Sesame Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. This dish is typically garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, making it both visually appealing and delicious. Perfect for dinner or a special occasion, sesame chicken is a crowd-pleaser that you can easily make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Sesame Chicken for its combination of crispy fried chicken and rich, flavorful sauce. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, along with the crunch from the sesame seeds, makes this dish irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and much better than takeout, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Double fry the chicken: For extra crispy chicken, fry the pieces twice.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature for even frying.
- Toss in sauce quickly: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Healthier option: Bake the chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
- Different protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Sesame Chicken over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pair it with egg rolls, wonton soup, or a fresh Asian salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken pieces (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the sauce.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a little water if the sauce is too thick.
Recipe FAQs
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick? Add a little water or chicken broth to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why is my chicken not crispy? Ensure the oil is hot enough and do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will work well and remain juicy.
Sesame Chicken
A beloved Asian dish that combines succulent chicken with a sweet and savory glaze, all sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the batter, making sure each piece is well coated.
- In a deep saucepan or wok, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to combine the flavors.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside.
- Place the crispy Sesame Chicken in a large mixing bowl and drizzle the glaze over it.
- Toss the chicken in the glaze until it is evenly coated.
- Transfer the Sesame Chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and elegance.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 446Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 988mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 38g
