Who needs takeout when you can enjoy this Easy Sesame Chicken made right at home!
Happy Monday morning folks. Today, I have a special recipe to share.
This morning bright and early, I put my baby (sorry Case, you’ll always be my baby) on a plane to Bali. I’ve been trying to talk myself off the ledge for weeks, preparing myself for this day. But literally, I can’t handle it. So today, I’m drowning my sorrows in this sweet and savory Easy Sesame Chicken (leftovers from Casey’s going away dinner), a few double chocolate chip cookies I baked for Casey to enjoy on the long flights and binge watching Stranger Things on Netflix. Can somebody please grab me a box of Kleenex?
Yesterday, we spent the day packing, buying toiletries, medicines, a little gift for his host mother in Shanghai and toothpaste for his good friends Mike and Mark who are studying abroad in Bali. Apparently, the toothpaste in Bali is nothing like the toothpaste we have here.
I know I should be totally fine with sending Casey across the world because this isn’t our first rodeo sending a child abroad. Our oldest son Sean studied in Buenos Aires when he was in college. But our Casey is not the most organized of fellows. I love him dearly. He’s extremely bright, but in life he flies by the seat of his pants most of the time. So far flying by the seat of his pants seems to be working out in his favor, so I guess I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed it keeps on working right?! Really, do I have any other choice?
Since Casey’s heading to China, last night for his going away dinner, I decided to make him one of his American Chinese favorites, this Easy Sesame Chicken. I know authentic Chinese food is nothing like our American version, but this Sesame Chicken is incredibly easy, delish and always the first dish he requests when I bring up Chinese food.
It’s got a sweet and tangy sauce with a slight kick from the sriracha sauce. If you like more of a kick, just add a bit more sriracha. I loaded it with black and toasted sesame seeds because that’s what I had on hand, but you can also use regular sesame seeds. And to get in our daily serving of veggies, I added snow peas and sliced carrots, but feel free to customize it with whatever veggies you like.
I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can also use chicken breasts if you like. If you opt for the chicken breasts, I would highly recommend you brine them before you cook them, so they’ll be nice and juicy and tender. To brine, simply combine 4 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup kosher salt in a shallow dish and stir until the salt is dissolved. Add the chicken and let it sit for 30 minutes. Remove it from the brine, rinse it with cold water, pat dry and proceed with the recipe.
So next time you want Chinese, skip takeout and give Casey’s favorite a try! Enjoy!
- 1 1/2 cups quick cooking white or brown rice
- 6 oz. snow peas
- 2 large carrots sliced 1/8 thick on the diagonal
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs, rinsed and dried and cut into 1-1 1/2 inch pieces
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Sriracha sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp. ginger finely minced
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds divided
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Cook rice according to package directions. Set aside.
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Place a steamer basket in a medium pot filled with 1 inch water, cover pot, and bring water to a boil. Uncover and steam snow peas and carrots until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk cornstarch, salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
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Heat 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over high. Add chicken in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Add extra oil when needed. Transfer to a plate.
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Combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, Sriracha, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds in a medium bowl. Transfer sauce to skillet and cook for 1 minute. Return chicken to skillet, and toss to coat., Cook until sauce is reduced and thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in snow peas and carrots. Remove from heat.
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Serve, topped with remaining sesame seeds and rice on the side.
I can so relate with this Mary Ann. My younger brother (who I practically raised since he was 13 after our mom passed away), is moving cities to do his Master’s degree in Law and then has plans to move to the US and I am having the hardest time with it. He’s like your Casey: Not too organised and just kind of drifts through life. How he even got his law degree to begin with, I’m not sure. I think all we can do is pray that they are safe and that they will have a heck of a time.
This sticky chicken looks SO good. Wish I had a bowl right now.
Most of the times he amazes me Alida! He is so bright and does so well at school, but he needs to take a class in organization for sure. I am so Type A that I just don’t get how he functions! Ugh! I know he’s going to have so much fun, but I’m going to miss him like crazy. He loves this Sesame Chicken. I don’t think he’ll get this exact version in Shanghai.
Well, whenever you need to come to the states to visit your brother, you’re always welcome at the Jersey Shore!
Awww. Hugs :) Hoping his time away will fly by for you. Love this easy chicken dish. I always need more of these for quick and delicious dinners!
I hope it flies by for me, but that Casey enjoys and savors every moment! Thanks Jennifer!
This looks SO good, Mary Ann! Love that you used boneless skinless thighs here (my new favourite). This definitely is so much better than takeout and I would devour this whole batch myself, no doubt :) Pinned, of course! I’m sure Casey will have a wonderful time and an experience of a lifetime! And when he gets back, you’ll probably give him the biggest hug ever :) P.S. Do you love Stranger Things? I thought that was an awesome show and can’t wait for season 2! Happy Monday! XO
It’s really an easy and delicious dish Dawn. I love it with the chicken thighs too.
I am absolutely loving Stranger Things! Winona Ryder is crazy good. I only have four episodes left. I can’t wait for season 2! Happy Monday!
Awhhhhh! I am feeling for you and with you, girlfriend! Sending all the hugs your way! Why is it that we raise them to be adventurous and independent and when they become so, it hurts so much?! Such a wonderful experience for your boy and what a lovely dish you sent him off on! Thanks for sharing! You can cry on my shoulder any time! xo
Oh Annie, I’m soooo sad. He just left and I’m already missing him terribly. Both my boys love to travel, but I wish I could tag along on every trip. Hope time flies! Enjoy your Monday!
Awwww huge hugs, Mary Ann! I’m sure Casey is going to have THE BEST time in Bali, and since you helped him pack at least he won’t be flying by the seat of his pants where necessities are concerned. I mean, at least you know he has underwear and toothpaste. ;) your plan for the day sounds excellent! I hope you are able to enjoy yourself, relax and not worry too much! I can see why Casey always requests this Sesame Chicken, it looks amazing!! And of course I love that it’s easy-peasy! I wish I had a bowl of this for breakfast! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
You’d love this sesame chicken Chey. It’s so easy. And of course I had to include to brine the chicken breasts for extra juicyness, something you taught me. I know he’s going to have a great time, but it’s so hard to let him go. It’s so far.
That must be so hard. I can’t imagine my kids going that far away for that long. I know it will fly by and he will have a blast. You are such a sweet mom to make him a going away dinner. xo!
It’s killing me Karen! This is going to be the longest few months!
I often think how my mom and dad felt when they put me on the plane to the United States many decades ago. That was before Internet and free calls. It still makes me cry . Bali is beautiful, I’m sure your son will have a good time. An easy way to stay in touch with Casey is to install “WhatsApp” on your smartphone.
Your sesame chicken dish looks delicious.
I’ve got it on there Gerlinde! Thank God for technology these days! You’d love this sesame chicken. I’ll be making it a few times while Case is gone to remind me of him!
Don’t worry, your baby will be fine! And Bali is beautiful… I would love to visit one day. Talk about paradise!! This chicken looks scrumptious! Just what I need in this non-Bali-like climate!!
I miss him already Natasha and it’s only been a few hours! Ugh! I know he’ll enjoy himself but I can’t wait to see him again! We love this sesame chicken! So easy and flavorful!
Adding this to my dinner rotation!
You’ll love it Jennifer!
First of all, I think I have that exact same bowl XD. This recipe looks SO good and perfect for a busy weeknight (of which I’ve had many recently…). So excited to catch up on your blog.
It’s perfect for those busy weeknights Sarah. Hope all is well. Missed you!
I’m sure he appreciated this last home cooked meal and what a great one to send him off with!
He did Gina! I hope his host mother loves to cook! Hopefully she teaches him a few authentic Chinese recipes!
This chicken looks mouthwatering, what a great send off meal! I’m sure he will have an incredible experience (and good call on stocking up on toothpaste in advance ;))
Casey asked his friends what they’d like from home and toothpaste was the only thing they requested! Good to hear the boys are concerned with their dental health! Ha!
No need for takeout when I’ve got this recipe. My boys will go crazy for this!
Yay! Casey loves it Matt! Hope you guys all have a great trip!!
My family would go crazy over this yummy looking chicken! I know what it’s like to send a child/young adult overseas. It’s never easy no matter what age they are! This does sound like a wonderful going away dinner, I’m sure he will remember it (and you!) fondly :)
It’s heart-wrenching isn’t it Chris? So glad you like this sesame chicken. Casey really loves it. I hope he loves the authentic food in China!
Oh, Mary Ann! I’m sure that was super tough to send him off! What an experience he is going to have.
I am so excited about this dish (and I know my husband will be too!) xo
It’s so easy Tessa and one of our favorites! I hope you both enjoy it! I’m counting the days already until he gets back!
I bet he loved his last home cooked meal for a while and I am sure he will be fine and have a blast! This chicken sounds awesome! :)
He did Tieghan! He should finally be landing in Bali any minute! Over 22 hours of flying time!
Oh my heart goes out to you! Off to Bali? You are an awesome mom to make him his favorite meal. And, what a great kick-start for his new venture. Looking forward to trying this and with each bite, I will dream of being in Bali too! HA.
He loved his last night at home Cindy. Made him his favorite chocolate chocolate chip cookies too. (Extras for plane snacking!) We can only dream right?! Lucky kid!
Hang in there Mary Ann! With dinners like this he won’t be gone for long! :)
I’m trying Kevin!
My mouth is watering. My boyfriend’s going to love this!
It’s so easy too Sarah! Maybe he can whip it up for you!
This dish sounds amazing! Made my mouth water and I am a vegetarian! I will certainly try this with tofu! Such a hearty dish, and super delicious! Love your pics too Mary Ann!
This is one of favorite take out dishes made in the comfort of our own home Amisha! It would probably be delicious with tofu. Thanks so much for your sweet compliments on my photos!
That’s so exciting for Casey to study in abroad! I’m sure he will be fine and have a wonderful experience! I love sesame chicken and this looks like the perfect send off dish!
