Name: Sesame Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Making It Perfectly
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; Cooked white rice or brown rice; Steamed broccoli or other vegetables

Sesame Chicken, oh, where do I even begin? Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden-brown chicken, coated in a luscious, sweet, and savory sauce, studded with toasted sesame seeds that pop with flavor. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you craving more with every single bite. Forget takeout tonight; I'm going to show you how to make the absolute best Sesame Chicken right in your own kitchen!

While its exact origins are debated, Sesame Chicken is widely believed to be an American Chinese creation, evolving from traditional Chinese cooking techniques to suit the Western palate. It's a testament to the beautiful fusion of cultures, taking the best of both worlds and creating something truly irresistible. This dish has become a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across the United States, and for good reason!

People adore Sesame Chicken for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The crispy chicken provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, glossy sauce. It's also incredibly versatile; you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even enjoy it as a standalone appetizer. Plus, when you make it at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier version than what you might find at your local takeout spot. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Sesame Chicken – you won't be disappointed!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sesame Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/4 cup water

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
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 foundation of our delicious sesame chicken, so we want to make sure it's perfectly crispy and tender.

Cut the Chicken: First, take your chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in size. I find that thighs work best because they stay nice and juicy, but you can use chicken breast if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook it!
Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. The baking powder helps to give the chicken a light and airy crispness. Don't skip it!
Coat the Chicken: In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, making sure it's fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure the mixture adheres to all sides. Make sure each piece is well coated; this is what gives us that amazing crispy texture.

Frying the Chicken

Now for the fun part – frying! This is where the magic happens and our chicken transforms into golden, crispy perfection. Safety first, though! Be careful when working with hot oil.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough so the chicken sizzles immediately when it hits the pan, but not so hot that it burns. A good way to test is to drop a tiny piece of the coated chicken into the oil. If it bubbles vigorously and turns golden brown in a minute or two, you're good to go!
Fry in Batches: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
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 excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crispy.
Repeat: Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.

Making the Sesame Sauce

While the chicken is draining, let's whip up that irresistible sesame sauce! This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, and it's what really makes this dish sing.

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. As the sauce heats up, the cornstarch will thicken it.
Thicken the Sauce: Continue to simmer the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
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 more tang, add a splash of rice vinegar. For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

The moment we've all been waiting for! It's time to bring the crispy chicken and the luscious sesame sauce together in a harmonious culinary embrace.

Add Chicken to Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sesame sauce.
Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated. Make sure every piece is glistening with that delicious sesame goodness.
Heat Through: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, 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 those final touches that will take it from delicious to dazzling.

Serve: Serve the sesame chicken immediately over cooked white rice or brown rice. I personally love it with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete and balanced meal.
Garnish: Sprinkle the sesame chicken with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. These garnishes add a pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy your homemade sesame chicken! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the best results.
Use Fresh Oil: For the crispiest chicken, use fresh oil. Old oil can impart a stale flavor to the chicken.
Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor and aroma. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The sesame sauce is very versatile. Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to your liking.
Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sesame sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat. The fried chicken is best served immediately, but you can keep it warm in a low oven (200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.

Conclusion:

This isn't just another chicken recipe; it's a gateway to flavor town! Seriously, if you're looking for a dish that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make at home, then this Sesame Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken, coated in that sweet and savory sesame sauce, is simply irresistible. It's the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, and trust me, you'll be happy to oblige. But the best part? It's so versatile! While it's fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice, don't be afraid to experiment. Try pairing it with brown rice for a healthier option, or quinoa for a protein-packed punch. For a low-carb alternative, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try adding some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots to the mix? A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few scallions on top will elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor. Looking for variations? You got it! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha over the finished dish. For a tangier flavor, try adding a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce. And if you're short on time, you can even use pre-cooked chicken tenders or nuggets – just toss them in the sauce and bake until heated through. While it won't be quite the same as the original recipe, it's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it's one you'll come back to again and again. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy, and it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's so much healthier and more affordable than ordering takeout! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Sesame Chicken. I promise you won't be disappointed. And now for the fun part: I want to hear all about your experience! Did you try the recipe as is, or did you put your own spin on it? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, tips, and variations in the comments below. I'm always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can't wait to see what you create. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I'm here to help you succeed in the kitchen and create delicious memories with this fantastic dish. Don't be shy, share your culinary adventures! I'm excited to see your versions of this classic dish.