Craving takeout but want a healthier, homemade option? This gluten-free sesame chicken recipe is your answer! It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to this simple, yet incredibly satisfying, healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup gluten-free soy sauce (tamari)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for a smoother sauce)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes).
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Stir in the sesame seeds. Serve the gluten-free sesame chicken immediately over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the spice: For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add more!
- Make it ahead: The chicken can be marinated ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Gluten-Free Guarantee: Always double-check your soy sauce label to ensure it's certified gluten-free. Tamari is a naturally gluten-free alternative.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Stir-fry your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, with the chicken.
- Crispy chicken: For extra crispy chicken, coat the marinated chicken in cornstarch or gluten-free breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Peanut sesame: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a delicious peanut sesame flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
This gluten-free sesame chicken recipe offers a quick, healthy, and delicious alternative to takeout. It's a fantastic example of how easy homemade cooking can be, delivering flavorful results without compromising on time or health. Enjoy!