Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food, bringing together crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet, tangy sauce that includes the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. This recipe is incredibly satisfying, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. With its vibrant flavors and mouthwatering aroma, Sesame Chicken is not only easy to make, but it also serves as a nostalgic reminder of takeout nights, minus the ordering. Here, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process to creating this delicious dish right at home.

Ingredients

To create the ultimate Sesame Chicken dish, you’ll need the following ingredients that will combine to evoke rich flavors and textures:

• 8 oz. (230g) boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into strips, tender and juicy.
• Oil for deep-frying, to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
• 2 tablespoons oil, for stir-frying to enhance flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced, to add an aromatic and savory kick.
• White sesame seeds, for garnishing, providing a delightful crunch and flavor.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted, for a light and crispy batter.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch, for extra crispiness that will keep the chicken tender inside.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, helping the batter achieve a fluffy texture.
• 1 egg white, for binding the batter and keeping the chicken moist.
• 1/3 cup cold water, to create the right batter consistency.
• 1 tablespoon oil, to improve the frying batter texture.
• 1 pinch salt, to bring out all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, for that signature umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), for tanginess.
• 4 tablespoons sugar, lending a sweet contrast to the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch, to thicken the sauce perfectly.
• 1/3 cup water, to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Chinese rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/3 cup water. Ensure the mixture is well combined, then set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Make the Frying Batter: In another bowl, mix the sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, egg white, cold water, and a pinch of salt. Stir until it’s smooth and free of lumps. This batter will give our chicken that perfect crunchy coating.

3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the batter, stirring gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step helps achieve that lovely crispy texture we all love.

4. Deep-Fry the Chicken: In a wok or stockpot, heat about 2 to 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil, using a spatula to separate them as they cook. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.

5. Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, use a strainer or slotted spoon to remove the chicken, allowing excess oil to drain by placing them on a plate lined with paper towels. This prevents them from getting soggy.

6. Stir-Fry with Garlic: In another wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry it until it’s fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce starts to thicken, add the fried chicken back into the wok. Stir continuously until every piece of chicken is beautifully coated in the luscious sauce.

8. Serve: Dish out the delicious Sesame Chicken and garnish with white sesame seeds. This dish is best served immediately alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and vinegar for 30 minutes before coating with the batter.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar levels in the sauce based on your preference for sweetness.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by including vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Sesame Chicken shines best when paired with fragrant steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice. It can also accompany sautéed vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Sesame Chicken (approximately 1 cup) contains about 400-450 calories, depending on the exact portion and oil absorbed during frying. While it’s a delicious indulgence, it is essential to balance such dishes with fresh vegetables or salads for a well-rounded meal.

Storing Tips & Variations

• Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

• Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat in an oven rather than a microwave.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken by laying it flat in a container or freezer bag, where it will last for up to 2 months.

• Variations: For a healthier twist, try making baked Sesame Chicken by coating the chicken in the same batter and baking it at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through. Alternatively, experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu.

Conclusion

There’s nothing like the taste of homemade Sesame Chicken, and it’s surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. With this simple, step-by-step recipe, anyone can recreate a dish that’s deliciously comforting and family-friendly. We hope you give it a try! Share your experience with this recipe and let the wonderful flavors be a highlight of your next meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.

2. What can I use instead of Chinese rice vinegar?
   Apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute and offers a similar tang.

3. How can I make it less sweet?
   Reduce the sugar in the sauce according to your taste.

4. Can I bake instead of deep-frying?
   Absolutely! Coat the chicken and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

5. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
   A good test is to drop a small bit of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready!

Sesame Chicken

A delightful dish featuring crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 425

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 8 oz boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into strips Tender and juicy.
• Oil for deep-frying oil for deep-frying To achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• 2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying Enhances flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced Adds an aromatic and savory kick.

For the Batter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted For a light and crispy batter.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch Extra crispiness that keeps the chicken tender inside.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps the batter achieve a fluffy texture.
• 1 large egg white For binding the batter and keeping the chicken moist.
• 1/3 cup cold water To achieve the right batter consistency.
• 1 tablespoon oil Improves the frying batter texture.
• 1 pinch salt To bring out all the flavors.

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce Provides a signature umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) Adds tanginess.
• 4 tablespoons sugar Lends a sweet contrast to the saltiness.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch Thickens the sauce perfectly.
• 1/3 cup water To adjust sauce consistency if needed.

For Garnishing

• to taste white sesame seeds Provides a delightful crunch and flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Chinese rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/3 cup water. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. In another bowl, mix the sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, egg white, cold water, and a pinch of salt until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add the chicken strips to the batter, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly.

Cooking

1. Heat about 2 to 3 inches of oil in a wok or stockpot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the chicken with a strainer or slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
4. In another wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce.
5. Once the sauce starts to thicken, add the fried chicken back into the wok, stirring until coated.

Serving

1. Serve the Sesame Chicken garnished with white sesame seeds, preferably alongside steamed rice.

Notes

Consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in soy sauce and vinegar for more flavor. Adjust the sugar levels based on preference. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.