A common Chinese-American dish, sesame chicken is known for being crispy and having savory and sweet tastes. Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, this dish offers soft chunks of chicken mixed in a delectable sesame sauce. Toasted sesame seeds offer a delicious crunch, while the sauce’s blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a rich and well-balanced flavor.
One of the most popular takeout dishes in the United States, Sesame Chicken has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine. The irresistible combination of crunchy fried chicken with a sweet and salty sauce is the secret ingredient to its deliciousness. The sesame glaze makes the golden chicken pieces sparkle, adding visual appeal to the dish that goes beyond taste.
When you make Sesame Chicken at home, you can control the quality of the ingredients and enjoy it just like at the restaurant. A well-balanced sauce—slightly sweet and salty without being overpowering—is the secret ingredient to this dish. With every mouthful, you’ll savor the crispy chicken and the beautifully contrasting smooth and glossy sauce.
Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500 grams boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce and rice vinegar.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat them in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Prepare the Sesame Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
- In a large skillet or wok, add the fried chicken pieces.
- Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a more tender and juicy texture.
- Crispiness: For extra crispy chicken, double fry the pieces by frying them a second time after they have cooled slightly.
- Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown for enhanced flavor.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Sesame Chicken is an impressive main dish that will delight any crowd. It’s a multipurpose meal that goes nicely with steamed rice and stir-fried veggies, among other sides. Now that we have the recipe, let’s make this delicious and colorful meal!