Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken

Last week was Lunar New Year and I was able to celebrate in Boston’s wonderful Chinatown.  The meal was amazing and something I hadn’t tried before, which is always something fun to do.  Then I went over to a chinese market and was on sensory overload from all the amazing things they had.  Dumplings, mochi, fruit and candies… lets just say I left with a few bags full.  But since then I have had such a craving for chinese food.. which admittedly can be an unhealthy craving sometimes.  Since I wanted to the fried sesame chicken or egg rolls.  This recipe is a great way to fight the craving and not breaking the calorie count for the day.  This recipe also makes the most juicy and tender chicken that you could mix into any base.  So enjoy orange chicken, teriyaki, whatever you want!  Its very versatile!  Okay enough jabbering, lets learn how to make it!

Ingredients:

For the chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breast (I used 1 large one)
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour (or whatever flour you have)
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic (fresh or dried and minced)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1.2 teaspoon butter
• red pepper flakes (optional)

How to:

1. Begin by setting your oven to 350.  Then using a paper towel, dry off your chicken.
2. In a bowl, or welled plate, mix the flour, paprika, salt and pepper.  Make sure everything is all mixed up.
3. Cut the chicken into bit sized cubes.  Then add to the flour and gently roll them around until they have a light coating on them.
4. In a pre-sprayed pan, add the chicken.  Then spray the chicken as well. (this helps them get a little bit crispier, but its not necessary).
5. Let cook for 15-20 minutes.
6. While your chicken is cooking, make the sauce.
7. Start by sautéing your garlic in the oil in a welled frying pan until lightly golden.  Then add in the sesame seeds so they can toast a bit. Then add the honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar.  On medium low heat begin to reduce the sauce.
8. After about 5 minutes you will see the sauce starts to become thick and sticky.  Then add the butter and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat).
9. Once your chicken is cooked, add it to the pan with your sauce and stir it around until the sauce is evenly coating the chicken.
10. Eat with some veggies, in a spring roll, on salad, whoever you like!
11. Enjoy!