This Sesame Chicken is all about that crispy, golden crunch on the outside with a sweet, savory sauce that perfectly coats each piece. The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, while the green onions bring freshness and color to the dish. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this sesame chicken can easily become a family favorite. The tender chicken, crispy exterior, and flavorful sauce come together to make a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Plus, it’s customizable — you can adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your taste, and serve it with any sides you love!
Full Recipe:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup cornstarch
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1 egg
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1/2 cup water
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
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1/4 cup sesame seeds
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
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Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
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In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg, and water to form a batter.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, then fry in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
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While the chicken cooks, prepare the sesame sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Once the chicken is done frying, drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
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Pour the sesame sauce over the crispy chicken and toss to coat.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
How to Perfectly Fry Chicken for Sesame Chicken
One of the biggest challenges when making sesame chicken at home is getting the chicken crispy while ensuring it remains tender inside. The key here is to fry the chicken in batches and not overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding the pan causes the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy chicken that doesn’t achieve that coveted crispy exterior. Another helpful tip is to let the battered chicken rest for about 10 minutes before frying. This allows the batter to adhere better to the chicken, creating a more uniform coating that fries up perfectly golden brown.
For the frying oil, vegetable oil is often recommended due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. It’s important to maintain the oil at the right temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of chicken. If it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
The Magic of the Sesame Sauce
The sauce is what takes the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. A blend of honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sriracha creates a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and heat. The cornstarch added to the sauce helps thicken it, so it clings beautifully to the crispy chicken. Sesame seeds are added to enhance the dish’s flavor and provide an additional crunch. The key to a great sauce is letting it simmer for a few minutes to ensure it thickens properly and that the flavors meld together.
Once the chicken is fried, it’s important to toss it in the sauce immediately while the chicken is still hot, allowing the sauce to absorb into the crispy coating. This gives each piece of chicken a mouthwatering glaze without making it soggy.
Serving Ideas and Variations
While sesame chicken is a complete meal on its own, there are numerous ways to serve it. A classic option is to serve it over steamed white rice or jasmine rice. The fluffy rice complements the rich, flavorful sauce and crispy chicken perfectly. You can also serve it with vegetable fried rice for a more complete meal, or try vegetable lo mein for a classic Chinese takeout experience at home. For a lighter option, serve the sesame chicken with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and snow peas.
In terms of variations, feel free to play around with the ingredients. If you like your sesame chicken spicier, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Alternatively, you can add extra vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers or snap peas, to add freshness and crunch. For those who prefer a different protein, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts, adding more flavor and richness to the dish.
Storing and Reheating
Like most fried foods, sesame chicken is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, when the coating is crispy and fresh. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it’s best to use a skillet to warm the chicken on medium heat, allowing the sauce to recoat the chicken. Note that while the chicken will be reheated, the crispy texture will diminish. If you’re looking to freeze the dish, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the skillet as mentioned.
Why This Sesame Chicken is Better than Takeout
The main advantage of making sesame chicken at home is the control you have over the ingredients. Store-bought or takeout sesame chicken often contains excess sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. By preparing it yourself, you can create a much healthier version with minimal oil and sugar, ensuring you get a fresher, lighter dish. Moreover, homemade sesame chicken allows you to avoid any artificial flavorings, MSG, or other unwanted additives.
Another benefit is the taste. Homemade sesame chicken has an unmatched freshness, and the crispy coating and sauce are perfectly tailored to your preferences. There’s also something incredibly satisfying about preparing a dish that you would normally order out, knowing exactly what’s in it and how it’s made.
Conclusion
Homemade sesame chicken is a wonderful dish that brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout into your own kitchen. It’s crispy, sweet, savory, and has just the right amount of heat, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and an easy method, sesame chicken can be on your table in no time. So, next time you’re craving takeout, why not skip the delivery fee and make this healthier, tastier version yourself? You won’t regret it!