Sesame Chicken is a tasty dish featuring crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. It’s often topped with sesame seeds that add a nice crunch!
This dish is super easy to make, and it always disappears fast at family dinners! I like to serve it with rice and veggies for a colorful plate. Yum! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for juiciness. Chicken breasts work too, but they can be drier if overcooked. If you’re vegetarian, try tofu or tempeh cut into similar sizes.
Flour and Cornstarch: The mix of flour and cornstarch gives the chicken a crispy coating. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. Just make sure to test the frying time, as gluten-free options can behave differently.
Honey/Brown Sugar: I prefer honey for its rich flavor, but brown sugar creates a nice caramelization. For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great if you’re watching your salt intake. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari. You could even use coconut aminos for a different taste!
How Do I Get My Chicken Extra Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is all about the coating and frying technique. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the egg, so the flour sticks properly.
- Dredge it thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Don’t rush this step!
- Heat your oil to the right temperature; too cool and the chicken will absorb extra oil, too hot and it will burn. A thermometer is a friend here!
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps keep the temperature steady and gives each piece space to crisp up.
- Drain on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy sesame chicken every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional), for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus an additional 15 minutes for cooking. All in all, you’ll need about 30 minutes to whip up this scrumptious Sesame Chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a nice crispy coating for your chicken pieces.
2. Set Up Your Dipping Station:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the eggs, making sure it’s well-coated, and then roll it in the flour mixture. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate while you prepare for frying.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to make sure the oil is hot enough; this will ensure your chicken fries up nice and crispy!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, which should take about 4-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook for another minute or two, until the sauce thickens. This will give your dish that desirable sticky quality!
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Toss the freshly fried chicken pieces in the sauce until they are well coated. Make sure every piece gets that delicious glaze!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your sesame chicken and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Sesame Chicken with crispy, flavorful chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce! Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Another Type of Protein in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly: tofu should be pressed and cubed, while shrimp should be cooked until just pink and opaque.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! If you like some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Alternatively, serve with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make it lighter, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. Simply coat and place the chicken on a baking sheet, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through until crispy and cooked thoroughly. You can also reduce the amount of sauce used or substitute sugar with a sugar alternative to cut calories.