Sesame Chicken

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If you love the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors of your favorite takeout sesame chicken, then you are in for a treat! This homemade sesame chicken recipe brings all those incredible flavors right to your kitchen with a crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a luscious sesame sauce. It’s a perfect balance of crunchy and saucy, with a hint of nuttiness from toasted sesame seeds that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and enjoy a fresh, delicious meal any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it over steamed rice or alongside your favorite veggies, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This sesame chicken recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with authentic flavor in a way that anyone can master. The chicken pieces are lightly battered and fried to a perfect crisp, then tossed in a sticky, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to each bite. The sauce balances sweet and savory notes with a touch of garlic and ginger, bringing depth and warmth to the dish. Unlike many takeout versions that can be overly greasy or heavy, this recipe uses just enough oil to get that satisfying crunch while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.

What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile. You can whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner or make a big batch for meal prep. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward — no complicated techniques or hard-to-find sauces required. This recipe also uses accessible pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Trust me, once you try this sesame chicken, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered it from a restaurant!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

How To Make Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture — this helps the batter stick better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to coat well. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or deep pan, heat about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or until a small piece of batter sizzles and rises to the surface. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to bubble, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Continue stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil.

Step 5: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the warm sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat: Thighs stay tender and flavorful even after frying, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch in the batter: It adds a light crispiness that flour alone can’t achieve.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil hot enough to fry but not too hot to burn the chicken. If it gets too hot, lower the heat; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy.
• Toast your sesame seeds: Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and adds a great crunch to the final dish.
• Make the sauce ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently before tossing with the chicken for convenience.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
• Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers while cooking the chicken for a vegetable-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Oven-Baked Version: For a lighter option, bake the battered chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Sesame Chicken Salad: Serve the crispy chicken over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of the sauce as a dressing for a refreshing twist.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness, or microwave covered for about 1 to 2 minutes. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it. Avoid storing the chicken with rice or other sides to maintain the best texture.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook the breast meat as it can dry out. Cutting the chicken into small, even pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and swap the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your cornstarch is pure and free from cross-contamination as well.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Using a combination of flour and cornstarch in the batter adds a wonderful crispiness. Also, frying at the right oil temperature (around 350°F) ensures a golden, crunchy coating without absorbing excess oil.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sesame sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before tossing it with the freshly fried chicken for best results.

Conclusion

This sesame chicken recipe is your ticket to delicious, restaurant-quality Asian-inspired comfort food right at home. Crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze is a combination that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a flavorful homemade dinner, this recipe hits every mark with ease and taste. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and flexible variations, it’s a must-have recipe to add to your rotation. So grab your skillet, get frying, and prepare to savor every bite of this irresistible sesame chicken!

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