It’s hard to resist the allure of Sesame Chicken. This dish combines crispy, golden chicken chunks with a savory-sweet sauce that makes it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests at a casual gathering, Sesame Chicken hits all the right notes. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the flavor of takeout right into your kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to make this Sesame Chicken at home. It’s quick, incredibly satisfying, and easy to whip up any night of the week. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! The key ingredients are affordable and can often be found in your pantry. This dish is a perfect choice for family night, weekend get-togethers, or when you’re just in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal.
“I made this for dinner last night, and my kids couldn’t get enough! They were literally fighting over the last piece. Definitely adding this to our regular rotation!” – A happy home cook
The cooking process explained
Making Sesame Chicken is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced culinary skills. You’ll start by preparing the chicken, then frying it until it’s crispy and delicious. Once the chicken is golden brown, you’ll make a simple yet flavorful sauce to coat the pieces. Follow the steps outlined, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
What you’ll need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Sesame Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Substitutions: If you’re out of cornstarch, all-purpose flour works just fine. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free flour blends.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water until combined.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. Then, transfer them to the flour mixture, coating each piece evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and let drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat until warmed through but not boiling.
- Toss the fried chicken in the warmed sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Best ways to enjoy it
For the ultimate dining experience, serve your Sesame Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also complement it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the chicken, do so before adding the sauce. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to maintain that crispy texture.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve that crispy exterior. A common test is to drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go!
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce before tossing in the chicken.
Creative twists
Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the frying process. For a spicy kick, add a splash of sriracha to your sauce. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try substituting the chicken for tofu or cauliflower.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to make Sesame Chicken?
This dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just ensure you thoroughly thaw the chicken before cooking it. This will allow for even cooking and better texture.
Is Sesame Chicken spicy?
No, traditional Sesame Chicken is not spicy. However, you can easily make it spicy by adding some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Can I use different proteins?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp, beef, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten it up, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat the chicken in the flour mixture, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is a popular choice due to its high smoke point, but you can also use canola oil or peanut oil for frying.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to one week. Just reheat it when you’re ready to use it.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked through. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check this.
With this guide, you’re all set to whip up your own delicious Sesame Chicken! Happy cooking!
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Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Crispy, golden chicken chunks coated in a savory-sweet sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Whisk together the egg and water in another bowl until combined.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. Then, transfer them to the flour mixture, coating each piece evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and let drain on paper towels.
- Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a separate saucepan. Heat until warmed through but not boiling.
- Toss the fried chicken in the warmed sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
Serve over rice or with stir-fried vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
