Sesame chicken is a tasty dish that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, sprinkled with crunchy sesame seeds. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
This chicken is perfect for dinner and easy to whip up. I love serving it with fluffy rice, so I can soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Yum! 🥡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are great choices. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey might work too. I often use thighs for a juicier bite!
Flour and Cornstarch: Combining these creates a light, crispy coating. If gluten-free is a priority, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and cornstarch.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor. If you don’t have them, chopped peanuts or sunflower seeds can be a tasty alternative, though they will change the dish’s character a bit.
Sauce Ingredients: Soy sauce is key for flavor. For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. Maple syrup can replace honey if you want a vegan alternative.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
Perfectly crispy chicken is all about the batter and frying technique. Start by making a batter that’s thick enough to coat the chicken well. If it’s too runny, your coating won’t stick. Once coated, use hot oil for frying. Here’s how:
- Heat vegetable oil until it’s about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one!
- Add chicken in batches to avoid crowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels to keep them crispy before coating them with sauce.
Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed to make batter)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sesame Chicken recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prepping and frying the chicken and another 15 minutes for making the sauce and combining everything together. Prepare to enjoy a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually pour in the water while stirring until you create a smooth, thick batter. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken well.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take the cut chicken pieces and dip them into the batter. Make sure all pieces get a good coating!
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C), carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir occasionally and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Coat the Chicken in Sauce:
Take the fried chicken pieces and toss them in the thickened sauce until they are perfectly coated.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer your delicious sesame chicken to a serving bowl. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish!
Enjoy your homemade Sesame Chicken—it’s quick, easy, and so tasty!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The safest way to do this is to thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just heat it in a saucepan before tossing it with the chicken. If it thickens too much, add a little water to loosen it up.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free soy sauce. The cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re set there!