There’s something magical about the aroma of golden, crispy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet sauce that makes your mouth water. Sesame chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the savory crunch of fried chicken with the rich flavors of soy and sesame. You can practically hear the crunch with every bite, and the sesame seeds add that perfect nutty finish.
This dish reminds me of the time I tried to impress my in-laws with my cooking skills. Spoiler alert: they left with full bellies and a newfound respect for my culinary abilities. It was a night filled with laughter, compliments, and maybe a little too much soy sauce — but hey, that’s how we roll! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an exciting weeknight meal, sesame chicken will surely steal the spotlight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sesame chicken recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a taste explosion in every bite
- Plus, it looks stunning on any plate with its golden-brown hue and sprinkle of sesame seeds
- You can easily serve it over rice or veggies for extra versatility
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for maximum flavor; nothing ruins a dish like old garlic.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while still getting that umami kick.
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a lovely caramelization when cooked; don’t skip it!
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Sesame Oil: A few drops go a long way to impart that distinctive nutty flavor.
For Garnish:
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted or plain, they’re essential for that authentic look and crunch.
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Green Onions: Chopped fresh green onions bring color and flavor; plus, they make everything look fancy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces — think nugget-sized goodness that will fry up beautifully. Season them generously with salt and pepper while you gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Make Your Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well blended. This mixture will marinate your chicken to infuse it with flavor like it’s going on vacation!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the marinade and let them soak up those tasty vibes for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If time permits (and you’re feeling fancy), let them marinate longer — overnight is even better!
Step 4: Cook Your Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot enough to sizzle (but not so hot it starts popping out of the pan like popcorn), add your marinated chicken pieces. Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through — about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Add Sauce to Chicken
Once your chicken is perfectly crispy, pour any leftover marinade into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for another minute or two until it thickens slightly; this will coat your chicken like a warm hug.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your sesame chicken onto plates or over rice (because who doesn’t love rice?). Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for that glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions as garnish — it’s like giving your dish a crown!
Now take a moment here — don’t forget to snap some pics before diving in because this dish deserves its moment in the Instagram spotlight! Enjoy every crunchy bite packed with flavor; you might just find yourself doing a happy dance at dinner tonight!
You Must Know
- This delightful sesame chicken recipe combines crispy chicken with a savory sauce, making it a family favorite
- It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, bringing flavor and fun to your table
- Get ready for a delicious adventure!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those fantastic flavors. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your rice or noodles. Once the chicken is cooked to a golden crisp, toss it in the sticky sauce for that perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the sesame oil with peanut oil for a different nutty flavor. Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch, or sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an added visual delight.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, simply microwave until warmed through or sauté briefly in a pan to maintain that delightful crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy sesame chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming
- Lastly, let your chicken rest after frying for maximum juiciness!
Sometimes my friends might joke about my obsession with perfecting this sesame chicken recipe. One time, I brought it to a potluck and received so many compliments that I felt like a culinary rockstar!
FAQs:
What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It typically consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered, fried, and then coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. The dish often includes sesame seeds sprinkled on top for added flavor and crunch. Many people enjoy it served over rice or with vegetables. The combination of flavors makes sesame chicken a favorite in many households.
How do I make Sesame Chicken at home?
To make sesame chicken at home, start by cutting boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Coat the pieces in cornstarch and egg, then fry them until golden brown. For the sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a pan to create a sweet glaze. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. This homemade version is simple and delicious!
Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame Chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute ingredients in sesame chicken to suit your dietary preferences. For example, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less honey or opting for a sugar substitute.
Is Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Traditional sesame chicken is not gluten-free due to soy sauce and possibly other ingredients. However, you can make gluten-free sesame chicken by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce as an alternative to regular soy sauce. Additionally, ensure that any breading or cornstarch used is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
Conclusion for Sesame Chicken:
Sesame chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. Making it at home allows you to customize flavors according to your preferences while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to explore variations like vegetarian options or gluten-free adaptations to suit your lifestyle!
Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sesame chicken is a deliciously crispy dish that brings together tender, fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. With its golden-brown hue and nutty sesame garnish, this meal not only looks stunning but is also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavor that will impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (to garnish)
- 3 green onions, chopped (to garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the marinated chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Pour any leftover marinade into the skillet and simmer until thickened.
- Serve over rice or vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
