This Crispy Sesame Chicken with Fried Rice is a perfect balance of textures and flavors—crunchy chicken coated in a sweet-savory sesame sauce, complemented by savory fried rice loaded with vegetables.
The crispy chicken adds a satisfying crunch, while the fried rice is packed with delicious peas, carrots, and a hint of sesame oil. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family meal.
Full Recipe:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the fried rice. Heat sesame oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add peas, carrots, and green onions, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the cooked rice and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps. Create a well in the center, then add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix into the rice.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve the crispy sesame chicken on top of the fried rice, and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice
This Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect weeknight dinner option. It’s quick, flavorful, and offers a comforting combination of crispy, tender chicken in a rich sesame soy sauce served alongside a simple fried rice. With this recipe, you’re bringing the essence of takeout into your own home, but with a homemade touch that guarantees freshness and quality ingredients. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or slightly spicy, this dish has it all. Ready in just under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for a busy weeknight meal or a casual dinner with family and friends.
The Appeal of Crispy Sesame Chicken
Crispy Sesame Chicken is one of those iconic Asian-inspired dishes that never seems to go out of style. The crispy texture of the chicken pairs perfectly with the sticky, sweet, and savory sesame soy sauce that coats each piece. The golden-brown, crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside, making each bite satisfying. This chicken is not only delicious but incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep and cook time involved.
The key to making the chicken crispy is the cornstarch batter, which creates a light coating that crisps up beautifully in the hot oil. This crispy chicken can be served on its own, tossed in sauces like honey soy or sweet and sour, or paired with something like fried rice, as in this recipe. The sesame soy sauce adds an irresistible umami flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
Fried Rice: The Perfect Sidekick
No dish like this would be complete without a side of fried rice. Fried rice is one of the most versatile and comforting side dishes that can pair well with nearly any entrée. This recipe calls for a simple fried rice made with cooked rice, eggs, frozen vegetables, and a splash of tamari or soy sauce. The buttery flavor from the cooked eggs, combined with the subtle flavor of tamari or soy sauce, enhances the rice and makes it a flavorful companion to the rich, sweet chicken.
The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability – you can add a variety of vegetables, meats, or even tofu depending on your preference. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice and make a filling side dish without much effort.
How to Serve Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice
This dish is a complete meal in itself, but there are plenty of ways to serve it with complementary sides. For a balanced plate, consider pairing it with steamed Asian greens like bok choy, choy sum, or gai lan. These greens add a touch of freshness and crunch, which complements the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and rice.
Alternatively, you can use the sesame chicken in different ways. If you have leftover chicken, it makes a great filling for a Vietnamese-style bánh mì sandwich. Simply add the crispy chicken into crusty bread rolls, along with fresh vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and a touch of mayo. This twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich makes for an exciting lunch or picnic meal.
If you’re looking to mix things up, the fried rice can be served alongside other stir-fries, or even on its own as a light meal for lunch the next day. It’s a great option for meal prep, and you can easily add protein or more vegetables depending on your taste preferences.
Customizing the Heat Level
One of the great things about this recipe is how customizable it is. If you like a little spice with your sesame chicken, consider adding some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Adjusting the heat level allows you to tailor the recipe to your specific taste preferences, making it ideal for those who like a little extra heat or prefer a milder version.
Other Variations
If you’re looking to experiment with this recipe, there are plenty of ways to tweak it. You can switch up the type of protein used in the dish. Chicken is a popular choice, but beef, pork, or even tofu would work wonderfully. You could also add a variety of vegetables to the fried rice, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn, depending on what you have on hand. For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the fried rice for an extra umami punch.
Why You Should Make This Dish
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice offers a convenient yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a quick and delicious dinner without compromising on flavor. It’s a dish the whole family will enjoy, and it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can pull it off with ease. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more Asian-inspired flavors into your cooking repertoire.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly customizable, allowing you to add your own twists and variations. It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover rice and pantry staples, making it both cost-effective and efficient. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Conclusion: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is a recipe that combines convenience, flavor, and versatility. It brings together the best elements of comfort food with the exciting flavors of Asian cuisine. With its crispy chicken, sticky sesame sauce, and flavorful fried rice, it’s the perfect meal to whip up when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will become a staple in your cooking routine. So why not skip the takeout tonight and make this easy, delicious meal at home? You won’t regret it!