So, here’s the scoop! The first time I made this recipe, I was a bit nervous. I had my chicken all prepped, and I was ready to rock. But guess what? I totally nailed it! The chicken was crispy, the sauce was lip-smacking good, and I was dancing around my kitchen like a superstar. One surprise? I miscalculated the sesame oil and added too much at first. It was a little too strong, but hey, I adjusted, and it turned out amazing! I cut back on the oil next time, and wow, it really let the other flavors shine. Food is all about experimenting, right?

Sesame Chicken

Hey there, food lovers! If you've ever dreamed of diving into a plate of crunchy, sweet, and savory goodness, you're in for a treat with this Sesame Chicken recipe! It's got that perfect balance of flavors and textures that'll make even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds (and thirds!). This delightful dish is not only easy to whip up but also delivers restaurant-quality vibes right from your home kitchen. Excited? Let’s get cooking!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese-american

Servings 4 people

Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast cubed (you can use thighs if you prefer!)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or any high-heat oil like canola
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil cut back if it’s too strong for you!
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger but jarred is cool too!
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or any mild vinegar you have
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This will give your chicken that yummy crunch! Toss the chicken cubes into the mixture until they’re all coated and happy.
• Dip into Eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs, and dip the coated chicken pieces into the egg mixture. Yes, it’s a messy job, but it’s so worth it! Just make sure they’re coated well.
• Fry It Up: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken pieces, but don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. When they’re all fried, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
• Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until combined. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your taste—don’t be afraid to taste it!
• Toss It Together: Lower the heat on the skillet to medium (or just off the heat) and add the fried chicken back in! Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss it gently to coat every delicious piece.
• Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions all over your marvelous creation. Feel free to serve this crunchy goodness over rice or steamed veggies!

Keyword Asian cuisine, Chicken recipe, Comfort food, Quick dinner, sesame chicken

Nutrition Facts

5 Tips for This Recipe

1. Don’t Rush the Frying: Let the chicken cook long enough to get that perfect golden crust. Patience is key!
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger and garlic makes a HUGE difference in flavor!
3. Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Too hot? Your chicken will burn. Too cold? It won’t crisp up!
4. Tweak the Sauce: If you love more heat, throw in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some chili sauce!
5. Rice or No Rice: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even greens to mix things up. Feel free to play around!

5 FAQs for This Recipe

1. Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to use fresh chicken, but if you’re using frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed and dried well!
2. What can I substitute for honey? Maple syrup or agave syrup works great too!
3. Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
4. How do I make it spicier? Adding chili paste or sriracha to the sauce will give it a delightful kick!
5. Can I bake it instead of frying? Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispiness!

5 Storage Tips

1. Cool It Down: Let your sesame chicken cool completely before storing it.
2. Airtight Container: Use an airtight container so it stays fresh for longer.
3. Refrigerate: It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
4. Freeze It: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers.
5. Reheat Carefully: When reheating, do it on the stove or in the oven to maintain that crispy texture!

5 Common Cooking Mistakes

1. Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too much at once can lead to soggy chicken. Give each piece some space!
2. Not Patting Dry: Make sure to dry your chicken first; excess moisture will prevent crispiness!
3. Ignoring the Sauce: Don’t skip tasting the sauce! Adjust it to your liking before adding it to the chicken.
4. Skipping the Resting Period: After frying, let it sit on a paper towel. This ensures it isn’t greasy!
5. Not Following the Steps: Each step is designed to build up the fantastic flavor and texture you want, so give them a go!

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Sesame Chicken at home is such a fun adventure! From the crispy bites of chicken to the delicious sauce that clings to every piece, this recipe is bound to make your taste buds dance with joy. I loved how simple yet rewarding it was to make, and I have no doubt you will nail it just as I did! Remember, it’s all about having fun in the kitchen, so feel free to play around with the ingredients and make it your own.

Next time you’re craving that takeout flavor without leaving your comfy couch, whip up this Sesame Chicken. No one will guess you didn’t order in! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you, so let’s get cooking!

Until our next culinary adventure, happy cooking, my friend!