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Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken

A quick and easy Sesame Chicken recipe that delivers crispy, flavorful chicken coated in a perfect sweet, tangy, and nutty sesame sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines accessible ingredients to create a classic takeout favorite with a homemade touch, ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Neutral oil (vegetable or canola), for frying

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free version)
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and lightly coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and salt. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes while you prepare the sauce to help create a crispy exterior that seals in juiciness.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk thoroughly until well blended, creating a sweet, tangy, and nutty sesame sauce.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to keep the crunch intact.
  4. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Discard excess oil from the pan, then pour the prepared sauce into it. Simmer for a minute or two until slightly thickened. Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the glossy sesame sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the coated chicken. Serve immediately with your choice of steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry thoroughly before coating for maximum crispiness.
  • Keep oil hot to crisp chicken immediately without absorbing excess oil.
  • Fry chicken in small batches to avoid crowding and sogginess.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powders for better flavor.
  • Toss chicken lightly in sauce to maintain crisp texture.
  • Toast sesame seeds briefly to enhance natural oils and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sesame Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Asian, Quick Dinner, Gluten-Free, Weeknight Meal, Homemade Takeout