How To Make Easy Sesame Chicken

Craving takeout but want to keep it simple and homemade? This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is your answer. Packed with crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sesame sauce, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers all the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Minimal prep and ready in less time than ordering takeout.
• Better than Takeout: Made with wholesome ingredients and no MSG.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or add vegetables for variety.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly: Restaurant-quality flavors at a fraction of the cost.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sesame Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• Extra sesame seeds

How To Make Easy Sesame Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   
   • In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
   • Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat them in the cornstarch-flour mixture. Shake off excess.
     
2. Cook the Chicken:
   
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
     
3. Make the Sauce:
   
   • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
     
   • In the same skillet, add a teaspoon of oil and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
     
   • Pour in the sauce mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
     
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   
   • Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
   • Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and mix gently.
     
5. Serve:
   
   • Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Pro Tips

• Extra Crispy Chicken: Double-fry the chicken for an even crispier texture.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas and add them to the dish.
• Fresh Flavor: Grate fresh ginger for a more vibrant taste in the sauce.

How To Serve

• Classic Pairing: Serve over jasmine rice or lo mein noodles for a complete meal.
• Lighter Option: Pair with steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad.
• Beverage Match: Enjoy with a chilled glass of iced green tea or sparkling water with lemon.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Adjustments: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness or in the microwave for convenience.
  
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and toss with freshly made sauce before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe brings the comforting flavors of takeout right to your home. With its crispy chicken and irresistible sesame sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for any occasion, it’s guaranteed to please. Give it a try and share your experience—we’d love to hear your feedback! Looking for more Asian-inspired recipes? Check out our collection for more ideas.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? A: Yes! Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, spray with cooking oil before baking.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option? A: Substitute tamari for soy sauce and use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for coating the chicken.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Use tofu or cauliflower in place of chicken and follow the same cooking steps.