bit of sweet and sour sauce.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep leftovers fresh, store bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze single portions for up to a month.

When reheating, cover in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This stops the chicken from drying out and keeps everything warm.

Nutritional Information

One homemade Sesame Chicken Bowl is about 450 calories, 15g fat, 30g protein, and 40g carbs. Watch your portion sizes and control the sauce to keep it balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the origin of sesame chicken?

Sesame chicken comes from Chinese cooking, where chicken was often fried then tossed in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce. Now it’s popular worldwide in many styles.

2. Can I make sesame chicken bowls ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate chicken, chop veggies, and cook rice in advance. Store each part in the fridge, then just heat and assemble when you want it.

3. How do I adjust the sweetness of the sesame sauce?

Just add more or less honey to taste, or add extra soy sauce for saltiness. Taste as you go so you get it just right.

4. What can I substitute for sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, peanut oil or sunflower oil work too, but it will change the flavor a bit.

5. Is sesame chicken healthy?

Homemade sesame chicken can be healthier than takeout since you control ingredients. More veggies and lean meat make it even better for you.

Conclusion

Whipping up Sesame Chicken Bowls at home means you get fresh flavors, control over what goes in, and tons of ways to change it up. Dive in, have fun cooking, and share these tasty bowls with your friends and family!

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SESAME CHICKEN BOWLS

These Sesame Chicken Bowls are a delightful, healthy meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sesame sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 People

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large skillet or wok
• 1 cooking pot for rice
• 1 stirring spoon
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 cutting board
• 4 serving bowls

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
• 4 whole green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken and vegetables.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the chicken for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
• Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil over the dish and stir well to combine everything.
• To serve, place a scoop of rice in each bowl and top with the sesame chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

This recipe can be easily customized with your choice of vegetables or by substituting tofu for a vegetarian option.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.