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Sesame Chicken Recipe

Did you know that over 80% of takeout orders in the U.S. include some form of chicken dish? One standout option is sesame chicken, which perfectly balances crispy textures with a sweet and savory sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this restaurant favorite at home, you’re in for a treat. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can transform your weeknight dinners. The real question is, what secret tips can elevate your sesame chicken to a whole new level?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this sesame chicken recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite in many households. This dish isn’t only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits.

You’ll appreciate the high protein content, which supports muscle growth and repair, alongside healthy fats that promote heart health. The inclusion of ginger and garlic adds anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, making it a wholesome choice. Additionally, the use of sesame oil in this recipe provides comforting properties that aid in postnatal recovery.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, saving you time in the kitchen. You can customize the spice levels and sauce consistency to suit your taste, and it fits well into various diets, including low-carb and gluten-free.

Pair it with rice or vegetables for a balanced meal, and enjoy its versatility!

History

Sesame chicken traces its roots to the Canton region of China, where it emerged as a beloved dish within southern Chinese cuisine.

It became widely known in North America after Chinese immigrants introduced it through their restaurants. The dish is rumored to have started in the 1980s at the now-defunct Red Chamber Restaurant in Hong Kong.

Characterized by its use of sesame oil and seeds, it symbolizes prosperity and is often served during weddings and Chinese New Year festivities. Additionally, its harmonious blend of flavors and textures reflects the essence of Oriental gastronomy.

Over time, variations have developed, including the use of oyster sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Today, sesame chicken is a staple in Chinese-American restaurants, and modern interpretations often swap deep-frying for healthier cooking methods.

Recipe

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sesame sauce, delivering an irresistible flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. This recipe is straightforward and can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer a milder flavor or a spicy kick. With options for using fresh chicken or frozen popcorn chicken, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights or special occasions. The key to achieving the perfect sesame chicken lies in the coating and frying technique. Double frying the chicken guarantees an extra crispy texture, while the homemade sesame sauce elevates the dish with layers of flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

To ensure optimal results, fry the chicken in 3 inches of oil at 350°F for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
– Eggs
– Cornstarch
– Flour
– Oil (for frying)
– Salt and pepper
– Honey
– Soy sauce
– Ketchup
– Brown sugar
– Rice vinegar
– Sesame oil
– Garlic
– Cornstarch (for sauce)
– Shaoxing wine (optional)
– Chili sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce (optional)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Green onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a bowl, beat a few eggs and set aside. In another bowl, mix equal parts of flour and cornstarch to create the coating mixture for the chicken.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they’re crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per batch. For extra crunch, consider double frying by letting the chicken rest for a minute, then frying again for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. If using frozen popcorn chicken, bake according to the package instructions.
In a separate pan, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. If desired, add Shaoxing wine and chili sauce for additional flavor.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, chow mein noodles, or zucchini noodles to keep the chicken crispy. If using baked popcorn chicken, mix it with the sauce before serving.

Extra Tips:

When preparing sesame chicken, verify the oil is at the right temperature for frying to achieve that golden, crispy texture. If you find that the coating isn’t crisping up as desired, adjust the heat or consider double frying.

Additionally, feel free to customize the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Adding a splash of lime juice or a dash of ginger can bring a rejuvenating twist to the dish.

Final Thoughts

Although you can enjoy sesame chicken in many variations, its delightful balance of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among many. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, and adding ingredients like garlic, ginger, or Shaoxing wine really boosts the flavor.

For convenience, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Serving it with steamed rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles provides flexibility. While sesame chicken is delicious, remember it’s high in calories and carbs, so enjoy it in moderation. Additionally, a typical serving contains 556.9 kCal, which is important to consider when planning your meal. Frying at the right temperature guarantees a crispy exterior, and marinating the chicken helps the coating stick.

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an appealing presentation. Enjoy your cooking!

FAQ

Wondering how to perfect your sesame chicken? Start by marinating the chicken in kosher salt, white pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.

For a crispy coating, use a mixture of flour and cornstarch. A smooth batter made with cold water and egg will enhance the crunch. Additionally, consider using cornstarch for dredging to prevent the meat from toughening.

Heat your oil to about 350°F, and consider double frying at 375°F for extra crispiness.

When making the sauce, combine honey, ketchup, and soy sauce, then thicken with cornstarch.

Finally, toss the fried chicken in the sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!