After a long week of fast food and takeout, I found myself yearning for something wholesome and satisfying—something made right at home. That’s when my kitchen transformed into an aromatic haven with the delightful scent of sesame chicken wafting through the air. This dish combines the crunchy texture of golden-fried chicken with a sweet and savory glaze, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
What makes this sesame chicken truly special is how perfectly it balances ease and taste. You won’t spend hours in the kitchen; in just 35 minutes, you can bring this crowd-pleaser to life. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe delivers every time. Plus, it’s a flexible dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh veggie stir-fry. So, let’s roll up those sleeves and get cooking—your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
Why You'll Love This Sesame Chicken
- This sesame chicken recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more.
- This dish is versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides, allowing you to customize it to your preferences every time you serve it.
- Not only does it taste fantastic, but its golden-fried appearance, topped with sesame seeds and green onions, makes for an eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests.
Sesame Chicken Ingredients
• Discover essential flavors for delicious sesame chicken!
For the Chicken
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced – Choose tender chicken breast for a juicy bite.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch – This creates the perfect crispy coating when fried.
• 2 eggs, beaten – Acts as a binder, helping the cornstarch adhere.
For the Sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce – Provides a savory depth that balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup honey – Adds a lovely sweetness to enhance the sesame chicken.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil – Infuses a rich, nutty flavor into the dish.
For the Garnish
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds – Delivers a delightful crunch and aesthetic appeal.
• 1 green onion, chopped – Freshness from green onions brightens the dish.
For Frying
• Oil for frying – Use a high smoke point oil for perfect frying results.
How to Make Sesame Chicken
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Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch.
Begin by placing your diced chicken into a mixing bowl and generously sprinkle the cornstarch over it. Toss the chicken until every piece is well-coated, ensuring an extra crispy crust when fried. -
Dip chicken in beaten eggs.
Next, take the coated chicken and dip each piece into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. This step helps the cornstarch adhere even better, giving you that delicious crunch. -
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about an inch of oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers and bubbles slightly when you add a small piece of chicken. -
Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. -
Mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until well combined. This delectable sauce is what brings all the wonderful flavors of your sesame chicken to life. -
Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
Transfer the crispy chicken into a large mixing bowl and pour the delicious sauce over it. Gently stir until each piece is coated in the sweet and savory glaze. -
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion before serving.
Finally, add the sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of the glazed chicken for added texture and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Optional: Serve with steamed rice to complete this delightful meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sesame Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken can still be delicious as it retains its flavor when cooled properly.
Freezer: To freeze, place the sesame chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your sesame chicken again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally for even reheating.
What to Serve with Sesame Chicken?
Elevate your homemade meal by adding delightful sides and drinks that complement the wonderful flavors of this dish.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant and soft base that soaks up the sauce beautifully, enhancing each bite.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful and crisp veggies add a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the sesame chicken.
- Garlic Green Beans: Tender and garlicky, these sautéed green beans add a punch of flavor and vibrant color to your plate.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy and subtly sweet, this unique rice will bring a tropical flair that pairs nicely with the dish’s bold flavors.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw provides a delightful textural contrast, balancing the savory sweetness of the chicken.
- Mango Salad: Fresh mango slices tossed with lime and herbs create a refreshing, sweet side that enhances the savory notes of sesame chicken.
- Chilled Green Tea: A light, earthy beverage that cleanses the palate and complements the dish’s Asian flavors.
- Chocolate Cake: For dessert, a rich chocolate cake adds a sweet ending to your meal, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Each of these pairings will create a memorable dining experience, turning your homemade sesame chicken into a feast!
Sesame Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your sesame chicken for a delightful twist!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option that’s just as delicious.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery flavor that will awaken your taste buds.
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Honey Alternative: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly sweetener that adds a unique twist to the sauce.
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Crispy Coating: For extra crunch, mix in some crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs with the cornstarch before coating the chicken.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in some colorful bell peppers or broccoli florets while frying the chicken to create a lively stir-fry that’s full of flavor.
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Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, coat the chicken and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
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Zesty Citrus: Add the juice and zest of one orange or lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy burst that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate crushed peanuts or cashews on top for a nutty texture that takes your sesame chicken to the next level.
Make Ahead Options
These sesame chicken options are a game changer for busy home cooks! You can coat the diced chicken in cornstarch and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that it retains its crunch when fried. Additionally, prepare the sauce with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil ahead of time, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply take the chicken out, dip it in the beaten eggs, fry until golden, then drizzle the pre-made sauce over the crispy chicken. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready in no time, perfect for hectic weeknights!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect crispy coating for your sesame chicken, make sure to coat your chicken pieces thoroughly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Remember to allow the oil to heat properly before adding the chicken; it should shimmer and bubble to ensure even frying.
- When frying, work in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Finally, keep an eye on the chicken and fry it until it reaches a golden brown color, about 5-7 minutes, for the best texture and flavor.
Sesame Chicken Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for sesame chicken?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and remain tender. Look for pieces that are pinkish and have a little shine, avoiding any that show dark spots or have an unpleasant odor.
How should I store leftover sesame chicken?
Very simply! Store any uneaten sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop to keep the crispy texture.
Can I freeze sesame chicken?
Yes, you can! To freeze sesame chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Whenever you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?
No worries! If your sesame chicken doesn’t turn out crispy, it could be due to improperly heating the oil or overcrowding the pan. Always preheat your oil until it shimmers before adding the chicken and fry in batches to maintain consistent heat. This will help achieve that beautifully crispy texture.
Is sesame chicken safe for pets?
It’s best to avoid giving sesame chicken to pets. Ingredients like soy sauce and honey aren’t ideal for dogs or cats and can cause digestive issues. Stick to their regular pet food to keep them healthy and safe!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce in sesame chicken?
Absolutely! If you find the sauce is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute part of it with a dash of vinegar for a tangy twist. Customize it to suit your palate, the more the merrier!
Equipment
- skillet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Choose tender chicken breast for a juicy bite.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch This creates the perfect crispy coating when fried.
- 2 large eggs, beaten Acts as a binder, helping the cornstarch adhere.
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Provides a savory depth that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey Adds a lovely sweetness to enhance the sesame chicken.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil Infuses a rich, nutty flavor into the dish.
For the Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Delivers a delightful crunch and aesthetic appeal.
- 1 stalk green onion, chopped Freshness from green onions brightens the dish.
For Frying
- Oil for frying Use a high smoke point oil for perfect frying results.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Dip chicken in beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
- Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion before serving.