It is Rachelle! This is such an easy dish! You’d love it!
What a fabulous opportunity for Casey!! And despite his disorganization, he will be okay. Good thing, though, you were there to help him get out the door! I’m sure the toothpaste will be much appreciated. This recipe looks soooo good, Mary Ann… and you know what I’m thinking… tofu or cauliflower!? That sauce though (!!) I’m sending you a box of tissues and a big hug my dear. You are courageous!! xo
He’s such a smart kid, but his organizational skills NEED work! Tofu or cauliflower would work wonderfully! I’m working on a cauliflower recipe today in fact! I don’t buy cauliflower too often because you know Tom…he’s not going near it! But thats ok because I’ll take it all! Thanks for the love Traci!
I can’t even imagine what it’s like packing up your boy to head overseas. I’m sure I would be a mess. Time seems to speed up as they grow so hopefully his time away will go quickly (for you that is). I’m sure between this meal and those cookies you sent him off in style. Big hugs Mary Ann!
It’s so tough Cathy! I’m hoping once he gets to Shanghai he broadens his horizons and tries different things! I hope his host mother teachers him a few good authentic recipes!
i love sesame chicken and am seriously craving some right now!! gorgeous Mary Ann! i so want to make this xo
Thanks Thalia! This recipe won’t disappoint!
My kid is not even 3 and just sending him to preschool gets me all teary at times, even though I really enjoy those three days of freedom. So I can only imagine what you might be going through!
The sticky chicken looks really good. With steamed rice, it would be perfect.
You’d love it Kankana! I miss him terribly already! Hoping the months fly by!
Hang in there mama. My baby lives 14 hours away from me in North Carolina, and while that’s of course closer, I still miss her every day! Thank goodness for FaceTime! Meanwhile, you sent him off in delicious style – looks scrumptious. :) and xo
I know Kate! Thank the Lord for FaceTime! It really is amazing how he can be so far and I can see and talk to him. I love it!
I can’t even imagine what it’s like to send the kids so far away from home… my ten year old is going to sleep away camp for the first time this summer and I’m already starting to dread that! Sesame chicken sounds and looks delish, and that sprinkle of black sesame seeds adds the perfect finishing touch.
It’s tough watching them grow up Emily! I wish my boys were 10 again. I’d give anything to turn back the clock! Casey loves this one and so do I!
I can only imagine the two extremes of emotion – excited and proud / frightened and helpless. But I love that your children are brave about heading out into the big wide world! Good for them!! And good for you!!
This sesame chicken looks like a knock-out. I don’t like to deep fry food in my kitchen (lazy about clean up :) ) so I’m really excited to try this pan fried version, because it looks gorgeously crisp.
Hang in there and good choice on binge watching Stranger Things – very entertaining salve.
I don’t like deep frying wither Marissa, so this recipe works perfectly! Casey loves this one! I can’t wait for season 2 of Stranger Things! Winona Ryder is so good!
Oh my god that would be so hard!!! But, he will have such an amazing time!!! I think we need parent trips abroad…doesn’t that sound amazing?? This chicken looks so delicious!!! And I love that it’s quick!!! And Stranger Things is the best!!! xoxo
It is Rebecca! I’m all in for parent trips abroad! This recipe is so easy, Casey could even make it himself, if he had too! I love Stranger Things! So excited for season 2!
I just had a late dinner here (living in LA) but man-oh-man this sesame chicken would have been a much better option than what I had. *whispers* it was cereal. What I had really doesn’t matter, but your bowl looks so good and your photography is stunning. Great job!!!!
Danielle | FollowMyGut.com <3
Try it next time you need a quick and easy and tasty dinner Danielle! You’d love it! Thanks so much for your sweet compliments!
Oh man! That would be so tough. I am not ready for that step in my kids’ lives at all. I have a few more years to ready myself as I still need to get through the high school years! I think you gave Casey a wonderful send off filled with wonderful food and love. The sesame chicken looks way better than take out!
It’s so tough as they get older Kathy! I’m so glad he’s enjoying his new experiences though! Enjoy this one if you give it a go! Happy Sunday!
Your son is going to have such a wonderful, once in a life time experience, Mary Ann. To live in another part of the world and learn about another country’s culture, customs, as well as experience everyday life with a host family – who will help him assimilate into a new environment (and keep him safe). We need to be open to new experiences and understand other cultures rather than be afraid in this day and age. I’m sure you will miss him dearly but you are giving your son a rare gift to experience another culture at such a young age – it will help him in the future to be open and accepting to all. Xo
What a great comment Geraldine! Yes, I am so happy Casey has the chance to experience another culture and learn their customs. Both my boys love to travel and have never been afraid of branching out and learning new things. I can’t wait to hear all about his experiences when he gets back. Have a wonderful week and as always thanks so much for leaving such a sweet, thoughtful comment! XO
Awww. Hugs, He’ll be fine dont worry :). and secondly, your recipe is Mouth watering….Will try this weekend.
Thanks Anna! He’s doing well! Hope you enjoy this one! Thanks so much for stopping by to leave a comment! Have a great week.