Easy Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sesame Chicken is a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and crunch. The batter gives the chicken a crispy exterior, while the sesame sauce brings everything together with its flavorful combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic. The addition of sesame oil and sesame seeds enhances the nutty flavors, making it a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a homemade version of a takeout favorite!

Ingredients

• ~450 g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, chopped

Batter

• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 egg white
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• ⅓ cup water

Sesame Sauce

• 3 tbsp honey, to taste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp ketchup
• 1.5 tbsp brown sugar, to taste
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
• 1 clove garlic, grated

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, white pepper, and water to make a batter. Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated.
2. Fry the chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the battered chicken pieces in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare the sesame sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, shaoxing wine, and grated garlic. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Combine the chicken and sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and pour the sesame sauce into the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and stir to combine.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with rice or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy sesame chicken: Add some chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Substitute protein: You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
• Vegetable addition: Add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make this dish more wholesome.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the sesame chicken in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. For extra crispiness, you can also reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make sesame chicken without frying the chicken?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier version.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They’ll be juicier and have more flavor, but make sure to adjust the cooking time.

3. Can I use a different oil instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil, but sesame oil provides a distinct nutty flavor that’s hard to replicate.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a little longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I use store-bought sesame sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought sesame sauce to save time, but homemade sauce typically tastes fresher and more customized.

7. Is sesame chicken spicy?

Traditional sesame chicken is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to spice it up.

8. Can I freeze leftover sesame chicken?

Yes, you can freeze sesame chicken for up to 1-2 months. Reheat it by baking or in a skillet for best results.

9. What can I serve with sesame chicken?

Sesame chicken goes well with steamed rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.

10. Can I add other ingredients to the sesame sauce?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other ingredients like ginger or a splash of orange juice for a twist.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken is a wonderfully crispy and flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and delicious. With its sweet and savory sesame sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy sesame seeds, this recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone craving a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, Sesame Chicken is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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