Craving a delicious and lightning-fast dinner? This sesame ground chicken recipe is your answer! In just 15 minutes, you can have a high-protein, incredibly flavorful, and family-friendly meal on the table. We promise simple steps and an incredible flavor profile that will make this dish a new weeknight favorite. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas with this quick ground chicken solution.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speed: Get dinner on the table in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings. This quick ground chicken dish comes together fast!
- Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks will find this recipe a breeze.
- Healthy: Lean ground chicken provides a fantastic source of protein, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.
- Versatile: This recipe is excellent for meal prep throughout the week and offers endless serving options.
- Flavorful: Enjoy a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy notes in every bite.
Ingredients for Sesame Ground Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this incredible ground chicken dish. You’ll find everything you need for a savory and quick meal right here.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds ground chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (to taste, start with 1 and add more if desired)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Chicken: You can use either white meat (breast) or a slightly higher fat percentage for a richer flavor. Both work wonderfully.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: Adjust the amount to control the spice level. Use less for a milder dish or more for an extra kick.
- Soy Sauce: We recommend low-sodium soy sauce to better manage the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Feel free to substitute with honey or maple syrup for a similar sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Always use toasted sesame oil for the best, most aromatic flavor in this recipe.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking this easy sesame ground chicken a breeze. You’ll likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- Large skillet or wok: Essential for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients and cornstarch slurry smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Cutting board and knife: To prepare your onion and garlic.
How to Make Sesame Ground Chicken
This quick and easy sesame ground chicken recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a flavorful meal.
- Prep: Begin by dicing your yellow onion and mincing the garlic. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and chicken broth. In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Brown Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken breast to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small, even pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink and is thoroughly cooked through.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to drain any excess liquid or fat that has accumulated. This keeps your dish from becoming greasy.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the cooked ground chicken in the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Bring to Simmer: Increase the heat slightly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken Sauce: Give your cornstarch slurry a quick re-whisk, then gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring constantly.
- Simmer & Serve: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, then serve your delicious sesame ground chicken immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the best flavor in your sesame ground chicken is easy with these simple tips.
- Brown Chicken Well: Don’t rush browning the chicken. Letting it get a little golden adds depth of flavor.
- Adjust Chili Garlic: Personalize the heat by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preference.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before thickening. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or sesame oil for nuttiness.
- Control Saltiness: Using low-sodium soy sauce and broth helps you manage the salt level effectively.
- Dissolve Slurry: Ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the water before adding it to the skillet to prevent lumps.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile sesame ground chicken dish offers many ways to enjoy it, both freshly cooked and as leftovers.
- Serving Ideas:
- Serve over fluffy steamed white or brown rice, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Pair with ramen noodles or a colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a lighter meal, spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce cups and add shredded carrots.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftover sesame ground chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
- Variations:
- Protein: Easily swap ground chicken for ground turkey, pork, or lean beef for a different twist.
- Vegetables: Boost nutrition and color by adding broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded carrots, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-sugar version.
- Spice: Ramp up the heat with extra sriracha, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Information
This sesame ground chicken recipe offers a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, making it a great option for supporting a balanced diet. Many sources, like SnapCalorie, highlight that ground chicken breast contains essential nutrients such as high-quality protein, B vitamins like niacin and B6, and minerals like phosphorus and selenium. Learn more about the nutritional content of ground chicken breast. While moderate in sugar and sodium, these can be adjusted through substitutions and product choices.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 351 kcal |
| Fat | 8.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17.1 g |
| Protein | 48.6 g |
| Sugar | 12.3 g |
| Sodium | 1085 mg |
Approximate values based on 6.6 servings. Specific nutrition varies based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other ground meats like turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with other ground meats. Ground turkey or pork are excellent substitutions for ground chicken.
Is the recipe too salty? How can I reduce sodium?
Using low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth is key. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce and add a bit more broth or water to taste.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots are all fantastic additions. You can even mix them into the skillet with the ground chicken.
Can I make this dish spicier or milder?
Yes, simply adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preference. Add less for a milder flavor or more for extra heat.
How long does sesame ground chicken last in the fridge?
You can safely store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Conclusion
This easy sesame ground chicken recipe proves that incredibly flavorful meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. In just 15 minutes, you can create a satisfying, high-protein dinner that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect fit for any busy weeknight. Go ahead and try this delicious ground chicken dish; enjoy your quick and flavorful meal!
Easy Sesame Ground Chicken Recipe: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Equipment
- Skillet
- Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic chopped
- 2 pounds ground chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil to taste, start with 1 and add more if desired
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (see note)
- scallions Chopped, for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for one additional minute.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until it is thoroughly cooked through. Drain any excess drippings and season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth, then pour this mixture over the chicken and stir. Bring to a simmer, add the cornstarch slurry while stirring, and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens. Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.