Easy Sweet and Sticky Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

This post may contain commission-earning affiliate links.

Sweet and Sticky Sesame Chicken – Your New Favorite Way to Meal Prep Chicken

This easy sweet and sticky sesame chicken recipe is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness—plus those sesame seeds add a nutty finish that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re craving something quick and flavorful on a busy weeknight or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish hits all the right notes! Plus, it’s made with ingredients that you likely already have in your fridge, making it a great fridge clean-out meal, too! So, forget the takeout chicken – were doing one better with this delicious sweet and sticky sesame chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sticky Sesame Chicken:

• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it takes less than 20 minutes.
• Better Than Takeout: Full of flavor without a ton of extra ingredients.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or in lettuce wraps.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stays delicious for days in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ¼ cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Sesame seeds

How to Make Sweet and Sticky Sesame Chicken:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, making sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking. Pat them dry to help them brown better in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté and Season

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken to the pan and sauté for about a minute before pouring in the soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar. Stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add Sweetness and Stickiness

Reduce the heat to low and add the sweet and sour sauce and a splash of lime juice. Stir well to coat the chicken in that glossy, flavorful glaze. Cook for another minute, just until the sauce clings to the chicken, then remove from the heat.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, brown rice, or stir-fried veggies. You can also portion it into containers for a satisfying meal prep option.

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely – chicken thighs will give a juicier result, but both options work well.

2. What’s a good substitute for mirin?
You can substitute mirin with a mix of white wine and a pinch of sugar or use rice vinegar with a little honey.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos), then you can make it fully gluten free!

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Of course! This recipe is perfect for meal prep, and actually one of my preferred ways to prepare meal prep protein. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

5. Can I freeze sesame chicken?
Yes – you’ll need to allow it to cool completely before freezing, and then you can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Tools:

• Large Pan

Full Sweet and Sticky Sesame Chicken Recipe:

Print

---