Sesame chicken is a takeout favorite with its crispy coating and sweet, savory sauce. The good news? You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients. It’s the perfect comfort food for a quick weeknight meal or a fun dinner at home.
Why We Love This Sesame Chicken Recipe
What makes sesame chicken stand out? First, it’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are coated in a luxuriously sweet sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You get a satisfying crunch with every bite, alongside a burst of flavor that makes you come back for more. Additionally, this recipe is adaptable and can be tweaked to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Another reason this dish has become a kitchen classic is its ease of preparation. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll find that assembling this meal is a straightforward task. It’s perfect for family dinners, and the aroma it produces while cooking is sure to make your kitchen the warmest room in the house. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll understand why sesame chicken has won the hearts of so many.
Ingredients about Sesame Chicken
To create your own sesame chicken masterpiece, gather the following ingredients. Each element plays a critical role in building the flavors and textures that you’ll come to love.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
How to Make Sesame Chicken Directions
Making sesame chicken is a fun and rewarding experience. Start by preparing your chicken and the coating. In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs with a bit of salt and pepper. This will serve as your binding agent for the chicken pieces. Next, in a shallow dish, combine the flour and the cornstarch. The flour helps create a crispy crust, while cornstarch ensures extra crunch.
Now, take each piece of chicken and dip it first in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, before coating it in the flour and cornstarch blend. Make sure each piece is well-covered for that irresistible crunch after frying.
In a deep pan, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oil reaches the right temperature, carefully add about 7 to 8 pieces of coated chicken. Fry them for around 5 minutes or until they turn crispy and golden brown. Nobody likes soggy chicken, so ensure they’re perfectly cooked! After frying, place the chicken pieces on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
While your chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This lush concoction enhances the chicken with its sweet, tangy, and umami flavors. Finally, in a separate pan, heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds before pouring in the sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When both the chicken and the sauce are ready, toss the crispy chicken in the warm sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for an added crunch and beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken
Now that you’ve put in the effort to prepare your sesame chicken, it’s time to present it beautifully. Serve this delicious dish over a bed of plain rice or noodles to soak up all that rich sauce and enhance the flavor. You can create a vibrant plate by adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, offering color as well as additional nutrition.
For a casual feel, you can serve the sesame chicken in individual bowls accompanied by rice and veggies. Alternatively, you can present it family-style in a large dish for a fun gathering. Either way, be sure to garnish with more sesame seeds and green onions for an enticing look. Your family and friends will undoubtedly be impressed, and you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction knowing you’ve made something extraordinary.
Expert Tips: Sesame Chicken
To elevate your sesame chicken and ensure the best results, here are some expert tips to keep in mind.
- Quality Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts to ensure the best flavor and texture. Frozen chicken may work, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
- Fry in Batches: If you’re making a larger portion, fry the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, which might lead to soggy chicken.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken may absorb too much oil. If it’s too hot, it can burn quickly while the chicken remains undercooked.
- Customize It: Don’t hesitate to experiment with the sauce ingredients. Add red pepper flakes for spice, or substitute some of the honey for maple syrup for a unique twist.
- Presentation: A good presentation goes a long way. Consider serving your sesame chicken with colorful garnishes to make your dish visually appealing.
How to Store Sesame Chicken
If you happen to have leftover sesame chicken, storing it properly is crucial for maintaining its delicious taste. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place the chicken in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, consider using an oven or air fryer to restore some of that crispiness. Simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. If you microwave it, the chicken may become soggy, so keep that in mind.
Variation of Sesame Chicken
This sesame chicken recipe can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:
- Alternate Proteins: Feel free to experiment with other proteins. You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp, maintaining the same cooking method for a delicious twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this sesame chicken gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour as well.
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add some heat to your dish by incorporating chili paste or sriracha into the sauce. This will create a spicy yet sweet balance that many enjoy.
- Vegetable Lovers: You can include veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli within the dish. Just sauté them briefly in the sauce before tossing in the chicken.
- Baked Version: If you prefer a healthier option, consider baking the coated chicken in the oven instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
FAQ
What is sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish made from bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered, fried, and tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. It often features honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
How do I make my sesame chicken crispy?
For crispy sesame chicken, ensure you double-coat your chicken in egg and flour/cornstarch, and fry it at the right oil temperature (around 350°F). Frying in smaller batches will also help maintain that desired crunch.
Can I make sesame chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them just before serving to keep the chicken crisp.
Is sesame chicken healthy?
While sesame chicken is delicious, it is typically fried and can be higher in calories. However, by baking it or using healthier cooking methods, you can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs.
Can I omit the sesame seeds?
Absolutely! While sesame seeds add a wonderful crunch and flavor, you can leave them out without compromising the overall taste of the dish.
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- 2 eggs, beaten Serves as a binding agent.
- Salt and pepper to taste Use as needed.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Helps create a crispy crust.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch Ensures extra crunch.
- Oil for frying Enough to submerge the chicken pieces.
For the sauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil For sautéing garlic.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic Enhances the flavor.
- 1/4 cup honey Adds sweetness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Consider using tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup Adds tang to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar Provides additional sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Contributes to the tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil Imparts a toasty flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce.
For garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Adds crunch and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions For presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour and the cornstarch.
- Dip each piece of chicken first in the egg mixture, then coat in the flour and cornstarch, ensuring it is well-covered.
Cooking
- Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry 7 to 8 pieces of the coated chicken for around 5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Let it thicken for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assembly
- Toss the crispy chicken in the warm sauce until well-coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.