Contents
Introduction
Sesame Chicken Bowls are a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy basmati rice, all coated in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. This recipe not only brings together a medley of flavors but also ensures a nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these bowls are easy to prepare and bursting with taste.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup basmati rice
12 ounces broccoli florets (about 2-3 cups)
½ cup chicken stock
¼ cup orange marmalade
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 ½ tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional)
4 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, divided
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy your homemade Sesame Chicken Bowls!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Rice
In a large saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add the basmati rice, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Steam the Broccoli
Place the broccoli florets into a steamer or arrange them in a colander over a pan of boiling water. Cover and steam for approximately 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and exhibits a vibrant green color. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, orange marmalade, freshly squeezed orange juice, reduced sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sriracha (if desired). Gradually add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Coat the Chicken
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the remaining 3 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken, tossing the pieces to ensure an even coat.
Cook the Chicken
In a large cast iron skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. To avoid overcrowding, work in batches and add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
Add the Sauce
Once all the chicken has been cooked, return it to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir to combine. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and fully coats the chicken.
Finish and Serve
Stir in the toasted sesame seeds. Serve the sesame chicken immediately over the cooked basmati rice, alongside the steamed broccoli. If desired, garnish with freshly sliced green onions.
Notes
Ingredient Storage
Ensure that all fresh ingredients such as broccoli, ginger, and green onions are stored in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
Cooking Tips
For optimal flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Feel free to customize your sesame chicken bowls with additional vegetables like snap peas or carrots. You can also adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Sriracha used.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Cooking Basmati Rice
To achieve perfectly cooked basmati rice, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. Use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until fully absorbed.
Steaming Broccoli
Steam broccoli florets to maintain their vibrant color and nutrients. Place the florets in a steamer or colander over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes. This method retains the broccoli’s crunch and bright green hue.
Preparing the Sauce
When making the sauce, whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and prevents clumps in your sauce.
Coating Chicken
For crispy chicken, season and coat the pieces in cornstarch. This creates a light batter that helps achieve a golden-brown crust when frying.
Cooking Chicken in Batches
When cooking the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This allows for even cooking and browning, preventing the chicken from steaming instead of sizzling.
Thickening the Sauce
Add the sauce to the cooked chicken and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. The heat will activate the cornstarch, thickening the sauce and ensuring it evenly coats the chicken.
Serving and Presentation
Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of rice and alongside steamed broccoli. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a substitute, though it may result in a slightly drier texture compared to chicken thighs.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
How can I ensure the chicken stays crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken and serve immediately after cooking for the best texture.
What can I use instead of orange marmalade?
You can substitute orange marmalade with other fruit preserves, such as apricot or peach, or use freshly squeezed orange juice with a bit of honey as an alternative.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the chicken.
Conclusion
Indulging in homemade Sesame Chicken Bowls is a delightful culinary experience. The combination of succulent chicken, a zesty orange sauce, and perfectly steamed broccoli over fluffy basmati rice creates a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s an excellent option for both family dinners and meal prep, as it’s not only tasty but also nutritious.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Enjoy grilled or baked salmon glazed with teriyaki sauce over steamed rice, accompanied by sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas.
Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Make a quick stir-fry with thinly sliced beef, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, tossed in a savory soy sauce mixture and served over rice or noodles.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into a tasty dish by stir-frying it with peas, carrots, green onions, and eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Fry bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them in a tangy sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple juice, vinegar, and brown sugar, served with rice and vegetables.
Spicy Tofu Bowls
For a vegetarian option, marinate tofu in a flavorful spicy sauce, sauté until golden, and serve over rice with steamed broccoli and sesame seeds.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in a honey garlic sauce and serve over jasmine or basmati rice, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges.
