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Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Sweet, and Savory with a Flavorful Sauce

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Sesame Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that’s loved for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, savory sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. The combination of tender chicken, a rich sauce, and the nutty flavor of sesame seeds makes this dish a favorite for dinner or takeout cravings. The good news is, you can easily recreate this restaurant-style Sesame Chicken right at home with just a few ingredients!

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Sesame Chicken with a crispy coating and a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. Whether you’re craving Chinese food or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this Sesame Chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Sesame Chicken:

  • A deep frying pan or wok for frying the chicken
  • A small saucepan for preparing the sauce
  • A large mixing bowl for tossing the chicken with the cornstarch and egg
  • A slotted spoon or tongs for removing the chicken from the oil
  • A whisk or spoon for stirring the sauce

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Sesame Chicken:

For the chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Sesame Chicken?

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss them well to coat each piece evenly. Dip the coated chicken into the beaten egg, then dip it back into the dry cornstarch mixture to ensure a crispy coating.

Step 2: Fry the chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Once the sauce begins to simmer, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the sauce, whisking constantly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.

Step 4: Coat the chicken with sauce

Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat. Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken in a large mixing bowl. Toss the chicken pieces to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Transfer the coated Sesame Chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Variations

  • Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, use tofu instead of chicken. Coat the tofu in cornstarch and flour, then fry until crispy.
  • Extra crispy: Double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and cornstarch mixture for an extra crispy texture.
  • Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Note

Sesame Chicken is best served fresh, as the crispy coating will soften over time. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan or oven to retain some crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Chicken is delicious on its own or served with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
  • Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots
  • A side of spring rolls or dumplings
  • A simple cucumber salad for extra crunch

Helpful Tips

  • Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the frying pan to ensure that each piece of chicken gets crispy. Fry in small batches for the best results.
  • Make the sauce ahead of time: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Use fresh chicken: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh chicken rather than frozen chicken.

Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

  • Use fresh sesame seeds: Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan to bring out their nutty flavor before sprinkling them on top of the chicken.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone. Overcooking can make the chicken tough.
  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey or sugar. If you like it saltier, increase the soy sauce slightly.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 16g

FAQs

1. Can I make Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
While the chicken is best served fresh for crispiness, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat the sauce before serving.

2. Can I use another protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.

3. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes, you can add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken is an easy, delicious, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when you’re craving takeout. With crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Make it at home with this simple recipe, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Serve it with your favorite sides, and savor every bite of this flavorful, crispy Sesame Chicken.

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