Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame Chicken is a classic dish loved for its sweet, savory, and nutty flavor profile. It’s a staple at Chinese-American restaurants and an easy favorite for homemade takeout nights. This version of Sesame Chicken is simple to prepare, requiring basic pantry ingredients and minimal cooking techniques, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a perfect plate of Sesame Chicken with crispy chicken bites, a glossy sesame sauce, and optional additions to suit your taste.

What Is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame Chicken is a dish originating from American-Chinese cuisine. It features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, sticky sesame sauce. The sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil, is the heart of the dish. Sesame Chicken is often garnished with sesame seeds and served alongside steamed rice or noodles, making it a comforting meal with bold flavors.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
2. In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
4. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat it with the cornstarch-flour mixture. Shake off any excess coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces partially.
2. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
2. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency if needed.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the sesame sauce.
2. Toss to coat each piece evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Transfer the Sesame Chicken to a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Thighs are more forgiving during cooking and stay tender, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer lean meat.
• Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for maximum crispiness.
• Taste and Adjust Sauce: Before tossing the chicken, taste the sauce and tweak sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess to your preference.
• Toast Your Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds in a dry skillet brings out their nutty aroma and enhances the dish.

Why This Sesame Chicken Recipe Stands Out

1. Easy to Make: No need for fancy ingredients or techniques—this recipe is approachable for anyone.
2. Better Than Takeout: With fresh ingredients and no additives, you get a tastier and healthier version of the restaurant favorite.
3. Customizable: Add vegetables, adjust the spice level, or tweak the sauce to make it your own.
4. Meal-Prep Friendly: The chicken and sauce can be prepared ahead of time, making this dish perfect for busy schedules.

Variations of Sesame Chicken

Spicy Sesame Chicken

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

Vegetarian Sesame “Chicken”

Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower florets. Follow the same steps for coating and frying.

Sesame Chicken with Vegetables

Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful, nutrient-packed dish.

Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken

Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. Swap the flour for rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments, such as:

• Steamed Rice: Classic white or brown rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Fried Rice: Turn it into a full meal with vegetable or egg fried rice.
• Noodles: Serve with stir-fried noodles or lo mein.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add a side of crunchy, colorful veggies to balance the meal.

How to Reheat Sesame Chicken

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it, but the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, coat the chicken as directed and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy but is a healthier alternative.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix a little more cornstarch slurry and simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

3. Is Sesame Chicken spicy?
This version isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for heat.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but it won’t have the same crispy texture. Simply toss the cooked chicken in the sauce and heat through.

5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before reheating to maintain crispiness.

Yield: 4

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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Sesame Chicken is a classic dish loved for its sweet, savory, and nutty flavor profile. It's a staple at Chinese-American restaurants and an easy favorite for homemade takeout nights. This version of Sesame Chicken is simple to prepare, requiring basic pantry ingredients and minimal cooking techniques, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• For Garnish:
• Sliced green onions
• Additional sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Shake off excess cornstarch.

2. Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in sesame seeds.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the crispy chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over it.
2. Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.

5. Serve:

Serve the sesame chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

Notes

• For extra crispiness: Use a double-fry method by frying the chicken a second time for 1-2 minutes after resting.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower.
• Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make it healthier: Bake the chicken in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.