Flavorful Homemade Sesame Chicken Recipe to Brighten Dinners

Delectable golden-brown chicken coated in a glossy, irresistible sesame sauce makes this sesame chicken recipe a crowd-pleaser.

Every bite bursts with rich, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

The combination of sweet and savory notes creates a harmony that elevates this classic dish.

Restaurants can’t compete with the homemade magic of this simple yet stunning recipe.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and taste.

This Asian-inspired favorite promises to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural taste and balancing overall seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Eggs: Creates a sticky layer that helps cornstarch adhere perfectly to the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Provides a light, crunchy texture that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-style dish, select fresh and finely ground cornstarch for best results.

• Sesame Seeds: Delivers a nutty crunch and authentic Asian-inspired finish, toast lightly before using for intensified aroma.

Tools To Use For Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for seasoning and coating chicken with salt, pepper, eggs, and cornstarch.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly and evenly.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing and handling chicken pieces.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Deep skillet or wok: Ideal for frying chicken to golden perfection.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing chicken from hot oil.
• Paper towels: Helpful for draining excess oil from fried chicken.

Simple Instructions For Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Prepare Chicken Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, creating a simple yet flavorful base for your delicious meal.
• Create Crispy Coating Dunk each chicken piece into beaten eggs, then roll generously in cornstarch to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Heat Oil Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, getting ready to transform your chicken into a crispy masterpiece.
• Fry to Perfection Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crisp on all sides.
• Whip Up Sesame Sauce In a separate bowl, blend soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil to create a mouthwatering glaze that'll make this chicken irresistible.
• Coat and Garnish Pour the luscious sauce over the crispy chicken, ensuring each piece is generously covered. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
• Serve and Enjoy Plate your sesame chicken alongside steamed rice, and get ready to savor a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Tips To Add Flavor To Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Crispy Coating Secret: Double-dip chicken in cornstarch for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after sauce is added.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken pieces and coating up to a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during meal prep.
• Healthier Baking Option: Instead of deep-frying, bake coated chicken pieces on a wire rack at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a lighter version with less oil.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular cornstarch with potato starch or arrowroot powder to make the recipe completely gluten-free without changing the crispy texture.
• Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for those who enjoy extra heat, or keep it mild for kids and sensitive palates.

Serving Suggestions For Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Crispy Plate Partner: Serve this golden sesame chicken over steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting base.
• Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Pair with quick stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious meal that balances the crispy chicken.
• Fresh Crunch Topper: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or thinly sliced green onions on top to add extra texture and a pop of fresh flavor that enhances the dish's visual appeal.
• Dipping Sauce Delight: Prepare a quick dipping sauce with soy sauce, a touch of honey, and a splash of rice vinegar to give diners an extra layer of tangy-sweet flavor to complement the chicken.

How To Store Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the chicken's crispy texture.
• Quick Freezing Hack: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen sesame chicken stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Optimal Reheating Technique: Restore crispiness by warming the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy and bland.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken pieces and coating ingredients in advance. Store breaded chicken between parchment paper layers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This saves time and allows for quick weeknight dinner preparation.

Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken emerges as a classic Chinese-American dish with crispy, golden-brown pieces. Delicate flavors blend perfectly, creating a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (65 g) cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsps ketchup
• 2 tsps sesame oil
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (to thicken)
• 2 tbsps sesame seeds, toasted
• Sliced green onions
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration.
2. Coating Preparation: Dip chicken in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip, then meticulously cover with cornstarch, pressing gently to create a uniform, adherent layer.
3. Oil Heating: Warm oil in a large skillet until it develops a subtle shimmer, signaling the ideal frying temperature.
4. Frying Process: Carefully introduce cornstarch-coated chicken into hot oil, arranging in a single layer to guarantee consistent golden-brown crispiness. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even browning.
5. Oil Drainage: Transfer crispy chicken pieces to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drip away.
6. Sauce Creation: Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a saucepan, whisking to develop a glossy, aromatic coating.
7. Sauce Reduction: Simmer the mixture until it transforms into a rich, slightly thickened glaze, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
8. Glazing: Gently enrobe the crispy chicken pieces in the warm sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed chicken. Present immediately atop steamed rice, maintaining the chicken’s delightful crunch and maximizing flavor intensity.

Notes

• Optimize Coating Technique: Press cornstarch firmly onto chicken to create a thicker, crunchier exterior that locks in moisture and prevents soggy texture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent heat around 350-375°F to ensure golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking, using a thermometer for precision.
• Drain Excess Oil Properly: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent chicken from becoming soggy, allowing air circulation and maintaining crispiness.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour for celiac-friendly version, or use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for a gluten-free sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg