Sesame Chicken Thighs is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Chinese buffet-style sesame chicken to your own kitchen. With tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory sauce and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for this popular Chinese dish.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 pounds (1 1/3 kg) chicken thighs, skin removed
- 1¼ cups (425 g) honey
- 1 cup (235 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup (120 g) low-sodium ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) canola oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 ml) sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup (36 g) sesame seeds, toasted
PREPARATION:
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, low-sodium ketchup, canola oil, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, making sure to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2½ hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the chicken thighs.
YIELD:
- 8 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 171 g water; 467 calories (27% from fat, 30% from protein, 43% from carb)
- 36 g protein; 14 g total fat; 3 g saturated fat; 5 g monounsaturated fat; 5 g polyunsaturated fat; 51 g carb; 1 g fiber; 47 g sugar
- 357 mg phosphorus; 73 mg calcium; 3 mg iron; 252 mg sodium; 558 mg potassium; 251 IU vitamin A; 34 mg ATE vitamin E; 3 mg vitamin C; 141 mg cholesterol
Sesame Chicken Thighs is a crowd-pleasing dish that captures the essence of the popular sesame chicken found in Chinese buffets. The combination of tender chicken thighs and a flavorful sauce makes it a satisfying and delicious meal for any occasion.
To prepare this dish, you’ll start by removing the skin from the chicken thighs and placing them in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, you’ll combine honey, low-sodium soy sauce, low-sodium ketchup, canola oil, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This sauce mixture brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and tanginess that characterizes sesame chicken. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated.
Cook the chicken thighs on low for 5 hours or on high for 2½ hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and infuse into the tender chicken meat. Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the chicken thighs, adding a nutty and aromatic element to the dish.
The nutritional information per serving showcases the macronutrient breakdown and highlights the moderate calorie content of this dish. With a relatively low fat content and a good amount of protein, this recipe can be a satisfying option for a balanced meal. However, it’s worth noting the sugar content from the honey and ketchup, so it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.
Sesame Chicken Thighs can be served alongside steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal. You can also add some steamed vegetables or a side salad to incorporate more freshness and nutritional value. The leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop and intensify.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, preparing a family dinner, or simply satisfying your own craving for Chinese cuisine, Sesame Chicken Thighs is a recipe that brings the flavors of the Chinese buffet to your home. With its tender chicken, sticky and flavorful sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, this dish is sure to impress and delight your taste buds. Enjoy the deliciousness and the wonderful aroma of this Chinese-inspired sesame chicken dish!
