Sesame Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Making It Perfectly

Sesame Chicken, that glistening, savory-sweet delight, is a dish that has captivated taste buds around the globe. Have you ever wondered how a simple combination of chicken, sesame seeds, and a luscious sauce could create such an irresistible culinary experience? I certainly have! This recipe isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about unlocking the secrets to creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

While its exact origins are debated, Sesame Chicken is widely believed to be an American-Chinese creation, adapted to suit Western palates. It draws inspiration from traditional Chinese cooking techniques, but the sweet and tangy sauce is a distinctly American innovation. This fusion of cultures has resulted in a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, a testament to the power of culinary exchange.

What makes Sesame Chicken so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and subtle pop. Then there’s the sauce – a symphony of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes that coats every piece of chicken in pure deliciousness. It’s also incredibly convenient to make at home, often faster and healthier than ordering takeout. So, are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create your own unforgettable Sesame Chicken?

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Sesame Sauce:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For Garnish:
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Serving Suggestions:
• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli or other vegetables

Preparing the Chicken

Alright, let’s get started with the chicken! This is the heart of our sesame chicken, and we want it to be perfectly crispy and juicy.

1. Cut the Chicken: First, take your chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch each. I find that thighs work best because they stay nice and moist during frying, but you can use chicken breast if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook it!
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give our chicken that lovely crispy coating. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. The water helps to thin out the eggs a bit, making them easier to coat the chicken with.
4. Dredge the Chicken: Now, here’s the fun part! Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the bowl with the cornstarch mixture and toss it around until it’s completely covered in the dry ingredients. Make sure to press the mixture onto the chicken so it adheres well. Repeat this process with all the chicken pieces.

Frying the Chicken

Now for the frying! This is where the magic happens and our chicken transforms into golden-brown deliciousness. Safety first, though! Be careful when working with hot oil.

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or if you don’t have one, you can test it by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Chicken in Batches: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.

Making the Sesame Sauce

While the chicken is draining, let’s whip up that amazing sesame sauce! This sauce is what really makes this dish special, with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent any lumps in the sauce.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan. If you like a little heat, you can also add the red pepper flakes at this point.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or brown sugar. If you want it more tangy, add a splash of rice vinegar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Now for the grand finale! Let’s bring the crispy chicken and the flavorful sesame sauce together.

1. Toss the Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sesame sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated in that delicious sauce.
2. Heat Through: Heat the chicken and sauce together for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is nicely glazed.

Serving and Garnishing

Almost there! Now it’s time to plate up our masterpiece and add the finishing touches.

1. Serve: Serve the sesame chicken immediately over cooked white rice or brown rice. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle the sesame chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. These add a nice visual appeal and a boost of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispy chicken.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The sesame sauce is very versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce, more rice vinegar for a tangier sauce, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
• Keep the Chicken Warm: If you’re not serving the chicken immediately, you can keep it warm in a preheated oven (200°F or 95°C) until you’re ready to serve.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sesame sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before tossing it with the chicken.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients, especially garlic and ginger, will make a big difference in the flavor of the sesame sauce.

Variations

• Sesame Chicken with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to the sesame chicken for a more complete meal. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas all work well. Simply stir-fry the vegetables before adding the chicken and sauce.
• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sesame sauce for a spicier kick.
• Sesame Chicken with Noodles: Serve the sesame chicken over noodles instead of rice. Lo mein noodles or udon noodles are both great options.
• Baked Sesame Chicken: For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Toss the breaded chicken with a little oil and bake it in a preheated oven (400°F or 200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Then, toss it with the sesame sauce.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for sesame chicken! It’s one of my favorites, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a ticket to flavor town, a culinary adventure that ends with a plate of the most delicious Sesame Chicken you’ve ever tasted. Seriously, the combination of the crispy, golden-brown chicken, the savory-sweet sauce, and that delightful sesame seed crunch is simply irresistible. I know I’m biased, but I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired cuisine or just appreciates a good, satisfying meal.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s easier than ordering takeout, healthier than most restaurant versions, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to your liking. Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Prefer a sweeter sauce? Increase the honey or brown sugar. The possibilities are endless!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Think of all the ways you can serve this amazing Sesame Chicken. For a classic pairing, serve it over fluffy white rice or brown rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it over noodles – lo mein or even spaghetti work surprisingly well! You could even use the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or create a delicious Sesame Chicken salad.

Here are a few more serving suggestions and variations to get your creative juices flowing:

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Combo: Serve over white rice with steamed broccoli.
• Noodle Bowl: Toss with lo mein noodles and your favorite stir-fried vegetables.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for crisp lettuce cups, topped with shredded carrots and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• Sesame Chicken Salad: Combine the chicken with mixed greens, crunchy wonton strips, and a sesame ginger dressing.

Variations:

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Increase the honey and add a clove of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add a tablespoon of orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
• Sesame Chicken with Vegetables: Stir-fry your favorite vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, onions, carrots) and toss them with the chicken and sauce.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Cooking should be fun, so relax, enjoy the process, and get ready to savor the delicious results.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a truly unforgettable meal. Once you’ve tried this Sesame Chicken recipe, I guarantee it will become a regular in your dinner rotation.

And please, don’t be shy! Share your creations with me. I’d love to see your photos and hear about any variations you tried. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me an email. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’re making this recipe their own. Happy cooking!