Sesame Chicken

This Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or an indulgent weeknight treat, this recipe stands out with its impressive flavor and easy preparation. You’ll find it’s even better than what you might enjoy at your favorite restaurant!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This sesame chicken can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil creates a mouthwatering sauce that is sure to impress.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Crispy Texture: The frying technique ensures that each piece of chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Family-Friendly: With its sweet and savory profile, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools for a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on making delicious sesame chicken without any hiccups.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pan or fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pan or fryer: Provides ample space to fry the chicken evenly, ensuring that it cooks properly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients like the egg mixture and the honey sauce, keeping your prep organized.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Helps you easily handle the hot chicken during frying without losing any crispy bits.

Ingredients

This sesame chicken is crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. This version is even better than what you would get at a restaurant!

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 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 (reduced sodium if possible)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

How to Make Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

1. Place the eggs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
2. In another shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour and cornstarch.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Pieces

1. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture until fully coated.
2. Transfer each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this step until all chicken pieces are coated.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F.
2. Carefully add 7-8 pieces of coated chicken into the hot oil.
3. Fry for about 5 minutes or until they turn crispy and golden brown.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove cooked chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. While cooking the chicken, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl.
2. In a large pan over medium heat, add vegetable oil and minced garlic; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the honey sauce mixture; bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Add crispy fried chicken pieces into the pan with the sauce.
2. Toss gently to coat each piece with the delicious sauce.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Now you’re ready to serve your homemade Sesame Chicken! Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice pairs perfectly with sesame chicken, absorbing the delicious sauce and balancing the flavors.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve sesame chicken over fresh greens like spinach or mixed salad for a lighter meal. Drizzle with extra honey sauce for added flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun twist, use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with sesame chicken and additional toppings like carrots and cucumbers.

With Vegetable Stir-Fry

• Complement your sesame chicken with a colorful stir-fry of seasonal vegetables. This adds texture and nutrition to your meal.

As Part of a Platter

• Create an impressive platter by serving sesame chicken alongside dumplings, spring rolls, and other Asian-inspired appetizers for a complete feast.

With Noodles

• Toss sesame chicken with cooked noodles (like lo mein or rice noodles) and add some vegetables for a hearty one-bowl meal.

How to Perfect Sesame Chicken

Perfecting your sesame chicken takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to ensure each bite is as delicious as possible.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality honey enhance the flavor of the sauce. Always opt for the freshest produce available.

• Double-Dip for Crispiness: For extra crispy chicken, dip each piece in the egg mixture twice before coating it in flour and cornstarch.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil stays at 350 degrees F while frying. This prevents greasiness and ensures even cooking.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady. Overcrowding leads to soggy chicken instead of crispy bites.

• Let Chicken Drain: After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps it crispy for longer.

• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add more cornstarch mixed with water until desired consistency is reached.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Chicken

Pairing side dishes with sesame chicken can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A classic side that complements sesame chicken beautifully. Use leftover rice for quick preparation.

2. Steamed Broccoli: Add color and nutrients by serving steamed broccoli seasoned lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to tender sesame chicken.

4. Garlic Bok Choy: Sauté bok choy in garlic for an easy yet flavorful side that pairs excellently with Asian dishes.

5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds brightness to the rich flavors of sesame chicken.

6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For those who prefer comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes make an enjoyable pairing that adds heartiness.

7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies offers a nutritious complement to the dish.

8. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide balance and are easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the perfect Sesame Chicken, be aware of these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken can result in bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the taste.
• Not allowing oil to heat properly: Cooking chicken in oil that isn’t hot enough can make it greasy. Ensure your oil reaches 350 degrees F for crispiness.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in small batches to maintain crispy texture.
• Neglecting the sauce: A rushed or poorly mixed sauce can ruin your dish. Take the time to combine ingredients thoroughly and simmer until thickened.
• Using cold chicken: Cold chicken pieces from the fridge can cause uneven cooking. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sesame Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sesame Chicken

• Freeze portions of Sesame Chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be stored for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and sauté until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sesame Chicken.

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame Chicken is a popular dish made of crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb depending on your preference.

How do I make Sesame Chicken healthier?

To make it healthier, consider baking instead of frying and using less sugar in the sauce.

What sides pair well with Sesame Chicken?

Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels. Give it a try and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor right at home!