Chicken breast with sesame and rice noodles

Chicken breast with sesame and rice noodles: A simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I present you a recipe for chicken breast with sesame and rice noodles, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, blending delicious flavors with a crunchy texture. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, and can be adapted to your preferences. Come, let’s discover together how to prepare it!

A brief story about the recipe

The recipe for chicken breast with sesame has deep roots in global cuisine, being a perfect combination of juicy meat, crunchy vegetables, and rice noodles, all enriched with the intense flavor of sesame seeds. This recipe is often associated with Asian dishes, where sauces and spices are used to create a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.

Ingredients

- 1 large chicken breast (approx. 500g)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- A pinch of chili powder (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (fresh)
- 200g rice noodles
- 75g sesame seeds
- 2 small red onions
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 orange bell pepper
- Nut oil or sesame oil (approx. 50ml)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Ingredient details

1. Chicken breast: Choose a fresh, skinless chicken breast for a healthier meal. You can also use free-range chicken for a more intense flavor.
2. Sauces: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami note, while Worcestershire sauce adds depth. If you are vegetarian, you can use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce.
3. Sesame seeds: These not only add crunch but are also rich in healthy fats and nutrients.
4. Vegetables: You can use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Broccoli, carrots, or zucchini would be excellent options.

Step by step

Step 1: Marinating the chicken
Start by washing and drying the chicken breast. Cut it into thin strips. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of chili, and grated ginger. Add the chicken strips and mix well, ensuring all strips are coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (ideally a few hours).

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Wash the bell peppers and slice them thinly. The red onion is sliced into scales. These vegetables will add not only color but also a fresh taste to the dish.

Step 3: Cooking the vegetables
In a wok, add the nut oil or sesame oil and heat it over high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Nut oil will provide a pronounced flavor, but you can opt for sesame oil for a more traditional note.

Step 4: Cooking the chicken
Add the marinated chicken strips directly to the pan, along with the sesame seeds. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sesame seeds turn golden. This step is crucial – we want juicy and flavorful chicken without drying it out.

Step 5: Boiling the noodles
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and the rice noodles. Boil according to the package instructions (usually about 5 minutes). Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This trick will help the noodles stay al dente.

Step 6: Assembling the dish
On a platter, place the rice noodles, then add the chicken and vegetable mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pleasant appearance.

Serving and variations

This recipe is served warm, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. You can accompany the dish with a fresh salad or additional soy sauce for a more intense flavor.

If you want to experiment, replace the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood version. You can also add spices like garlic or chili sauce for a spicy flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe offers an excellent balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while fresh vegetables provide a rich supply of vitamins and minerals. Sesame seeds are known for their antioxidant benefits and calcium content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or pork. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat chosen.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
Brussels sprouts, carrots, zucchini, or peas are excellent options that pair well with this dish.

3. How can I make the noodles more flavorful?
Add a few drops of soy sauce to the boiling water for the noodles for an extra flavor boost.

Drink suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with a light white wine or chilled green tea. Additionally, a fresh lemonade with mint can add a refreshing note to your meal.

Personal note

To add a personal touch, I recommend experimenting with different sauces or spices. Also, feel free to use seasonal vegetables to keep the recipe fresh and interesting. Enjoy your meal!