Introduction
If you’re on the hunt for easy sweet Asian chicken recipes for weeknight dinner, you’ve come to the right place! These dishes combine the irresistible flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and honey with tender chicken, making them both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a stir-fry or a slow-cooked meal, these recipes will help you create a delightful dinner in no time.
Asian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and quick cooking techniques, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can transform your chicken into a dish that feels special but is easy to prepare. Let’s dive into some amazing recipes that will become staples in your home!
Quick Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour for more flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve the sweet Asian chicken over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Additional Easy Sweet Asian Chicken Recipes
Here are some more easy sweet Asian chicken recipes to try:
1. Honey Sesame Chicken
This recipe features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and sticky honey sesame sauce. It’s a family favorite and pairs perfectly with steamed broccoli or fried rice.
Quick Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Pour sauce over chicken and cook until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
2. Sweet and Sour Chicken
This sweet and sour chicken recipe combines tender chicken with colorful bell peppers and a tangy sauce. It’s a great way to add some veggies to your dinner table.
Quick Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers and pineapple to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour over chicken and vegetables.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Serve warm over rice.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in any of these recipes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What can I serve with sweet Asian chicken?
These dishes pair well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables.
3. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook it when you’re ready to eat.
4. Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these recipes are great for meal prep. They can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
These easy sweet Asian chicken recipes for weeknight dinner are not only quick to prepare, but they are also packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create meals that satisfy your cravings and delight your family. Try out these recipes this week and enjoy a taste of Asia right in your kitchen! Whether you’re whipping up honey sesame chicken or sweet and sour chicken, you’re sure to impress with these delicious dishes. Happy cooking!
