Sesame Chicken is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together crispy battered chicken and a sweet-savory sesame glaze that’s simply irresistible. If you’re a fan of crunch and flavor, get ready to feast your taste buds on this delightful dish! I remember the first time I tasted this dish at a family gathering; my cousin whipped it up, and I was amazed at how something so delicious could be prepared so easily. It has become a beloved staple in our home and is often compared to my popular recipe for General Tso’s Chicken—it shares that wonderful balance of crunch and flavor, but with a unique nutty twist. It’s a perfect dish for cozy winter evenings that everyone in the family will adore!
What is Sesame Chicken?
So what is the deal with this quirky name, anyway? If someone told you that “Sesame Chicken” could win over a crowd better than a fancy dinner, would you believe them? This delightful dish is a classic take-out favorite turned homemade hero—it’s sweet, savory, and utterly scrumptious! A little backstory: legend has it that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and I can attest that this dish has won over many family members! Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, Sesame Chicken is here to make everyone smile. Don’t you want to give it a try?
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken
First and foremost, this Sesame Chicken delivers all the delightful aspects of a main dish, leaving you feeling satisfied without breaking the bank. Cooking at home not only saves money but also allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. Imagine crispy chicken pieces coated in a thick, glossy sesame glaze, paired with your favorite toppings; it’s an explosion of flavors! Imagine trying to compare it with another favorite like Sweet and Sour Chicken—while both are tasty, Sesame Chicken is often the winner for those who prefer a nuttier and more complex flavor profile. Ready to savor this sensation? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Quick Overview
Making Sesame Chicken is incredibly easy and satisfying—all you need is simple ingredients and a bit of time! The crispy texture of the chicken combined with the slightly sticky, sweet glaze creates a dance of flavors that your palate will love. You can whip this up in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
To make this delicious Sesame Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup soy sauce (ensure it’s Halal-certified)
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Glaze: In a separate pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, around 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Glaze: Add the fried chicken to the glaze, tossing to coat thoroughly. You can sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken while it’s still in the pan to allow them to stick.
- Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions, and enjoy hot!
Top Tips for Perfecting Sesame Chicken
- For Even More Crispiness: You can double coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg again after the first round of cornstarch for an extra crunchy bite.
- Substitutions: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Timing: Make sure to fry the chicken in small batches so that the oil temperature doesn’t drop too much, which can make it soggy.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; if it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb more oil and turn greasy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you end up with leftovers (which is rare but possible!), you can store your Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which will help maintain that crispy texture. If you wish to freeze it, keep it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for about 2 months. When reheating frozen chicken, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it in the oven.
Now that you know how to make this delightful Sesame Chicken, why not gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and create an unforgettable meal that everyone will enjoy? Happy cooking!
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, around 3-5 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken to the glaze, tossing to coat thoroughly. You can sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken while it's still in the pan to allow them to stick.
- Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions, and enjoy hot!
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