Introduction
Every time I make this Sesame Chicken recipe, it brings a wave of nostalgia rushing back to me. I can still vividly remember the first time I tasted it at a little Chinese restaurant in town after my husband and I had just gotten married. We were sitting in a cozy booth, surrounded by the warm chatter of families and the intoxicating aroma of fresh food wafting from the kitchen. That night, we shared laughter, dreams, and, of course, plates of delicious sesame chicken. The moment that sweet, tangy sauce touched my tongue, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
As I started to experiment in the kitchen, I wanted to recreate that magical experience. It became a cherished recipe in our home—a dish that drew everyone together, filling our hearts and bellies with warmth. I invite you to join me on this culinary journey. I promise that once you try this recipe, it will hold a special place in your heart—or at least on your dinner table!
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 1 ½ lbs. |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying | For frying |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | ½ tablespoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Low sodium soy sauce | â…“ cup |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Chili sauce (sambal oelek) | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | ¼ cup |
| Ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Cold water | ¼ cup |
| Green onions | 2, sliced thin |
I can’t stress enough how important these ingredients are. The chicken serves as the heart of the dish while the sesame seeds and honey create that irresistible flavor. You can also swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Cooking Steps
1. Preparing the Chicken
Start by beating the eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. I find that this creates a delightful coating that clings beautifully to the chicken. Then, add your bite-sized pieces of chicken and stir to ensure they’re all evenly coated. You’ll love how glossy and inviting they look!
2. Heating the Oil
Now it’s time to heat about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This step is crucial; you want your oil to hit around 350°F. I recommend using a thermometer for accuracy. Trust me, this is key for that crispy texture we all crave!
3. Frying the Chicken
Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, likely around 4-5 minutes. This is my favorite part—the sound of sizzling chicken and that intoxicating aroma filling the kitchen! Once golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Toasting the Sesame Seeds
While your chicken is frying, you can toast the sesame seeds. In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, add the seeds and cook, shaking occasionally, until they’re lightly golden. This brings out their nutty flavor and gives your dish an extra crunch. Remove them and set aside.
5. Sautéing the Garlic
In the same skillet you used for the seeds, add a splash of olive oil over low heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma will make you feel so good; it’s fragrant and comforting!
6. Creating the Sauce
Now, it’s time for the magic! To that lovely garlic, add your soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili sauce, honey, ketchup, and brown sugar. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry together beautifully. I like to whisk together the cornstarch with the cold water in a separate bowl and then whisk it into the sauce to thicken it. You’ll see it change into a luscious, glossy mixture!
7. Combining Chicken and Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened to perfection, it’s time to add the crispy chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until each piece is thoroughly coated in that scrumptious sauce. You’ll want to admire the vibrant colors and rich glistening finish!
8. Garnishing with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds
Finish it off by sprinkling on those toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. They bring both flavor and a lovely crunch to your dish. Every bit is worth savoring!
9. Serving it Up
I highly recommend serving your sesame chicken over a fluffy bed of rice or with delicious Chinese noodles. Trust me, it really enhances the experience and makes a complete meal that everyone will adore.
Why I Love Making This Dish
There’s something about the warmth of this sesame chicken that fills my heart with joy. It reminds me of gatherings with my family, where laughter rings out and good food is the centerpiece of our time together. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a family tradition in the making. Every time I serve it, I see smiles and twinkling eyes, and I’m reminded of the love that goes into cooking.
What You’ll Need
For this delicious recipe, you won’t need any fancy gadgets; just your basic kitchen tools. A good knife and cutting board for chopping, a large bowl for mixing, and a heavy pot for frying are all you need. If you have a thermometer, that’s a plus! It really helps to get the oil temperature just right for frying the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oil for frying.
- Beat the eggs and mix with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken in the egg mixture.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Mix ingredients for sauce and thicken with cornstarch and water.
- Combine the fried chicken with the sauce in the skillet.
- Garnish and serve over rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your chicken is extra crispy, make sure to let the oil come back up to temperature between batches of frying. Also, don’t skip toasting those sesame seeds; they elevate the dish! If you’re looking to adjust the flavor, a splash of additional vinegar can brighten up the sauce, while a bit more honey will sweeten it.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
I love pairing sesame chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or delicious fried rice. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add a vibrant crunch and color to the plate. You can also serve this with egg rolls or spring rolls for a light, tasty touch on the side.
Leftovers
If you happen to have any sesame chicken left (but let’s be honest, that’s a big if!), store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you want to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. I’ll tell you, it’s just as tasty the next day!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely! While I adore using bone-in chicken for flavor, boneless is a great option if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I can’t find sesame oil?
No worries! You can substitute with a little more olive oil or use a blend of other oils, or even try sunflower oil for a different flavor profile.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a slight kick from the chili sauce, but you can always adjust that to your taste. If you have picky eaters, feel free to leave it out!
Conclusion
As I sit here, reflecting on this recipe, I can’t help but feel excited about how easy and rewarding it is to make homemade sesame chicken. It has quickly become a beloved staple in our household! I encourage you to try your hand at this dish—bring your loved ones together, and serve up something that’ll make everyone ask for seconds. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Let me know in the comments, and happy cooking!