The golden, crispy coating of sesame chicken is absolutely irresistible. The first bite brings a satisfying crunch, followed by the tender juiciness of the chicken. But the magic truly lies in the sauce—it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just a hint of tanginess that makes every piece of chicken burst with flavor. The sweetness comes from the honey or sugar, while the soy sauce adds that deep umami richness. And then, the sesame seeds on top? They’re not just for decoration. Each little seed pops with a nutty, toasted flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.
What’s even better is how versatile this dish is. It’s a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties or an easy weeknight meal. I’ve made it countless times, tweaking the sauce just a little each time depending on what I have in my pantry, and it always turns out delicious. If you’re feeling extra fancy, adding a sprinkle of green onions or even a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish to another level. The combination of sweet, salty, and savory notes with that crispy texture—trust me, it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Key Ingredients in Sesame Chicken
Every great dish starts with the right ingredients, and sesame chicken is no exception. The balance of flavors and textures relies on a carefully selected mix of ingredients that work together to create that unforgettable bite. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The chicken thighs provide the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness, absorbing the sauce beautifully while maintaining a satisfying texture. They also stay moist during cooking, unlike chicken breasts.
– Cornstarch: This ingredient is key to achieving that crispy coating. It helps create a light, crunchy exterior that locks in the chicken’s natural juiciness.
– All-purpose flour: Combined with cornstarch, flour gives the chicken a sturdy coating that crisps up perfectly when fried.
– Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, making the chicken more savory and balanced against the sweetness of the sauce.
– Black pepper: Just a dash of pepper adds a little warmth and depth to the dish, complementing the other spices without overwhelming them.
– Sesame oil: With its distinct, toasty flavor, sesame oil brings that authentic, nutty richness to the sauce, making it the perfect base for the sweet and savory notes.
– Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken, vegetable oil has a neutral flavor that lets the sesame oil shine through while ensuring the chicken crisps up nicely.
– Honey: The natural sweetness of honey creates that glossy, delicious sauce, adding a layer of rich sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
– Soy sauce: Soy sauce is the backbone of the sauce, contributing its deep umami flavor and a slight saltiness that rounds out the sweetness from the honey.
– Rice vinegar: This adds just the right touch of tang to balance the sweet and salty flavors, cutting through the richness and providing a slight zing.
– Brown sugar: A bit of brown sugar enhances the sweetness and adds complexity to the sauce, creating a caramelized flavor that elevates the dish.
– Garlic (minced): Garlic brings a savory depth to the sauce, infusing the dish with its aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
– Ginger (minced): The fresh, zesty bite of ginger adds a light spiciness to the dish, brightening up the sauce and cutting through the sweetness.
– Sesame seeds: These seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, finishing off the dish with a perfect touch of texture and a final hit of sesame goodness.
– Green onions (sliced): A sprinkle of green onions not only adds a pop of color but also a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
How to Make Sesame Chicken
- STEP 1: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken thighs into uniform pieces, about 1-2 inches in size. This ensures they cook evenly and allows for that perfect crispy coating. - STEP 2: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk together the cornstarch, flour, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. This dry mix is essential for the crispy coating. - STEP 3: Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch-flour mixture until evenly coated.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them gently until each piece is fully coated with the dry mixture. You want an even, light coating that will crisp up beautifully when fried. - STEP 4: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Place your skillet or wok on the stove and let it heat up over medium-high heat. You’ll want it hot enough to crisp the chicken but not so hot that it burns the oil. - STEP 5: Add the sesame oil and vegetable oil to the pan, swirling to coat the bottom.
Once the pan is hot, add both the sesame oil and vegetable oil. Swirl the oils around to coat the bottom of the pan, letting the sesame oil infuse that nutty fragrance into the oil. - STEP 6: Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy. - STEP 7: Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Fry the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning them over with tongs or a spatula when they are golden brown and crispy. The outside should be crunchy, and the inside should stay juicy. - STEP 8: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Once the chicken is golden and crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. - STEP 9: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
Carefully pour the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar into the same skillet, scraping up any delicious brown bits left behind by the chicken. Stir the sauce together, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. - STEP 10: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the sauce, stirring constantly for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic and ginger will infuse the sauce with their aromatic flavors. - STEP 11: Once the sauce is well combined and fragrant, return the chicken to the pan.
