Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame Chicken Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken bites with a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory sauce, all topped with toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible crunch. It’s a staple on many Chinese-American restaurant menus, but you don’t need takeout to enjoy this flavorful dish. Making sesame chicken at home is simpler than you might think, and this recipe will guide you step by step to create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version.

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken

For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sesame Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 scallions, finely sliced

Optional

  • Steamed white rice or fried rice for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Cut the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a second bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess coating and set the pieces aside on a plate.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
  3. Keep Warm: If needed, keep the fried chicken warm in an oven set to 200°F while preparing the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Cook the Sauce: Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss and Garnish

  1. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the fried chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
  2. Garnish: Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor of the sauce.
  2. Double Frying Option: For extra crispy chicken, fry the pieces a second time for 1-2 minutes after their initial fry.
  3. Control the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey and sugar based on your preference.
  4. Air-Fryer Alternative: For a healthier option, air-fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Meal Prep: Sesame chicken reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Sesame Chicken (without rice)

  • Calories: ~450
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Variations

Spicy Sesame Chicken

Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken

Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour for breading.

Vegetarian Sesame “Chicken”

Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Bread and fry them the same way for a plant-based alternative.

Low-Carb Sesame Chicken

Substitute cornstarch with almond flour and use a low-carb sweetener like stevia in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • Rice: Serve sesame chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
  • Noodles: Pair with stir-fried lo mein noodles for a satisfying meal.
  • Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and crunch.
  • Salad: Serve alongside an Asian-inspired salad with a sesame ginger dressing.

Storage and Reheating

  1. Storage: Place leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or microwave for convenience. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooked sesame chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why Make Sesame Chicken at Home?

Homemade sesame chicken is not only more economical but also gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and fresher meal. You can customize the flavors, adjust the sweetness, and even experiment with different proteins. It’s a family-friendly recipe that everyone will enjoy, whether you’re serving it for dinner, a party, or meal prep.

Conclusion

Sesame chicken is a classic dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. With this easy step-by-step recipe, you can recreate the magic of your favorite takeout right in your own kitchen. The crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and aromatic sesame seeds come together to make a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Once you try this recipe, you might just retire your takeout menu for good! Enjoy your homemade sesame chicken and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

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