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Easy Honey Sesame Chicken Meal Prep Bowls for 5 Perfect Lunches

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A quick and easy honey sesame chicken recipe perfect for meal prepping 5 flavorful lunches with juicy chicken, sticky honey-sesame glaze, and crunchy veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 large carrot, thinly sliced or shredded
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer—cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside. (10-12 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  4. Pour the sauce mixture into the hot skillet (wipe out excess oil if needed). Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch-water slurry slowly, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—about 1-2 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the sticky honey sesame sauce. Let it simmer together for another minute so the flavors meld. (2 minutes)
  6. While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp (about 4-5 minutes). Cook the jasmine or brown rice according to package instructions. (20 minutes—can be done simultaneously with chicken steps)
  7. Divide the cooked rice evenly into five containers. Top each with steamed broccoli, carrot slices, and the honey sesame chicken. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. (5 minutes)
  8. Let the bowls cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. These keep well for up to 5 days. (15 minutes cooling time)

Notes

Dry chicken before coating with cornstarch to prevent clumping and ensure crispiness. Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before garnishing for extra flavor. Reheat gently with a splash of water or covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Sauce can be loosened with a splash of water if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey sesame chicken, meal prep, easy chicken recipe, healthy lunch, chicken thighs, honey glaze, sesame seeds, quick dinner

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/easy-honey-sesame-chicken-meal-prep-bowls-for-5-perfect-lunches-2/