Best Sesame Chicken Recipe
Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy, tender pieces of chicken with a savory-sweet sesame sauce, creating an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Often found in Chinese-American restaurants, this dish has become a favorite for those who love a combination of bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. The best part? You can make this restaurant-quality dish at home with simple ingredients.
In this guide, we will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process to make the best sesame chicken at home. We will cover how to get the chicken perfectly crispy, how to create the perfect sesame sauce, and tips for serving the dish with sides that complement the flavor profile. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll be able to create a delicious meal with this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts depending on your preference. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner.
Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk the eggs together. In a separate shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This combination ensures that the chicken gets that crispy texture you’re looking for.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture and then into the flour-cornstarch mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispy result.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of batter. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 4: Make the Sesame Sauce
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, ketchup, and water. Whisk everything together until smooth.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of cold water to make a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, letting the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. For more tang, add a bit more rice vinegar. You can also add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like a bit of heat.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is crispy and golden, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the sesame sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish. These garnishes not only add flavor but also provide a nice visual contrast.
For a complete meal, serve the sesame chicken with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables like steamed broccoli or snow peas. You can also drizzle a little extra sauce over the rice for added flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: The combination of cornstarch and flour in the chicken coating ensures a light and crispy texture. Cornstarch creates a barrier that locks in moisture while giving the chicken that satisfying crunch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy chicken. Keeping the oil temperature steady ensures crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: This sesame sauce recipe strikes a balance between sweet, tangy, and savory. However, you can customize it to your liking by adding more honey for sweetness, extra vinegar for tang, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the sesame chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce. The longer the chicken sits in the sauce, the less crispy it will be, although the flavor will still be delicious.
Variations
1. Baked Sesame Chicken
If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy.
2. Spicy Sesame Chicken
To give your sesame chicken a spicy kick, add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili paste to the sesame sauce. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers for an extra punch of heat.
3. Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the sesame sauce.
4. Vegetarian Sesame “Chicken”
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower. For tofu, press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and follow the same coating and frying process. Cauliflower can be roasted or air-fried for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Sesame chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced meal. Here are a few ideas:
1. Steamed Rice or Fried Rice
Steamed white or brown rice is the classic side for sesame chicken. For a more flavorful option, try serving it with fried rice, which complements the sweetness and savoriness of the chicken.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or carrots stir-fried in a bit of garlic and sesame oil make a great accompaniment to the sesame chicken. The crisp vegetables provide a nice contrast to the tender, saucy chicken.
3. Noodles
Serve sesame chicken over a bed of stir-fried noodles or plain rice noodles tossed with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. This adds a delightful texture to the meal.
Conclusion
Making the best sesame chicken at home is easier than you might think, and the result is a flavorful, crispy, and saucy dish that will rival your favorite takeout. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this sesame chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to suit your preferences.
With a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your own home—no restaurant needed!
Best Sesame Chicken Recipe
Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy, tender pieces of chicken with a savory-sweet sesame sauce, creating an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Often found in Chinese-American restaurants, this dish has become a favorite for those who love a combination of bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. The best part? You can make this restaurant-quality dish at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Sesame Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
Set up two shallow bowls: one with the beaten eggs and the other with a mixture of flour and cornstarch.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. - Make the Sesame Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
Stir in the sesame seeds and remove the sauce from heat. - Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken with the sesame sauce until all pieces are evenly coated. - Serve:
Serve the sesame chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice and a side of vegetables like broccoli or snow peas.
Notes
- Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry it. After frying the first time, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then fry again for about 2 minutes to achieve a super crispy texture.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little water or chicken broth.
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier option, you can air fry the chicken at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.