Sesame chicken is a tasty dish coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, sprinkled with crunchy sesame seeds. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside, making each bite delicious!
One of my favorite things about sesame chicken is how quickly it comes together. Pair it with rice or veggies, and you have a fun weeknight meal that’s sure to impress! 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. However, chicken breasts work great too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Flour and Cornstarch: The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates a crispy exterior. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix and use cornstarch as is.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Honey gives a lovely sweetness, but if you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar can be a perfect replacement for a similar taste.
Sauce Ingredients: Soy sauce is key for flavor. For a low-sodium version, try using reduced-sodium soy sauce. You can also substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy chicken, getting the batter just right is crucial. Here’s how to do it:
- Make your batter thick enough to cling but not too thick so it’s heavy. Adjust water as needed.
- Heat that oil to the right temperature—350°F is perfect. If the oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken will absorb too much oil and be soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure that the chicken gets enough space to fry evenly.
- Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels before tossing in the sauce to keep it crispy!
By keeping these tips in mind, your sesame chicken will turn out deliciously crispy and flavorful every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You will spend around 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 15 minutes cooking everything. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Batter:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water while whisking until you have a smooth batter that coats the chicken pieces well. Adjust the water if necessary to get the right consistency.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. This will help create a crispy texture once fried.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C) before frying; this is the perfect temperature to create a crispy exterior.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Coat the Chicken with Sauce:
Once the chicken is fried, toss it in the thickened sauce until every piece is well coated. Make sure to do this while the chicken is hot.
8. Serve:
Transfer the coated sesame chicken to a serving bowl or individual plates. For the finishing touches, sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. It makes for a beautiful presentation!
9. Enjoy!
Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice for a delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your homemade sesame chicken! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely first. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or heat it quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Make sure to pat it dry before coating to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the oven to restore crispiness, then toss it with the warmed sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help retain its crispiness better than microwaving.
What Can I Serve with Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fried rice. For a healthier option, consider serving it with sautéed vegetables or a simple salad to balance the meal.