Delicious Sesame Chicken Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction

Sesame chicken is a popular dish from Chinese cuisine that pairs crispy, golden chicken with sweet and savory sauce made from sesame seeds. It is a staple one finds in many homes and restaurants because of the flavor and satisfying texture it provides. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special meal, sesame chicken is easy to make and full of flavor. In this in-depth guide, we will walk you through the whole process of how to make sesame chicken from scratch—ensuring you get restaurant quality each and every time.

Ingredients

For Chicken Marinade:

1 pound 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce – To provide salty and umami flavor
1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry – Adds a little sweetness
1 teaspoon sesame oil – Provides added nutty flavor
1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps the coating cling to the chicken for crispy texture

For the Coating:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of the breading
1/4 cup cornstarch – For extra crispiness
1 teaspoon baking powder – lightens the breading
1/2 teaspoon salt – to season
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds a bit of spice
1 large egg – helps the breading adhere to the chicken

For the Sesame Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce – The base of the sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Provides sweetness and depth
2 tablespoons rice vinegar – gives some acidity to balance the sweetness
2 tablespoons honey – adds a touch of natural sweetness
1 tablespoon sesame oil – adds a little more sesame flavor into the mix
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water – thickens the sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced – for an aromatic flavor
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced – gives it a bit of zesty kick
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds – as garnish and adds a little flavor

For Garnish:

2 green onions, thinly sliced – Adds freshness and color
Extra toasted sesame seeds – For extra crunch and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Follow the instructions for chicken marination:

Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat.
Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir these ingredients together until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, add chicken pieces and mix them around so that every piece is well-coated with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to be effectively absorbed into the chicken and hence making it flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

For breading follow the instructions:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. This mixture forms the crispy coating for the chicken.
Beat the Egg: In another bowl, whisk 1 large egg well. This allows the breading to stick well to the chicken pieces.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In order to coat chicken we should:

Dip in Egg: Dip each piece of marinated chicken in the egg mixture and let the extra egg drip off.
Coat with Breading: Dip the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour mixture and ensure that they are well-coated. You may also double-dip the chicken in the egg-flour cycle to achieve extra crispy texture.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

For cooking chicken we should:

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil needs to be hot but not smoking.
Fry the Chicken: Do this in batches, so as not to crowd it, and add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels to help drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Sesame Sauce

Cook the Aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute, or until they become fragrant.
Add the Sauce Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons honey. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: Bring to a simmer, then whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Keep stirring and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until thickened up to your desired consistency.
Finish the Sauce: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds for nice nutty flavor and texture in the sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Dress the Chicken: Add the crispy chicken in the saucepan with the sesame sauce and delicately toss them to well-coat each piece with the sauce.
Garnish: On a serving platter, place the sauced chicken. Sprinkle some more toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh and colorful finish.
Serve Hot: Set your sesame chicken right away on a bed of steamed white rice or with your favorite vegetables. Now enjoy the crunchy, flavorful delight!

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Sodium: 850mg
Sugars: 12g

Pro Tips

Crispy Chicken: Double-dip chicken pieces in egg and flour for added crispiness.
Healthier Option: For fewer calories, bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of frying.
Sauce Variations: Taste and adjust for sweetness and saltiness to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to give it a spicy kick.
Garnish Suggestions: More chopped cilantro or sliced chillies will enhance the flavor and make it look appealing.

Conclusion

Making sesame chicken at home is so satisfying and quite easy. With this easy-to-make recipe, you will have a dish which you will love much more than your favorite takeout. This crispy chicken, coated in sweet and savory sesame sauce, simply makes up a delightful meal for any time of day. Whether it is dinner for your family or hosting dinner for friends, this sesame chicken recipe will surely impress them all. Have fun while cooking and relish each bite of this heavenly dish! Also follow us on Medium and Pinterest.