Who doesn’t love a crispy, golden piece of chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s to die for? That’s exactly what this Sesame Chicken is all about. It’s one of those dishes that’s better than takeout, but so much easier to make at home. Tender chicken bites are coated in a crispy, light batter, then tossed in a rich sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The sesame seeds on top give it that extra crunch and nuttiness that makes every bite more addictive. Trust me, once you try this, it will be your new go-to recipe when you want something comforting and flavorful in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Sesame Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and savory. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but feels like a special treat. The crispy chicken bites are coated in a flavorful sauce that’s sweet, savory, and a little tangy, and the sesame seeds add a lovely crunch that takes the dish to the next level. Plus, it’s healthier than takeout and so much more satisfying. Serve it with some steamed rice and veggies, and you’ve got yourself a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for common pantry ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s a peek at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):
- Chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Cornstarch (for that crispy coating)
- Eggs (to help coat the chicken)
- Soy sauce (for flavor)
- Honey (for sweetness)
- Rice vinegar (for tang)
- Garlic (minced for flavor)
- Sesame oil (to give it that rich, nutty flavor)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
It’s a short and sweet list of ingredients, but they come together to create a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Then, season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and eggs to create the batter. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated. You can shake off any excess batter to avoid it getting too thick.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until the pieces are golden and crispy. Once they’re done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, it’s time to make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, pour the sauce into the same pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss it gently to coat all the pieces in that delicious sauce. The sauce will cling to the chicken, giving it a sweet and savory glaze that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is well-coated, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top and garnish with sliced green onions if you like. Serve the sesame chicken with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Crispy chicken: For extra crispy chicken, make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. You want it to sizzle immediately when the chicken hits the pan.
- Don’t over-crowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches if needed. If the pan is too full, the chicken will steam rather than crisp up.
- Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Use toasted sesame seeds: If you have toasted sesame seeds, use them instead of plain ones for an even deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove any excess water before frying.
- Spicy sesame chicken: Add some sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture to give your sesame chicken some heat.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version of the batter.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Sesame Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to make it a more complete meal:
- Steamed white or brown rice: The fluffy rice soaks up the sweet and savory sauce perfectly.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make a great side that adds some crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Asian-style salad: A light cucumber and carrot salad with a sesame dressing would complement the dish wonderfully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can either microwave it for about 1-2 minutes or reheat it in a pan over low heat to help keep the chicken crispy. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen it up.
4 FAQs
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden and crispy.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just make sure to reheat it in a hot pan to get it crispy again before tossing it in the sauce.
3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on what you use.
4. Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs would work great in this recipe. They’re juicy, tender, and flavorful—perfect for soaking up the sesame sauce.
Conclusion
This Sesame Chicken is a deliciously crispy, sweet, and savory dish that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re craving something comforting for a weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests with a homemade dish that tastes just like takeout, this sesame chicken won’t disappoint. Serve it with rice and veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Give it a try today—you won’t regret it!
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Sesame Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Crispy – Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
Description
This Sesame Chicken is crispy, golden, and coated in a sweet, savory sauce with sesame seeds adding a delightful crunch. It’s a quick, easy weeknight meal that’s better than takeout, ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with rice and veggies for a complete and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 1 egg, beaten (for coating)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch and beaten egg to create a batter. Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a bowl. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce into the pan and simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss it gently in the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the chicken. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- You can make the dish spicier by adding red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
- For a healthier alternative, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg