Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

Savory Sesame Chicken Recipe with a Touch of Orange Juice and Broccoli

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken with crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce has made this dish a favorite among food lovers around the world.

Ingredients

1 cup chicken breast, skinned, boned, and cut into cubes
1 cup chicken seasoning
0.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp minced ginger root
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
0.5 cup chopped onion
5 tbsp orange juice concentrate
0.25 cup water
1 lb (454 g) broccoli, coarsely chopped
1 lemon

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients except broccoli and lemon in a bowl, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Stir-fry the chicken mixture and broccoli for 15 minutes or until the broccoli is just tender. Do not overcook.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Food exchange per serving: 1 lean-meat exchange + 1 vegetable exchange + 1 fat exchange (sesame seeds have some oils) + 0.25 fruit exchange.
Health eating guide & cookbook by George Mateljan.

Variations

Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and flavor.
Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or seafood option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it should be crisp-tender for the best texture.

- Serve the dish with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sesame Chicken with Broccoli over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the chicken and broccoli in a hot wok or skillet for a quick and flavorful meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the orange juice concentrate for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken in advance for a quick and easy meal prep option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with additional toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Sesame Chicken with Broccoli with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame seeds and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Sesame Chicken with Broccoli. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that my own grandmother had passed down to me. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards, I stumbled upon a faded piece of paper that had been carefully folded and tucked away in the corner.

Intrigued, I unfolded the paper and my eyes landed on the handwritten recipe for Sesame Chicken with Broccoli. The ingredients were listed in neat cursive, along with detailed instructions on how to prepare the dish. As I read through the recipe, memories flooded back to me of the many times I had enjoyed this delicious meal at family gatherings and special occasions.

I remembered the first time I had tried Sesame Chicken with Broccoli. It was at a dinner party hosted by a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins. She was known for her exquisite cooking skills, and this dish was no exception. The tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, paired with crisp broccoli florets, had left me craving more.

I approached Mrs. Jenkins after the meal and asked her for the recipe. With a twinkle in her eye, she promised to share it with me the next time we met. However, life got in the way and our schedules never seemed to align. But now, holding this treasured recipe in my hands, I felt a renewed sense of excitement to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

I decided to make Sesame Chicken with Broccoli for dinner that evening. I gathered all the necessary ingredients from my pantry and set to work following the instructions on the worn piece of paper. As I chopped the broccoli and marinated the chicken, the familiar aromas of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce filled my kitchen, transporting me back to Mrs. Jenkins' dining room.

The dish came together beautifully, the chicken glistening with the sticky sesame sauce and the broccoli vibrant and crisp. I set the table with care, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. With each bite, memories of past gatherings and shared meals flooded back to me, reminding me of the joy and connection that food can bring.

As I savored each mouthful of Sesame Chicken with Broccoli, I couldn't help but think of all the other recipes I had collected over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family, each one telling a story and holding a memory within its ingredients.

I thought about the time I had learned to make my grandmother's famous apple pie, the secret ingredient being a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of love. Or the recipe for chicken and dumplings that a kindly neighbor had shared with me during a difficult time, the warmth of the broth soothing my soul.

Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with others, to share stories and create memories around the dinner table. And now, as I sat alone in my kitchen, savoring the familiar flavors of Sesame Chicken with Broccoli, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the recipes that had been passed down to me, each one a piece of history and a reminder of the love that had gone into creating it.

As I finished my meal, I carefully folded the recipe for Sesame Chicken with Broccoli and placed it back in the recipe box, alongside all the other treasures I had collected over the years. And as I sat back, content and full, I knew that these recipes would continue to guide me through life's ups and downs, always reminding me of the power of food to nourish not only the body, but the soul.