Sesame chicken is a tasty dish with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. It’s a popular choice for dinner!
This dish is always a hit at my table. I love it with fluffy rice on the side—it makes the meal feel extra cozy. Plus, who can resist those sesame seeds? They add a delightful crunch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless chicken thighs adds juiciness, but breast works too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Flour and Cornstarch: This combo gives that extra crunch. You can use gluten-free flour or almond flour as a substitute for a gluten-free version.
Sauce Ingredients: Traditional soy sauce gives great flavor, but low-sodium soy sauce is a lighter option. For a sweeter sauce, try maple syrup instead of honey.
Sesame Seeds: These add crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic, try sunflower seeds. Toasting them slightly enhances their nutty profile, too!
How Do You Fry Chicken for the Perfect Crunch?
Frying might feel tricky, but here’s how to do it right! Start by heating the oil to 350°F (175°C); this ensures a crispy exterior. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady, which helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Don’t rush! Each batch should take 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil, which keeps it crispy!
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if the first batch isn’t perfect. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Delicious Sesame Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sesame chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking. Make sure to set aside about 30-35 minutes in total for a flavorful and crispy meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well mixed. This will create a light batter for our chicken that makes it nice and crispy.
2. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re a little frothy. This will help the coating stick to the chicken perfectly.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s nicely coated. Then, dredge it in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it sticks well. Set aside on a plate while you prepare to fry.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep pan or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce and stir until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. You want a nice sticky consistency that will coat the chicken well.
7. Toss Everything Together:
Take the fried chicken pieces and gently toss them in the thickened sauce until they’re well coated. Make sure each piece is glistening with that delicious sauce!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of the chicken. Serve immediately for the best flavor, ideally over a bed of warm, fluffy steamed white rice.
This recipe yields a delightful dish that’s crispy, sweet, and savory, with a lovely crunch from the sesame seeds. Enjoy your homemade sesame chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine for this recipe. They may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
How Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make sesame chicken gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over low heat to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
Is There a Way to Prepare This Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Definitely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and coat the chicken as usual. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket and cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy!
