Name: The Best Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces• 1/4 cup cornstarch• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil• 3 tablespoons soy sauce• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar• 2 tablespoons honey• 1 tablespoon brown sugar• 2 teaspoons minced garlic• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish• Vegetable oil for frying• Sliced green onions for garnish

Pin1

1 Shares

Imagine the aroma of perfectly crisp, golden-brown chicken coated in a rich, silky-smooth sesame sauce wafting through your kitchen. This Sesame Chicken recipe is about to become your new family favorite! With its incredible balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Growing up, Sesame Chicken was always a beloved takeout treat, but now you can enjoy the same mouthwatering flavors right at home. By mastering this recipe, you’ll be able to savor the authentic taste of restaurant-quality Sesame Chicken without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this culinary masterpiece!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the secrets that make this Sesame Chicken recipe truly special. From the carefully curated blend of spices to the technique that ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time, you’ll learn everything you need to know to recreate this dish with confidence. So, let’s get started on this delicious journey!

💖 What Makes This Recipe Truly Special?

What sets this Sesame Chicken recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter that forms a delightful contrast to the rich, velvety sauce. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty notes in the sauce is simply irresistible, with a subtle heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

But the real magic lies in the meticulously selected ingredients and the careful attention to detail in the preparation process. By using high-quality sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, we’ve captured the true essence of sesame flavor, elevating this dish to new heights. The addition of a touch of rice vinegar and soy sauce provides just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will leave you craving more with every bite.

🥕 A Look at What Goes Into This Dish

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Sliced green onions for garnish

The key to this recipe’s incredible flavor is the use of toasted sesame oil. This oil has a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that truly elevates the dish. When combined with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from the honey and brown sugar, the sauce becomes a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.

📝 Let’s Get Cooking: Detailed Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and toss them with the cornstarch in a large bowl until they are evenly coated. This will help create a crispy coating when fried.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside.
Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.
Finish the Dish: Add the fried chicken to the prepared sauce and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with sliced green onions.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

🍏 Healthy Bites: Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 409 kcal
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g

🎨 Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Ideas

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the cornstarch. Ensure all other ingredients, such as soy sauce, are also gluten-free.
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu. Use a plant-based honey substitute and omit the egg in the batter. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the tofu.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of heat.

🥂 Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

• Main Course Pairing: Serve the Sesame Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the dish with additional toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a beautiful presentation.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced green tea.

🔍 Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: If you overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken, the temperature of the oil will drop, causing the chicken to steam instead of fry. This will result in a soggy, less crispy texture. Be sure to fry the chicken in batches, allowing the oil to return to the proper temperature between each batch.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: For the best texture, it’s important that all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe. Cold chicken or cold sauce can cause the batter to become gummy or the sauce to seize up. Allow the ingredients to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: If you’re planning to reheat the Sesame Chicken, be sure to preheat your oven to the proper temperature before adding the dish. This will ensure the chicken heats through and maintains its crispy texture.

🕒 A Guide to Storing for Later

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen pieces to an airtight container or resealable bag.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated Sesame Chicken in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed.

❓ FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to have more flavor and a juicier texture, you can certainly use chicken breasts in this recipe. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook slightly faster, so adjust the frying time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker, more glossy sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this Sesame Chicken recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the cornstarch with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that all your other ingredients, such as the soy sauce, are also certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components of this dish in advance to save time. The sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be coated in the cornstarch mixture and refrigerated until ready to fry. Just be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before frying for the best results.

🥳 Wrapping It Up

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of creating the most delectable Sesame Chicken right in your own kitchen. With its irresistible balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home, surrounded by your loved ones, and savor every mouthwatering bite. Bon appétit!