Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy fried chicken, a sweet and savory sauce, and the nutty flavor of sesame seeds. It’s a dish often found in Chinese-American restaurants, but did you know you can easily make it at home? With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can recreate this classic dish and make it even more flavorful. In this blog, we’ll explore how to make sesame chicken from scratch, using fresh ingredients to ensure it’s healthier and even more delicious than the takeout version.
Ingredients for Homemade Sesame Chicken
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients. For the perfect homemade sesame chicken, you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup cornstarch (for coating)
2 large eggs (beaten)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sesame Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
Optional for Garnishing:
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Steamed broccoli or rice (to serve on the side)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs are often preferred for this dish because they stay tender and juicy, but if you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts will work just as well.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken before coating it.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, set up a simple breading station. In one bowl, add the beaten eggs, and in another bowl, pour the cornstarch.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely coated, then roll it in the cornstarch. The cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating that’s perfect for this dish.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to fry the chicken pieces without crowding them in the pan. Aim for about 1 inch of oil in the pan.
Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the oil. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp up.
Fry the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Sesame Sauce
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
To thicken the sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in ¼ cup of water and slowly stir it into the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce should thicken within a few minutes. Once it has reached a glossy, thick consistency, remove it from the heat.
If you want to add a bit of spice to your sauce, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this stage.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once your chicken is fried and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl or wok, add the crispy chicken pieces and pour the sesame sauce over the top. Gently toss the chicken to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful sauce.
For an extra sesame flavor and some texture, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken while tossing.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Sesame chicken is best served hot. You can serve it over steamed white or brown rice for a traditional pairing, or with quinoa for a healthier alternative.
For added color and nutrition, serve the chicken alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness, and if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Tips for Making the Perfect Sesame Chicken
Making homemade sesame chicken is simple, but there are a few tips to ensure your dish is as delicious as possible:
Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: As mentioned, chicken thighs are preferred because they retain moisture better than chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more quickly.
Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: If you want an extra crispy chicken, consider frying the chicken pieces twice. After the first fry, let them rest for a few minutes before frying them again for another minute or two. This technique is often used in Korean fried chicken to achieve a super crispy texture.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The beauty of homemade sauces is that you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or sugar. If you like a more tangy flavor, increase the rice vinegar slightly.
Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds before sprinkling them over the chicken enhances their nutty flavor. You can easily toast them by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a kick in your food, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Why Make Sesame Chicken at Home?
You might be wondering why you should go through the effort of making sesame chicken at home when you can easily order it from your favorite takeout spot. Here are a few reasons why homemade is often better:
Healthier: When you make sesame chicken at home, you have control over the ingredients. You can reduce the amount of sugar and salt, use healthier oils, and avoid the use of any artificial flavorings or preservatives that might be found in restaurant versions.
Customizable: You can adjust the flavor to your liking, whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or more savory. You can also add in your favorite vegetables or serve it with different grains for a more balanced meal.
Fresher Ingredients: Homemade sesame chicken uses fresh ingredients, ensuring a brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to takeout versions that might have been sitting around for a while.
Final Thoughts
Homemade sesame chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily prepare in your own kitchen. With its crispy chicken, flavorful sesame sauce, and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to recreate a restaurant-style dish at home or simply want to try something new, this sesame chicken recipe is a fantastic option. Plus, with the ability to customize it to your tastes, you’ll never want to order takeout again!
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