Ever felt like you need something comforting and flavorful? Imagine a chilly evening and a long day. A homemade meal feels like a warm hug. Homemade sesame chicken is perfect, with its sweet and crispy texture.
This recipe is more than just food. It’s an experience of rich flavors. Whether you’re an expert or new to cooking, this dish will fill your kitchen with amazing smells and tastes.
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Introducing the Best Sesame Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a tasty and quick meal, try this Asian sesame chicken recipe. It’s known for its sweet and nutty taste. This homemade version uses a special sesame chicken sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
Sesame chicken has been a favorite in Chinese restaurants for decades. It’s as popular as fries at McDonald’s. Its rise in popularity shows it’s a beloved dish in American food culture.
To make this Asian sesame chicken, bake at 475°F for 8 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes. It’s ready in just 40 minutes, including prep time. This dish is a satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor and texture.
In terms of nutrition, each serving provides:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg
- Sodium: 583 mg
- Potassium: 299 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Vitamin A: 120 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.8 mg
- Calcium: 48 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Here’s a look at how this sesame chicken compares to another dish:
| Nutrient | Sesame Chicken | General Tso’s Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g | 22 g |
| Sugars | 9 g | 8 g |
This crispy sesame chicken recipe is more than just tasty. It’s a healthy meal that beats other dishes. It’s guaranteed to become a staple at your dinner table.
Ingredients for Homemade Sesame Chicken
Making healthy sesame chicken at home lets you pick the best ingredients. Getting the balance of flavors and textures just right is key to a delicious taste. Here’s what you need for the main ingredients, the glaze, and garnishes.
Main Ingredients
Your sesame chicken starts with quality chicken breasts. They’re coated in a light batter and fried until crispy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornstarch
- 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (divided)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic (approximately 4 cloves)
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 scallions, sliced
The Glaze
The glaze makes your dish special, adding bold and sweet flavors. It’s a mix of garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, and more. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener (or alternative)
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 ½ tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- ½ tablespoon additional toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup filtered water (slurry)
Garnishes
Authentic sesame chicken needs its garnishes. They add fresh flavor and make it look good. Consider adding:
- Sliced green onions
- Extra sesame seeds
- Optional: steamed jasmine rice or broccoli florets
Choosing and preparing these ingredients well will make your homemade sesame chicken tasty and beautiful.
Step-by-Step Sesame Chicken Recipe
Making the perfect sesame chicken recipe is all about following the right steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you master this dish easily:
Preparation
Begin by getting 1 ½ lbs. of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Slice them into 1″ pieces for uniform cooking. Mix the chicken with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for the marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, however, marinate it overnight.
Cooking
Next, make the batter. Combine 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 large egg, and 1 cup of cold water. Coat the marinated chicken in the batter and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Heat vegetable or canola oil to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches. First, fry each batch for 3-4 minutes. Then, fry them again for 1-2 minutes to get extra crispiness.
Finishing Touches
For the glaze, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, ¼ cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Cook until it thickens. Toss the fried chicken with the glaze until it’s fully coated.
Garnish with green onions and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds. This enhances both the appearance and flavor of the dish.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious sesame chicken recipe that’s sure to wow everyone. Enjoy the perfect mix of sweet and crispy with every bite!
Serving Suggestions for Your Sesame Chicken
Exploring different sesame chicken meal ideas can make your meals more exciting. Learning how to serve sesame chicken in new ways makes every meal special.
- Pair with Rice: Place your sesame chicken on a fluffy white rice or jasmine rice bed. The rice will soak up the sauce, adding more taste with each bite.
- Add Some Greens: Pair your chicken with sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli. These options are nutritious and boost the flavor.
- Noodles Inclusion: For a fuller meal, mix the sesame chicken with stir-fried noodles. Egg noodles or whole wheat spaghetti are great, soaking up the sauce well.
To add more variety to sesame chicken meal ideas, try sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. Knowing how to serve sesame chicken in creative ways makes it perfect for any event, from family dinners to big celebrations.
Tips for Making the Perfect Sesame Chicken
Making the perfect sesame chicken is more than just using the right ingredients. It also needs some key techniques. These tips will help you get the crispy texture right and learn how to store and reheat your sesame chicken.
Achieve the Best Crispy Texture
To get a crispy exterior, it’s important to keep the oil at the right temperature. Heat it to about 350°F before adding the chicken. Fry in small batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly and gets crispy.
Using boneless skinless chicken thighs makes the chicken juicier than breasts. For coating, about 3/4 cup of cornstarch is enough for 1 1/4 pounds of chicken. Fry each batch for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, for a golden crust. Using only 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil per batch makes it healthier than deep-frying.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping your sesame chicken’s texture and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. To reheat, avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess.
Instead, use the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F and reheat for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. If using an air fryer, reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
Making the best sesame chicken at home is easy and rewarding. You just need simple ingredients and techniques. Start with 1 1/2 lbs of chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces. Use 2 eggs for the coating.
Coat the chicken with a mix of 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch. This makes it crispy when fried at 350°F. The sauce is sweet, made with 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and more. It’s thickened with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Add garnishes like 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons green onions. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes. You can also make it gluten-free if needed.
This sesame chicken recipe is a hit with over six hundred 5-star reviews. It’s easy to make and cooks in 5-7 minutes per batch. You can even store it for months in the freezer.
So, get your ingredients ready and heat the oil to 350°F. Enjoy homemade sesame chicken that’s just like a restaurant’s. Your family and friends will love it, and you’ll be happy too.
FAQ
How do you achieve the best crispy sesame chicken texture?
To get the best crispy texture, keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. This way, each piece cooks evenly and gets crispy.
What are the main ingredients needed for homemade sesame chicken?
The key ingredients for homemade sesame chicken are chicken breasts, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. These help make the dish crispy.
How is the glaze for sesame chicken made?
The glaze is made with garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Rice vinegar and chili flakes are added too. This mix creates a rich, flavorful glaze.
Can sesame chicken be made healthier?
Yes, you can make a healthier version. Cut down on the oil or opt to bake the chicken instead. Swapping honey for a lower-calorie sweetener also helps.
What garnishes work best for sesame chicken?
Sesame seeds and green onions are great garnishes. They look good and add a fresh flavor that complements the chicken.
What are some good side dishes to serve with sesame chicken?
Serve sesame chicken with jasmine rice, fluffy white rice, or green beans. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken crispy.
What is the cooking time for sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken cooks in under 15 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting meal for busy nights.
Is there a way to make an authentic sesame chicken sauce?
An authentic sesame chicken sauce has soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Adding rice vinegar or toasted sesame oil can enhance the flavors.
Can sesame chicken be made as a stir-fry?
Yes, you can make sesame chicken as a stir-fry. Cook the chicken and add veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. Then, toss with the sesame glaze.