What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? This homemade sesame chicken recipe is a game changer, with quick and easy steps to get it on the table in no time, featuring tender chicken and sweet peas in a savory sauce. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal.

two pans filled with sesame chicken and peas on top of a green table cloth

Introduction

Imagine a dish that is not only a feast for the eyes, with two pans filled to the brim with sesame chicken and peas, beautifully presented on top of a green table cloth, but also a culinary masterpiece that combines ease, flavor, and creativity using everyday ingredients. This recipe for sesame chicken and peas is a perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors and straightforward preparation, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of crispy sesame chicken, tender peas, and a hint of sesame oil, all served over a bed of rice or noodles, creates a dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The beauty of this dish lies in its well-balanced flavors and the ease of finding its ingredients in most supermarkets. The sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds provide a deep, nutty flavor that complements the chicken and peas perfectly.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. The chicken can be marinated in advance, and the cooking process involves straightforward steps that can be completed in under 30 minutes.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is the impressive results it yields with minimal effort. The combination of crispy chicken, tender peas, and the aromatic flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce makes for a dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared in a professional kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen peas, sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, and your choice of rice or noodles for serving. For practical substitutions, you can use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil if you prefer a lighter flavor, and frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas when in season. The chicken can also be marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients. Chop the garlic and ginger, and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Measure out the sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken in a pan with some sesame oil until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add more sesame oil if necessary, then add the chopped garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the peas to the pan and stir to combine with the garlic and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the peas are tender but still crisp. Return the chicken to the pan, add soy sauce to taste, and stir to combine everything.
4. Step 4: For the final touches, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the chicken and peas, and serve over rice or noodles. You can also garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added color and flavor.

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful kitchen tips for this recipe is to not overcook the chicken or the peas. The chicken should be cooked until it’s just done, and the peas should be tender but still crisp. Also, be sure to not burn the garlic and ginger when sautéing them, as this can give the dish a bitter flavor.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic and ginger. The ideal temperature for cooking the chicken is medium-high heat, and it should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When sautéing the garlic and ginger, use medium heat to prevent burning. The sesame seeds can be toasted in a dry pan over low heat to enhance their flavor and aroma.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted sesame seeds and the crispy exterior of the chicken. To achieve this, make sure to not overcook the chicken, and toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until they are lightly browned and fragrant. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the dish for added crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip for this recipe is to marinate the chicken in advance to enhance its flavor and tenderize it. You can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Another tip is to use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Storage Tips

• This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to heat the dish until it’s steaming hot, and add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry. The best containers for storing this dish are airtight containers or freezer bags.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative container or jar, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds. You can also include a packet of soy sauce or sesame oil on the side, along with a recipe card or instructions for reheating. A nice touch would be to wrap the container in a green table cloth or a decorative napkin to match the theme of the dish.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You can add different spices to the dish, such as red pepper flakes for some heat or five-spice powder for added depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some creative toppings to the dish, such as diced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or pickled ginger.
• Ingredient swaps: You can swap out the chicken for other proteins, such as tofu or shrimp, or use different types of vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the chicken is overcooked or the peas are mushy, try adjusting the cooking time or using a different cooking method, such as steaming or roasting.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have sesame oil or soy sauce, you can substitute them with other ingredients, such as vegetable oil or tamari.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to check the chicken for doneness by cutting into it, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Is it gluten-free? This dish is gluten-free, but make sure to check the ingredients of the soy sauce or other seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure to adjust the cooking time and ingredient quantities accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for two pans filled with sesame chicken and peas on top of a green table cloth is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its ease of preparation, flavorful ingredients, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the dish your own, and enjoy the process of creating a culinary masterpiece.