Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sesame Chicken brings a perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and crunch. The batter-coated chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, enhanced by a sesame sauce that’s packed with flavor. A touch of sesame oil and sesame seeds adds a nice depth of flavor, and the dish’s bright finish with green onions makes it visually appealing. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s full of taste and texture!

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken Batter

• 1 pound chicken breast or thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup water (add more if needed for consistency)

→ For Frying

• Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 4 cups)

→ For the Sesame Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually add water until the batter reaches a smooth, paint-like consistency (add more water if the batter is too thick). Gently stir the chicken pieces into the batter to coat them thoroughly.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to around 330-340°F (165-170°C). Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain it on a wire rack.
3. Double Fry (Optional but Recommended): For extra crispiness, turn the heat to high (around 375°F or 190°C). Fry the chicken for a second time for about 30-60 seconds until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool on a wire rack.
4. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Stir well until smooth.
5. Cook the Sauce: Pour the sauce into a large pan or wok and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Toss the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sesame sauce. Add sesame seeds and mix well.
7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a plate and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with a side of rice and fresh vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for frying)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sesame sauce for some extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
• Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake the battered chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy texture. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the chicken will lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I skip the double frying step?

While double frying helps achieve extra crispiness, you can still enjoy the dish by frying the chicken once. The chicken will still be crispy and delicious.

Can I make the sesame sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sesame sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just heat it up before tossing with the fried chicken.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the dish for extra flavor and texture.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Double frying the chicken is the best way to ensure it’s extra crispy. Additionally, make sure the oil temperature is hot enough for a crisp exterior.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe as they’re juicy and tender, with a slightly richer flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, mix in chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sesame sauce. You can also add a few fresh sliced chilies for a fiery kick.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into a piece to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Vegetable oil is recommended for frying, but you can also use canola oil or peanut oil, which have a high smoke point and work well for deep frying.

How can I make the sesame sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken is a sweet, savory, and crispy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its double-fried chicken coated in a rich sesame sauce, it’s a delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Easy to make and full of flavor, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it with rice and veggies for a complete meal!

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