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Easy Flavor-Packed Sesame Ginger Chicken and Rice Bowls

sesame ginger chicken and rice bowls - featured image

A quick and easy sesame ginger chicken and rice bowl recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a flavorful ginger-soy marinade and toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional vegetables: shredded carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers
  • Optional: sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Cook 2 cups (about 370g) of jasmine rice according to package instructions, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well and marinate for at least 10 minutes (5 minutes if short on time).
  3. While chicken marinates, toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken (reserve marinade) and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and edges caramelize. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  5. Pour reserved marinade into the pan and cook for 2 more minutes to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken. If using, add optional vegetables now and stir briefly to soften slightly.
  6. Assemble bowls by spooning warm rice into bowls, topping with sesame ginger chicken, and sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
  7. Add optional sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmarinate chicken to avoid mushy texture; 10-15 minutes is ideal. Use fresh ginger for best flavor. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much. Cook chicken in batches if needed to get a good sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame ginger chicken, chicken rice bowl, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, sesame seeds, ginger soy sauce