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Irresistible Sesame Chicken Recipe with Easy Zesty Orange Sauce

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A quick and flavorful sesame chicken dish coated in a tangy and sweet zesty orange sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Coat chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
  3. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant; set aside.
  4. Whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Lower heat to medium and pour the orange sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and bubbly.
  7. Add chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
  8. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken, toss once more, and remove from heat immediately.

Notes

To thicken sauce if too runny, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into simmering sauce, cooking for another minute. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep chicken crispy. Pat chicken dry before coating for best results. For gluten-free, use tamari and arrowroot powder instead of soy sauce and cornstarch. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to preserve crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame chicken, orange sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, kid-friendly, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/irresistible-sesame-chicken-recipe-with-easy-zesty-orange-sauce/