Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame chicken is a beloved dish known for its irresistible combination of crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce, generously sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. This dish is a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants and has won over the hearts and palates of countless food lovers worldwide.

At its core, sesame chicken offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The exterior is delightfully crisp, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the chicken inside remains juicy and tender. The sauce, often a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and umami, clings beautifully to the chicken, enriched by the nutty aroma and subtle crunch of sesame seeds.

One of the reasons sesame chicken has such widespread appeal is its versatility. It can be served as a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party dish. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Beyond its classic preparation, sesame chicken lends itself well to creative variations, including healthier baked versions or different sauce adaptations that cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Achieving the perfect sesame chicken at home might seem daunting, but with the right techniques and ingredients, it becomes an accessible and rewarding culinary project. The key lies in properly preparing the chicken, mastering the batter or coating for crispiness, creating the ideal balance in the sauce, and finishing with toasted sesame seeds to enhance both flavor and texture.

In this extensive guide, you will find detailed instructions on selecting and preparing the chicken, making a crispy coating or batter, cooking methods ranging from frying to baking, crafting the classic sesame sauce, and garnishing with sesame seeds. Additionally, you will discover tips to customize the recipe, nutritional insights, and suggestions for complementary sides and accompaniments.

Whether you are a beginner eager to replicate restaurant-quality sesame chicken or an experienced cook looking to refine your technique, this comprehensive exploration will equip you with all the knowledge and confidence needed to create this iconic dish in your own kitchen.

Detailed Instructions for Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Chicken

Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts—thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, but breasts work well for a leaner option. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches each, to ensure even cooking and easy eating.

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and marinate with the following ingredients:

• Soy sauce or tamari (for saltiness and umami)

• Minced garlic and ginger (aromatic and flavorful)

• A small amount of rice wine or Shaoxing wine (optional, for depth)

• A pinch of salt and freshly ground white or black pepper

Marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. This enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

Step 3: Preparing the Coating Batter or Flour Mixture

For crispy sesame chicken, the coating is vital.

• Batter option: Prepare a wet batter using all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder (optional for extra lightness), salt, and cold water or sparkling water for a lighter texture. The cornstarch helps create a crisp crust.

• Dredge option: Alternatively, mix equal parts all-purpose flour and cornstarch with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. This dry coating provides a more textured crust.

Both methods work well; batter yields a lighter crispiness, while dredging provides a crunchier, slightly denser crust.

Step 4: Dredging or Battering the Chicken

Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off.

• If using the dry flour mixture, dredge each piece thoroughly until coated evenly.

• If using batter, dip each piece into the batter, letting excess drip off.

Place coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate, allowing them to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the coating adhere better during frying.

Step 5: Frying the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil (such as canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil) in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.

Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which lowers the oil temperature and leads to sogginess. Cook each batch for about 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

Step 6: Making the Sesame Sauce

While frying, prepare the sauce:

In a saucepan, combine:

• Soy sauce

• Rice vinegar (for acidity)

• Sugar or honey (for sweetness)

• Water or chicken broth (to adjust consistency)

• Minced garlic and ginger

• Sesame oil (for nuttiness)

• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens to a glossy, slightly sticky consistency.

Step 7: Toasting Sesame Seeds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds (white or a mix of white and black) until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Set aside for garnish.

Step 8: Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once all chicken pieces are fried, place them in a large mixing bowl or wok.

Pour the hot sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with the glossy sauce.

Step 9: Serving and Garnishing

Transfer the coated sesame chicken to a serving dish.

Sprinkle generously with the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Serve immediately with steamed rice or fried rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.