Sesame Chicken is a tasty dish featuring crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce. The toasted sesame seeds on top add a nice crunch!
This dish is a hit with everyone, and I love serving it over fluffy rice. It always brings a smile to my face when dinner is this easy and yummy! 🥡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs add juicy flavor, but you can also use breasts if that’s what you have. For a lighter option, consider using tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist!
Flour and Cornstarch: All-purpose flour gives a nice coating, while cornstarch helps achieve that crispy texture. You could swap with gluten-free flour for a GF version, but keep the cornstarch for crispiness.
Honey: This sweetener is great for the sauce. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a substitute.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides the typical umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, switch to tamari or coconut aminos.
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Fried Chicken?
Achieving a crispy texture is essential for Sesame Chicken, and it requires a few key steps:
- Thick Batter: Ensure your batter is thick enough to cling to the chicken. Adjust the water in the batter if needed—aim for consistency similar to pancake batter.
- Deep Frying Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C). If it’s too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry chicken in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Drain Properly: After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps them crispy and light!
Following these tips will get you deliciously crispy Sesame Chicken every time. Happy cooking!
How to Make Delicious Sesame Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup or tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sesame Chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes for prep, 10 minutes for frying the chicken, and about 10 minutes for making the sauce and assembling the dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg with the water. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients to create a smooth batter — it should be thick enough to coat the chicken. Adjust the water as needed for the right consistency.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take your chicken pieces and toss them in the batter until they are well coated. For extra crunch, after coating, you can lightly dredge the chicken in a bit of extra cornstarch.
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep pan or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
Once the sauce is thick, add the fried chicken pieces into the pan and gently toss until they are all fully coated with the sauce.
6. Serve:
Plate your beautifully sauced sesame chicken and serve it alongside steamed white rice or your favorite side. Don’t forget to garnish with the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra tasty touch!
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and savory Sesame Chicken. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more tender and juicy, which can enhance the flavor of your Sesame Chicken. They hold up well during frying, making them a great choice for this dish.
What If My Batter Is Too Thick?
If your batter seems too thick and doesn’t coat the chicken well, simply add a little extra water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to stick but not clumpy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or gently warm them in a skillet to help maintain the crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add fresh sliced peppers when cooking. Adjust the spice levels to your personal preference!
