Sesame Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sesame Chicken is a beloved takeout classic made easy at home. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, sticky sesame sauce make for a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. This recipe balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a truly satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 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, divided
• Oil for frying
• 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
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl or plate, mix the flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch evenly.
3. Step 3: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour and cornstarch mixture. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
4. Step 4: Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Fry 7-8 pieces of chicken at a time for about 5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels and repeat with remaining pieces.
6. Step 6: While frying, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a bowl.
7. Step 7: Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Step 8: Pour the honey sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Step 9: Add the fried chicken to the pan and toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and flour/cornstarch dip before frying.
• Use reduced sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without losing flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve crispiness, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes if in a hurry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy, but cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Sesame Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sweet and tangy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Perfectly balanced with the crunch of sesame seeds and freshness of green onions, this dish makes a delicious and satisfying meal that’s great served over rice or with steamed vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 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 (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

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

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be used to coat the chicken pieces.
2. Mix Dry Coating: In a shallow bowl or on a plate, combine the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Stir to mix evenly for the chicken coating.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the flour and cornstarch mixture until fully coated. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
4. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour about 3 inches of oil into a deep pan or deep-fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry 7-8 pieces of coated chicken at a time in the hot oil. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and golden brown, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
6. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, stir together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
7. Sauté Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the glaze.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the coated chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use reduced sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
• Make sure the oil reaches the correct frying temperature (350°F) for crispy chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
• For a spicier twist, add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Sesame Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Fried Chicken, Honey Soy Chicken, Sesame Seeds, Chicken Dinner