One Pan Spicy Sesame: 15 Minute Dinner

Name: One Pan Spicy Sesame: 15 Minute Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted; 2 green onions, chopped

by Fenna Saul

August 3, 2025

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One pan spicy sesame chicken has become my go-to weeknight wonder! I remember struggling to get dinner on the table after long days, feeling like I was always juggling multiple pans and a sink full of dishes. Then I discovered this magic. The aroma of garlic, ginger, and that sweet, spicy glaze filling my kitchen is pure comfort. It’s so rewarding to whip up something incredibly flavorful and satisfying that’s also a breeze to clean up. This spicy sesame chicken one pan meal is seriously a game-changer. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Spicy Sesame

This recipe is a weeknight dream come true! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Incredible Flavor: Get ready for that irresistible sweet, savory, and spicy sesame kick that coats every bite.
Super Fast Prep: With only 15 minutes of prep, this spicy sesame chicken one pan recipe gets dinner on the table in no time.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and crisp veggies, it’s a nutritious meal you can feel good about.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it easy on your wallet.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love the familiar flavors and tender chicken.
Minimal Cleanup: Seriously, just one pan! This quick spicy sesame chicken pan means less time at the sink.
Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.

Ingredients for One Pan Spicy Sesame Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious one skillet spicy sesame chicken dinner that’s ready in minutes. I love how accessible everything is!

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking
1 tbsp cornstarch – this helps create a lovely coating and thickens our sauce
1 tsp salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/2 tsp black pepper – for a little zing
2 tbsp vegetable oil – or another high-heat oil for searing
1 red bell pepper, sliced – adds sweetness and color
1 green bell pepper, sliced – for that classic pepper flavor
1 cup broccoli florets – tender-crisp veggies are key
1/4 cup soy sauce – the salty, umami base of our glaze
3 tbsp honey – for a touch of sweetness to balance the heat
2 tbsp rice vinegar – adds a subtle tang
1 tbsp sesame oil – crucial for that authentic nutty aroma and taste
1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste) – this is where the spicy comes in!
2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is a must
1 tsp grated fresh ginger – adds a warm, zesty kick
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted – for garnish and nutty crunch
2 green onions, chopped – fresh, bright finish

One Pan Spicy Sesame: 15 Minute Dinner - One Pan Spicy Sesame - additional detail

How to Make One Pan Spicy Sesame Chicken

Whipping up this delicious meal is surprisingly simple. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this sheet pan spicy sesame chicken comes together, perfect for any night of the week. Just follow these easy steps!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. This little step is crucial for getting that perfect sear and a slightly thickened sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for a moment.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and broccoli florets to the same skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp. I love when they get those little charred bits!
Step 4: Make the Spicy Sesame Glaze
While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of our spicy sesame chicken stir fry one pan – get ready for that amazing aroma!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the tender-crisp vegetables. Pour the prepared spicy sesame glaze over everything. Stir gently to coat all the chicken and veggies evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and clings beautifully to the ingredients, creating that irresistible one pan sesame chicken spicy glaze.

Pro Tips for the Best One Pan Spicy Sesame

Want to elevate your one pan spicy sesame chicken? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. These tips will ensure your meal is restaurant-quality right from your own kitchen!

Always use chicken thighs; they stay incredibly moist and tender, unlike chicken breasts which can dry out easily in a hot pan.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or vegetables. Give them space so they can sear and caramelize properly, rather than steam.
Toast your sesame seeds separately before adding them. It brings out their nutty flavor and adds a fantastic crunch to the finished dish.

One Pan Spicy Sesame: 15 Minute Dinner - One Pan Spicy Sesame - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect one pan spicy sesame chicken?

The real magic for a perfect easy one pan spicy sesame dish lies in the cornstarch coating on the chicken. It creates a beautiful crust when it hits the hot pan and helps thicken the glaze, giving it that luscious consistency.

Can I make one pan spicy sesame chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prep this ahead! You can cut the chicken and vegetables and whisk together the glaze ingredients up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, it’s just a matter of cooking everything when you’re ready to eat.

How do I avoid common mistakes with one pan spicy sesame chicken?

A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan, which leads to steaming instead of searing. Make sure to cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Also, avoid overcooking the vegetables; you want them tender-crisp, not mushy, to maintain that fresh texture.

Best Ways to Serve One Pan Spicy Sesame

This flavorful chicken dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I love how it can be dressed up or down depending on what you’re craving!

For a classic and satisfying meal, serve this one pan spicy sesame chicken over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious, sticky glaze. If you’re looking for a quick and easy noodle option, try it with one pan spicy sesame noodles – just toss your favorite cooked noodles right into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also serve it alongside steamed or roasted vegetables, like bok choy or snap peas, for an extra boost of freshness and color.

Nutrition Facts for One Pan Spicy Sesame

This one pan spicy sesame chicken is a delicious way to get a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 700mg
Cholesterol: 100mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your healthy one pan spicy sesame preparation.

How to Store and Reheat One Pan Spicy Sesame

This healthy one pan spicy sesame chicken is fantastic for meal prep, and storing and reheating it properly keeps it tasting just as delicious. Once your amazing one pan spicy sesame creation has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of great options. You can gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the glaze. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated through. Either method works wonderfully to bring back that delightful flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Spicy Sesame

What is one pan spicy sesame chicken?

One pan spicy sesame chicken is a dish where chicken and vegetables are cooked together in a single pan with a flavorful, slightly sweet and spicy sesame sauce. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making dinner incredibly easy.

How to make one pan spicy sesame chicken?

To make it, you’ll typically toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then brown it in a skillet. Next, sauté your chosen vegetables until tender-crisp. While veggies cook, whisk together the glaze ingredients (soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic, ginger, sesame oil). Combine everything in the pan, pour over the glaze, and cook until thickened. It’s that simple!

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. For a vegetarian one pan spicy sesame option, firm or extra-firm tofu or tempeh works wonderfully. If you prefer seafood, shrimp cooks very quickly and is delicious in this sauce. For a different protein, try spicy sesame beef one pan, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

No worries if you’re missing rice vinegar! You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just use the same amount. It will add a similar tanginess to balance the sweetness and spice in the glaze.

Variations of One Pan Spicy Sesame You Can Try

This versatile recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious dinners! I love experimenting with different proteins and even dietary swaps to keep things interesting. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian Delight: For a satisfying vegetarian one pan spicy sesame meal, swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu well to remove excess water, cube it, and then toss it with the cornstarch mixture before browning.
Going Vegan: To make it fully vegan one pan spicy sesame, use tofu or tempeh as above, and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. You might also consider using maple syrup instead of honey for the glaze.
Seafood Sensation: Craving something lighter? Try spicy sesame shrimp one pan! Add the shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking the vegetables, as they cook very quickly.
Beefy Delight: For a heartier version, create a spicy sesame beef one pan dish. Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin works beautifully. Marinate it briefly in some of the glaze ingredients before searing.