Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a good sesame chicken dish. Imagine the first bite: tender pieces of chicken coated in a light, crispy batter, smothered in a sweet and savory sauce with a hint of nuttiness from toasted sesame seeds. It’s that perfect mix of flavors and textures that makes sesame chicken a true crowd-pleaser. You may have tasted it in restaurants, but there’s something even better about making it yourself – the aroma that fills your kitchen, the freedom to adjust the sweetness or add a bit of spice, and the joy of creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.
This recipe for sesame chicken is designed to be simple and achievable for home cooks, even if you’re new to the kitchen. With ingredients you likely already have on hand, you’ll be able to create a delicious dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Plus, with a few easy variations, you can make it your own, adding a hint of chili for spice or extra honey for a touch more sweetness.
Let’s dive in and create a sesame chicken that’s not only satisfying but also surprisingly easy to master. You’ll love the convenience of cooking this at home, and your family or friends will be thrilled with the flavors!
What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish, especially beloved in Chinese-American cuisine. It features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered, fried to a crispy golden brown, and coated in a glossy sauce. The sauce combines the sweetness of honey with savory soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, making it both flavorful and balanced. What makes sesame chicken stand out is the addition of toasted sesame seeds, which add a delicate nuttiness and a slight crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
This dish is rooted in Chinese culinary traditions, though the specific sesame chicken recipe has become a staple in American Chinese restaurants. It’s related to other well-known dishes like Mongolian chicken and sweet chili chicken, which also combine sweet and savory flavors. While each of these dishes has unique elements, they share a common appeal: bold flavors, satisfying textures, and that balance of sweet, salty, and umami that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
To make a delicious sesame chicken at home, you’ll need some basic ingredients for the chicken and sauce. Here’s a list of what you’ll need, along with some optional additions if you’d like to experiment with flavor variations.
Chicken Coating and Frying
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs | 1 lb | Thighs add juiciness and tenderness, though you can use chicken breasts |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup | Helps create a light, crispy coating |
| All-Purpose Flour | ½ cup | Adds structure to the batter |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances flavor in the chicken coating |
| Pepper | ¼ tsp | Adds a touch of spice |
| Eggs | 2 large | Binds the coating, ensuring it adheres to the chicken |
| Vegetable Oil | For frying | Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil |
Sweet and Savory Sesame Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | ¼ cup | Provides umami flavor and saltiness |
| Honey | 3 tbsp | Adds natural sweetness and creates a sticky sauce |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 tbsp | Balances sweetness with a hint of tang |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp | Adds nuttiness and richness |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp | Helps thicken the sauce, creating a glossy coating |
| Water | 2 tbsp | Combines with cornstarch to make a slurry for thickening |
| Toasted Sesame Seeds | 1 tbsp | Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of texture |
| Chopped Green Onions (optional) | 2 tbsp | For garnish and added freshness |
Note: Feel free to adjust the honey or soy sauce to suit your taste. If you like a sweeter sauce, add an extra teaspoon of honey; for more savory depth, add an additional splash of soy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sesame Chicken
Preparing the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken into Bite-Sized Pieces
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs (or breasts) into small, even pieces, roughly 1-inch in size. Uniform pieces will cook more evenly and provide a better texture. - Create the Breading Station
In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re smooth and well-beaten. - Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally back into the flour mixture. This double-coating technique helps create a thicker, crunchier exterior when fried. - Heat the Oil
Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of breading – it should sizzle immediately and float to the top. - Fry the Chicken in Batches
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
“The key to perfect crispy chicken is maintaining the oil temperature – too low and it will be greasy; too high and it may burn.”
Making the Sweet and Savory Sesame Sauce
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later. - Combine Sauce Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend the flavors. - Heat the Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to bubble, pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. - Add the Sesame Seeds
Stir in the toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a nutty finish. Remove the sauce from heat.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, combine them in a large bowl or pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated. The sauce should cling nicely to the crispy chicken, creating a sweet and savory glaze. - Garnish and Serve
Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ons
One of the best things about making sesame chicken at home is that you can customize the flavor to suit your preferences. Here are some popular variations that add a new twist to this classic dish:
1. Sweet Chili Chicken
- For a sweet and spicy kick, try adding sweet chili sauce to the base sauce recipe. You can replace some of the honey with sweet chili sauce or simply add 1-2 tablespoons of it along with the other sauce ingredients. This version adds a slight heat, balanced by the sauce’s sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice.
- Tip: Garnish with extra chili flakes if you prefer a hotter kick.
2. Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken
- If you’re a garlic lover, try adding more minced garlic to the sauce. Increase the garlic to 4 cloves, finely minced, for a robust, savory twist that pairs beautifully with the honey. This variation offers a stronger garlic flavor, making the dish even more aromatic.
- Suggested Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley for added freshness.
3. Spicy Chilli Chicken
- For a bolder, spicier version, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha. This makes for a rich, spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. You can also add some chopped fresh chili peppers for a more intense heat.
- Ideal Side Dish: Serve with a simple, cooling cucumber salad to balance the spiciness.
4. Mongolian Sesame Chicken
- To make a sesame twist on Mongolian chicken, add hoisin sauce to the sauce mix. Replace 1 tablespoon of honey with hoisin sauce and reduce the vinegar slightly. Hoisin adds a deeper, richer flavor with a hint of sweetness, giving the sauce more complexity.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve with steamed broccoli or stir-fried bell peppers.
5. Citrus Honey Sesame Chicken
- For a fresh, tangy flavor, add the zest of one orange or lemon to the sauce. This creates a bright citrus note that enhances the sweetness of the honey, making the dish feel light and refreshing.
- Tip: Use freshly grated zest for the best flavor, as it releases essential oils that deepen the aroma.
These variations add a range of flavors that keep sesame chicken exciting and adaptable for different tastes. You can try a different twist each time to see which one you like best!
Serving Suggestions
Sesame chicken is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even more. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed Rice or Fried Rice: Classic options that let the sesame chicken shine. Fried rice adds texture and a little extra flavor, while steamed rice keeps things simple.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Serve the sesame chicken alongside stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots for a balanced meal.
- Sesame Noodles: Add extra sesame oil and seeds to plain noodles for a quick side that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Asian-Inspired Salad: A light salad with cabbage, cucumbers, and a sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet chicken.
Presentation Tip: Garnish the dish with additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds a fresh, vibrant look that’s perfect for serving guests or impressing family.
Tips for Making Perfect Sesame Chicken at Home
To ensure your sesame chicken turns out just right, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness
- Adding cornstarch to the coating makes the chicken crispier when fried. Cornstarch helps absorb moisture, resulting in a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Maintain the Right Oil Temperature
- For a crispy coating, it’s essential to keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken can burn; if it’s too low, the coating may become soggy. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one, or test by dropping in a small piece of batter – it should sizzle immediately.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking
- Taste the sauce before coating the chicken, and adjust the honey, soy sauce, or vinegar to suit your preference. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey; if you want more tang, increase the vinegar.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
- Fry the chicken in batches, if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy chicken. Frying in small batches helps each piece cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch
- For an even crispier texture, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and back into the flour before frying. This double coating creates a thicker crust that stays crispy longer.
“Making sesame chicken is all about technique – a few extra steps can elevate it from good to amazing!”
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make sesame chicken without frying it?
A: Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying. Simply coat the chicken as usual, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Air frying at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes also works well.
Q: What’s the difference between sesame chicken and Mongolian chicken?
A: While both dishes are similar in that they feature bite-sized pieces of chicken in a savory sauce, sesame chicken is typically sweeter and includes honey and sesame oil. Mongolian chicken, on the other hand, has a more savory flavor profile with soy sauce and hoisin, often with green onions and no sesame seeds.
Q: Can I make sesame chicken with tofu instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Tofu works well as a substitute for chicken. Use extra-firm tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Follow the same steps for coating and frying (or baking) as you would with chicken.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
A: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce to thin it out. The cornstarch slurry makes it thicken quickly, so it’s best to add it gradually while stirring.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fry the chicken right before serving for the best texture, as reheated fried chicken may not be as crispy.
Key Takeaways
- Customize to Your Taste: Sesame chicken is easy to adjust based on your flavor preferences. You can make it sweeter, spicier, or more savory to suit your tastes.
- Crispy Coating: Cornstarch and flour in the batter, along with proper frying technique, help create a crispy coating that holds up to the sauce.
- Homemade Sauce Advantage: Making your own sauce allows you to control the ingredients, resulting in a fresher and more flavorful dish.
- Variations Keep it Interesting: With options like honey garlic, sweet chili, and citrus sesame, you can try different versions to keep the recipe exciting.
Conclusion
Sesame chicken is a timeless favorite for a reason. It combines crispy, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sweet, savory, and satisfying all at once. With this easy recipe, you’ll have the skills to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. From mastering the frying technique to experimenting with flavors, there’s so much to enjoy in making this dish your own.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this sesame chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the delicious results – your homemade sesame chicken will soon be a go-to recipe in your kitchen!