If you’ve ever craved a sweet, savory, and crispy dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds, then Sesame Chicken should be on your radar. This dish has become a beloved favorite in many households, combining the tenderness of chicken with a luscious, glossy glaze that brings a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe is an ideal choice for beginners who want to experience a classic Asian-inspired dish. It’s simple, fast, and full of flavor, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire.
PrintSesame Chicken
🍗🌟 Get ready for the ultimate Sesame Chicken—crispy, savory, and absolutely irresistible! 😍 The perfect balance of flavors, this dish features golden chicken in a rich, sweet sesame sauce with a crunchy finish. 🧄✨ Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect dish for beginner cooks to impress everyone at the dinner table. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy! 🍚🍽️
#SesameChickenDelight #QuickAndEasyMeals #CrispyAndCrunchy #FlavorFusion #BeginnerCooks #HealthyDinner #AsianFlavors #ComfortFoodVibes #FoodieInspo #DinnerGoals 🍗🥢✨
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Coating:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Gradually add the cold water, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Once the batter is ready, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir until each piece is well-coated with the batter. This step is important because the batter creates the crispy outer layer of the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or wok to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
- Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken crisps up properly.
- Fry each batch of chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until the pieces turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to blend the flavors together.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once the glaze has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- Combine the Chicken and Glaze:
- In a large mixing bowl, place the crispy chicken pieces and drizzle the glaze over them.
- Toss the chicken in the glaze until each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken is perfectly glazed and every bite is flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the Sesame Chicken to a serving platter. For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and a fresh bite.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness!
Notes
- Frying the Chicken: It’s important to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly. Overcrowding can lead to soggy chicken, so always fry in small batches.
- Checking the Chicken: To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, cut into one of the pieces to check that it’s no longer pink inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, simply slice into a piece to check for doneness.
- Adjusting the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply let it simmer a bit longer, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, you can always add a little extra water to reach your desired consistency.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil. Avoid oils with strong flavors like olive oil, as they may affect the taste of the dish.
- Substituting Ingredients: If you prefer to use beef instead of chicken, you can substitute thinly sliced beef for the chicken breast. Beef can add a richer flavor to the dish and work just as well with the sesame glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
What makes Sesame Chicken so great for beginner cooks is that it doesn’t require complicated ingredients or advanced techniques. You’ll find that with just a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes just as good, if not better, than what you’d get at a restaurant. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—by combining a crispy chicken coating with a flavorful glaze, you’re able to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients and Preparation
For the best results, it’s important to gather all the ingredients before you begin cooking. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any key steps. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is simple and easy to follow, even for those just starting out in the kitchen. Let’s break it down into easy-to-understand steps:
- Prepare the Chicken Coating:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Gradually add the cold water, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Once the batter is ready, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir until each piece is well-coated with the batter. This step is important because the batter creates the crispy outer layer of the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or wok to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
- Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken crisps up properly.
- Fry each batch of chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until the pieces turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to blend the flavors together.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once the glaze has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- Combine the Chicken and Glaze:
- In a large mixing bowl, place the crispy chicken pieces and drizzle the glaze over them.
- Toss the chicken in the glaze until each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken is perfectly glazed and every bite is flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the Sesame Chicken to a serving platter. For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and a fresh bite.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness!
Beginner Tips and Notes
Even though this recipe is easy to follow, here are a few tips to help you succeed in the kitchen:
- Frying the Chicken: It’s important to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly. Overcrowding can lead to soggy chicken, so always fry in small batches.
- Checking the Chicken: To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, cut into one of the pieces to check that it’s no longer pink inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, simply slice into a piece to check for doneness.
- Adjusting the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply let it simmer a bit longer, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, you can always add a little extra water to reach your desired consistency.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil. Avoid oils with strong flavors like olive oil, as they may affect the taste of the dish.
- Substituting Ingredients: If you prefer to use beef instead of chicken, you can substitute thinly sliced beef for the chicken breast. Beef can add a richer flavor to the dish and work just as well with the sesame glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Sesame Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal with complementary sides and sauces. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:
- Rice: Serve the Sesame Chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a filling and comforting dish. The rice will soak up the sweet and savory glaze, making every bite delicious.
- Vegetables: A side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, pairs wonderfully with the dish. The fresh crunch of the vegetables adds balance to the rich and crispy chicken.
- Dipping Sauce: For extra flavor, serve the Sesame Chicken with a side of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping. The added sauces will complement the sesame glaze and give a delightful contrast.
- Soup or Salad: A light miso soup or a simple Asian-inspired salad with sesame dressing can round out the meal.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to retain its crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Engagement Features
We hope this Sesame Chicken recipe inspires you to get into the kitchen and give it a try! It’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone looking for a delicious, stress-free meal, this dish ticks all the boxes.
We’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe! Have you tried making Sesame Chicken before? Share your tips, thoughts, and any modifications you made in the comments below. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your photos with us—we can’t wait to see how your dish turns out!