When the sauce is thickened and aromatic, add the crispy chicken back into the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated. - STEP 12: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and toss again to distribute.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and toss everything together so that the seeds are evenly distributed. They’ll add that final touch of nutty flavor and crunch. - STEP 13: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the sesame chicken with sliced green onions.
Take the skillet off the heat, and sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the top of the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. - STEP 14: Serve the sesame chicken immediately with rice or your choice of side dishes.
Serve the sesame chicken hot, paired with fluffy rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy that crispy, sweet, savory goodness!
Serving Suggestions for Sesame Chicken
1. With Steamed Jasmine Rice
There’s something about the soft, fragrant jasmine rice that pairs perfectly with the crispy, flavorful sesame chicken. The rice absorbs all that delicious sauce, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, the fluffy texture balances the crispy chicken beautifully. Trust me, this combo will have everyone asking for seconds!
2. Tossed in a Crisp Salad
For a lighter, fresh take, serve your sesame chicken over a crisp salad. The chicken adds a savory punch, while the crunchy veggies (think cucumber, bell peppers, and shredded carrots) bring a refreshing contrast. Top it off with a drizzle of sesame dressing for extra flavor. It’s a fun twist and a great way to sneak in some greens.
3. As a Wrap or Lettuce Cups
If you’re craving something handheld, wrap the sesame chicken in soft tortillas or fresh lettuce leaves. Add a few slices of avocado, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a dash of chili flakes for heat. These little wraps are perfect for lunch or a casual dinner, and they’re super fun to eat!
How to Store Sesame Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), there are a few simple ways to store your sesame chicken so it stays just as delicious for the next meal. The key to maintaining that crispy texture and flavorful sauce is to store it properly.
First, to keep the chicken crispy, it’s best to store the sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, you’ll want to separate the chicken from the sauce before storing it. The sauce can make the crispy coating soggy, so keep them in separate containers. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either pop the chicken in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp it up again or fry it quickly in a pan for a crispy finish.
If you’re planning to keep it for a longer period, sesame chicken also freezes well. Just like the refrigerator method, separate the chicken from the sauce before freezing. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost the chicken and heat it up in a skillet or oven. Reheat the sauce separately and toss it with the chicken when it’s hot.
For those nights when you’re craving a quick meal, you can also store the sesame chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. While the chicken may lose some of its crispiness, the flavors will still be just as delicious. Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave, and the sauce will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! A recipe for sesame chicken that’s just as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking up a weeknight meal or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The crispy chicken, that luscious sweet and savory sauce, and the pop of sesame seeds – it’s a flavor combination that never gets old. Plus, with a little tweak here and there, you can make it your own, which is what I absolutely love about this recipe.
I hope you enjoyed walking through the steps with me, and I’d love to hear how it turns out if you give it a try. Feel free to share your thoughts, ask questions, or even let me know how you customized it! After all, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. I can’t wait to hear about your sesame chicken adventures in the kitchen!
Sesame Chicken
Description
Crispy, golden-brown chicken bites are coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze, creating the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Topped with toasted sesame seeds, it’s an irresistible bite of flavorful bliss with every bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
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In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
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Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch-flour mixture until evenly coated.
-
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
Add the sesame oil and vegetable oil to the pan, swirling to coat the bottom.
-
Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
-
Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
-
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
-
Stir the sauce ingredients together and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the sauce, stirring constantly for another 1-2 minutes.
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Once the sauce is well combined and fragrant, return the chicken to the pan.
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Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated and heated through.
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Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and toss again to distribute.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the sesame chicken with sliced green onions.
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Serve the sesame chicken immediately with rice or your choice of side dishes.
Note
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the cornstarch-flour mixture, then in the mixture again before frying.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar to suit your taste preference.
- For a spicier kick, incorporate chili flakes or sriracha into the sauce.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
- For a healthier version, use olive oil instead of sesame and vegetable oils.
