1 cup (215 g) Sesame Chicken has a total of 425 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option for those who love Chinese Cuisine. Whether you're looking for a new recipe to try or just curious about the nutritional content of this dish, you'll find everything you need to know here.

Sesame chicken is made with chunks of chicken that are coated in cornstarch and then fried until crispy. The chicken is then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce made with Soy Sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. While this dish is definitely not low in calories, it does have some nutritional benefits thanks to the Sesame Seeds and vegetables that are often included in the recipe.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about sesame chicken, from the ingredients used to make it to the different variations you can try at home.

Overview of Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has been around for decades. It's typically made with chunks of chicken that are coated in cornstarch and then fried until crispy. The chicken is then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce made with Soy Sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Sesame Seeds are often sprinkled on top of the chicken before serving, giving the dish its signature nutty flavor. While sesame chicken is certainly not the healthiest meal option, it's definitely a crowd-pleaser. It's commonly served in Chinese restaurants across the United States, and many people enjoy making it at home as well. If you're a fan of Chinese Cuisine, sesame chicken is definitely worth trying.

Ingredients Used to Create Sesame Chicken

To make sesame chicken, you will need the following ingredients: - Chicken breast or thigh meat - Cornstarch - Soy Sauce - Honey - Rice vinegar - Sesame oil - Garlic - Ginger - Sesame Seeds - Scallions - Broccoli or other vegetables (optional) Many variations of sesame chicken also include additional ingredients such as red pepper flakes, hoisin sauce, or brown sugar.

Health Benefits of Sesame Chicken

While sesame chicken is not exactly a health food, it does have some nutritional benefits. Sesame Seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also contain important minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. The vegetables that are often included in sesame chicken recipes, such as broccoli or bell peppers, also add some nutritional value to the dish. Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and can help balance out the high calorie content of the chicken and sauce.

Nutritional Facts of Sesame Chicken

One cup of sesame chicken (215 grams) contains approximately: - Calories: 425 - Fat: 16g - Carbohydrates: 46g - Protein: 26g - Sodium: 1249mg - Sugar: 30g The exact nutritional content of sesame chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used.

Serving Size of Sesame Chicken

The serving size for sesame chicken is typically one cup (215 grams). This portion size contains approximately 425 calories, so it's important to be mindful of how much you're eating if you're trying to maintain a healthy diet. If you're eating sesame chicken at a restaurant, the serving size may be larger than one cup. In this case, you may want to consider splitting the dish with a friend or taking some of it home for leftovers.

Caloric Content of Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is not a low calorie meal option. One cup (215 grams) of sesame chicken contains approximately 425 calories, making it a relatively high calorie dish. If you're trying to maintain a healthy diet or lose weight, it's important to be mindful of the calorie content of your meals. You can try modifying the recipe to make it lower in calories, or consider eating smaller portions of sesame chicken alongside healthier side dishes like steamed vegetables or brown rice.

How to Make Sesame Chicken at Home

If you want to make sesame chicken at home, there are plenty of recipes available online. Here is a simple recipe that you can try: - Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces - In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Coat each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture. - Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. - In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup Soy Sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. - Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. - Serve the sesame chicken hot, sprinkled with Sesame Seeds and chopped scallions. This recipe makes approximately 4 servings of sesame chicken. You can adjust the ingredient amounts as needed to make more or less of the dish.

Ways to Modify Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you're looking to make sesame chicken a little healthier, there are some modifications you can try. Here are a few suggestions: - Use chicken breast instead of thigh meat to reduce the fat content of the dish - Use a healthier cooking method such as baking or grilling instead of frying the chicken - Use less cornstarch in the coating to reduce the calorie and carbohydrate content of the dish - Add additional vegetables to the recipe to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish Keep in mind that making these modifications may alter the flavor and texture of the dish, so you may need to experiment a bit to find the perfect balance.

Popular Side Dishes Served with Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is commonly served alongside other Chinese-inspired side dishes. Some popular options include: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Lo mein noodles - Stir-fried vegetables - Egg rolls or spring rolls - Wonton soup These side dishes can help balance out the richness of the sesame chicken and add some variety to your meal.

Famous Variations of Sesame Chicken

While sesame chicken is a classic dish, there are many variations of the recipe out there. Here are a few well-known variations you might want to try: - General Tso's chicken: This dish is similar to sesame chicken, but has a spicier and more tangy sauce. It's typically made with chicken that has been marinated in rice wine and Soy Sauce, then fried and tossed in a sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili flakes. - Orange chicken: This dish is similar to sesame chicken, but has a citrusy and sweet sauce. It's typically made with chicken that has been coated in cornstarch and fried, then tossed in a sauce made with orange juice, ginger, honey, and garlic. - Kung pao chicken: This dish is quite different from sesame chicken, but is still a popular Chinese-American dish. It's made with chicken that has been stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers. These variations can provide a fun twist on the classic sesame chicken recipe.