Sesame Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 12 ounces broccoli florets
about 2-3 cups
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 1/2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
optional
- 4 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
divided
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless
skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- to tasteKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onion
thinly sliced
Directions
- 1
In a large saucepan of 1 1/2 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
- 2
Place broccoli florets into a steamer or colander set over a pan of boiling water. Cover and steam for 5 mins, or until cooked through and vibrant green; set aside.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, Sriracha, if using, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- 4
Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; sprinkle with remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated.
- 5
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Working in two batches, add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in chicken stock mixture until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in sesame seeds.
- 6
Serve chicken immediately with rice and broccoli, garnished with green onion, if desired.
Sesame Chicken Bowls
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 74 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of expensive takeout but craving those irresistible, sticky-sweet, and savory flavors? These Sesame Chicken Bowls bring all the comfort and deliciousness right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Forget the waiting game; this recipe delivers authentic taste with straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes these Sesame Chicken Bowls a weeknight hero is their clever balance of convenience and flavor. We combine tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs with a vibrant sauce featuring fresh orange juice, zesty orange marmalade, reduced-sodium soy sauce, aromatic ginger, and garlic. The use of cornstarch ensures a luscious, glossy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of chicken, creating that signature takeout-style glaze.
Imagine tender, bite-sized chicken pieces bathed in a rich, amber sauce that's both savory and subtly sweet, with a bright citrusy tang. It's perfectly balanced by the fragrant basmati rice and crisp, fresh broccoli florets. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, finished with the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds and a pop of green onion. This dish is designed to be satisfying yet surprisingly light, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family dinner or a quick, flavorful lunch.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less Sriracha. For an extra burst of freshness, you could also stir in a handful of chopped bell peppers or snap peas along with the broccoli. If you prefer a different grain, quinoa or brown rice would also work wonderfully in these bowls, though basmati offers a classic, fluffy base.
Serve these Sesame Chicken Bowls hot, garnished generously with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, as a complete meal. They're perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without a lot of fuss.