Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame Chicken is a delightful blend of crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, sweet, and tangy sauce. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for both family dinners and special occasions. The golden-brown chicken bites are tender on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside, all enveloped in a rich, sesame-infused glaze.

Ingredients Breakdown

This Sesame Chicken recipe is crafted with a combination of simple, yet flavorful ingredients that contribute to its unique taste.

For the chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are cut into bite-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture. Eggs, salt, and pepper are used to season the chicken, while a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates the perfect crispy coating. The oil for frying should be a neutral variety, such as vegetable or canola oil, to ensure it doesn’t overpower the chicken’s flavor.

The sauce is a harmonious blend of honey, reduced-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. These ingredients work together to create a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and aromatic. Minced fresh garlic adds a hint of pungency, while the cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish. Sesame seeds and sliced green onions are used as garnishes, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dip them into a bowl of beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is fully coated. In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour and cornstarch. Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. This double coating process is crucial for achieving an extra-crispy exterior.

Frying the Chicken

Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan to 350 degrees F. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying 7-8 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for approximately 5 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing any excess oil to drain.

Making the Sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour the honey-soy mixture into the pan, bringing it to a simmer. Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a cohesive dish.

For the final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of the chicken. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the rich sauce.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for achieving the perfect crispy chicken:

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken.
• Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.

Suggestions for sauce consistency and flavor adjustments:

• For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch.
• Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by varying the amounts of honey and rice vinegar.

How to make the recipe ahead of time and store it properly:

• Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Store the sauce in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
• Reheat the chicken in an oven to maintain its crispiness.

Common issues and troubleshooting tips:

• If the chicken coating becomes soggy, reheat it in a hot oven.
• Ensure the sauce doesn’t over-thicken by monitoring the simmering time.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce.

How to reheat leftovers without losing crispiness:

• Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice are classic choices that soak up the flavorful sauce. For a healthier option, serve it with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.

Complement your meal with a refreshing beverage. Non-alcoholic options such as iced green tea or a citrusy lemonade work well, while a light, crisp white wine or a chilled beer can be perfect for an adult dinner.

To enhance the meal further, consider offering complementary sauces or dips. A spicy sriracha mayo or a cool cucumber yogurt dip can add an extra layer of flavor.

This Sesame Chicken recipe is a delectable dish that’s sure to impress both family and friends. With its crispy texture and flavorful sauce, it’s a recipe worth trying and sharing. Enjoy the process of cooking and savoring this delightful meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

Start by combining the eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing well. In a separate shallow dish, blend the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Repeat until all the chicken pieces are prepared.

Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan to 350 degrees F. Fry the chicken in batches, placing 7-8 pieces in the oil at a time. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

While frying the chicken, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.

In a large pan, heat the teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Pour in the honey-soy mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan, tossing them in the sauce until they’re well-coated. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your homemade Sesame Chicken!