Introduction
Transform a simple weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion with this Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Veggies recipe! We’re taking everyday ingredients – chicken, veggies, and a super-easy sesame sauce – and turning them into a delicious, healthy, and totally stress-free meal the whole family will adore. Get ready for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s ridiculously easy, unbelievably delicious, and incredibly adaptable. Everything cooks on one pan, meaning less dishes and more time spent with your family. The sweet and savory sesame sauce is the perfect complement to the tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables. It’s a complete meal in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 🥦 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 🥕 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 🧅 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍚 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 🥣 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 🍯 2 tablespoons honey
- 🥄 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 芝麻 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
3️⃣ Add the chicken, broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic to the bowl. Toss everything until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
4️⃣ Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Make sure to flip the chicken and veggies halfway through for even cooking.
6️⃣ Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, try patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before tossing them in the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Cauliflower, green beans, and snap peas would all be delicious additions!
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder instead.
Heat Control
400°F (200°C) is the perfect temperature for this recipe. It’s hot enough to cook the chicken through and crisp the vegetables, but not so hot that it burns them. Keep an eye on your oven and adjust the cooking time if necessary, depending on your oven’s heat.
Crunch Factor
The key to achieving a great crunch is to ensure the vegetables are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows them to roast evenly and develop a nice crispy exterior.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker prep, buy pre-cut vegetables.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra kick.
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking for even more flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t traditionally giftable, but you could portion it into individual containers for a thoughtful meal gift for a friend or neighbor!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Sesame: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Ginger Sesame: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a fragrant and zesty twist.
🌟 Garlic Sesame: Increase the amount of garlic to 4 cloves for an extra garlicky flavor.
🌟 Honey-Garlic Sesame: Add 1 tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.
Troubleshooting
- Chicken is dry: Make sure the chicken is not overcrowded on the baking sheet. This will prevent it from cooking evenly and becoming dry.
- Vegetables are burnt: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and check the vegetables more frequently.
- Sauce is too thin: Add a little more cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen vegetables tend to release more water, so it’s best to pat them dry before adding them to the pan.
- Can I use different types of chicken? Yes, chicken thighs will work well too, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
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Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake them just before serving.
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Is this recipe healthy? Yes, this recipe is relatively healthy, providing a good source of protein and vegetables.
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What can I serve with this? Serve this with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad.
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Veggies is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s easy, delicious, and the whole family will love it. Give it a try and share your results with us! We can’t wait to see your amazing creations! Don’t forget to rate and review this recipe on RateMyRecipes.com!
One-Pan Sesame Chicken & Veggies: Family Dinner Done Right
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sesame sauce, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200u00b0C (400u00b0F).
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a large baking sheet, spreading it out in a single layer.
- Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas to the baking sheet, tossing them gently with the chicken.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 2 hours before cooking.
- Feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots or zucchini.