A Flavorful Delight: Easy Sesame Chicken
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes stand out quite like sesame chicken. This dish, beloved by many, offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes it hard to resist. The crispy chicken, rich sauce, and garnishes work together to create a delightful meal that pleases the palate. Whether you are cooking for yourself or a crowd, this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Easy Sesame Chicken at home. First, it allows you to control the ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness and savoriness to your liking, ensuring a taste that fits your preferences. Plus, cooking at home can be more economical than ordering takeout. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Another reason to try this recipe is the versatility it offers. Sesame chicken can be served in a variety of ways, making it versatile for any occasion. Whether you are preparing a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, this dish fits perfectly. Additionally, it is straightforward to make, and you won’t need any complicated kitchen equipment. With some basic tools, you can whip up this delightful dish efficiently.
Making Easy Sesame Chicken from scratch also brings the joy of cooking into your home. It is a great way to spend time with family or friends in the kitchen. Getting everyone involved in the cooking process can make for a great bonding experience. Plus, the aroma of fried chicken and the delicious sauce simmering on the stove will fill your home and make everyone’s mouth water.
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Now that you’re excited about this dish, let’s get started on how to make it. Follow the simple instructions below to create your Easy Sesame Chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (if using fine salt, use a little less)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional to give the sauce a darker color)
- 1 stalk green onion (cut into thin slices—greens and whites separated)
- Oil (as needed for cooking and frying)
Directions
Marinate the Chicken Thighs:
Begin by placing the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the ¼ cup of water, add the baking soda and salt. Vigorously mix until the water is mostly absorbed by the chicken. This step helps to tenderize the meat. After that, add the eggs and mix again until everything is well combined. Follow this by adding the cornstarch. Mix until there are no dry bits remaining. Finally, add the oil and mix well once more.Heat the Oil:
In a wok or a tall pan, pour about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Slowly heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 375°F. You can use a thermometer for this or test it by placing a small piece of chicken into the oil to see if it sizzles.Prepare the Sauce:
While the oil heats, prepare the sauce for the sesame chicken. In a bowl or measuring cup, combine the ketchup, water, granulated sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce if using. Stir this mixture well and set it aside. If you want, you can prepare this sauce ahead of time.Fry the Chicken:
Once the oil is hot, maintain the temperature around 375°F. Using your hand or a gloved hand, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil one at a time. Avoid overcrowding the pan; it is better to fry in batches. Fry the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes. After this, remove the chicken from the oil and allow it to drain on paper towels for 2 to 3 minutes. While frying, give the chicken a gentle stir from time to time to keep pieces from sticking together.Second Fry:
Ensure the oil is back up to 375°F. Add the already fried chicken back into the hot oil for a second fry. Allow the chicken to fry for another 5 to 6 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Remove it from the oil and drain again on paper towels or a rack.Make the Sauce:
In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Toss in the white parts of the sliced green onion and stir fry for about 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant. Next, give your previously prepared sauce a mix and pour it into the wok. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce heat until it bubbles. Be sure to stir frequently as this helps the cornstarch thicken the sauce evenly.Toss the Chicken and Serve:
Once the sauce is nice and thick and glistens, add the crispy chicken pieces into the wok. Stir and toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.Serve Immediately:
Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken hot, ideally with white rice or fried rice. You can garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds and the green parts of the sliced green onion for an extra pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken
Serving Easy Sesame Chicken is simplicity itself. Once the chicken is coated with its luscious sesame sauce, it is best enjoyed while hot. Pair it with a side of steamed white rice or fried rice. The rice helps balance the sweetness of the sauce and absorbs any leftover sauce beautifully.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can also create a colorful dish by adding sautéed vegetables on the side, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. This not only adds more nutrition but also enhances the visual appeal of your meal. Also, consider setting out extra sesame seeds or sliced green onions for guests to add to their serving, allowing each person to customize their meal to their liking.
How to Store Easy Sesame Chicken
If you manage to have leftovers, storing Easy Sesame Chicken is straightforward. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. Simply microwave the chicken for a couple of minutes until heated through, taking care to cover it to retain moisture.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken. Put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, place the chicken in the refrigerator the night before to thaw, then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Tips to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Marinating Time: For the best flavor and texture, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer if you have the time. This extra marination helps to enhance the taste.
Check Oil Temperature: When frying, it’s vital to keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it drops too low, the chicken can become greasy and soggy. If it’s too high, the chicken may burn before cooking through. A thermometer is a great tool for this task.
Crispier Chicken: For an even crunchier chicken, consider doing a third fry. This step is optional but can yield a satisfying crunch.
Sauce Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with the sauce. For instance, adding some minced garlic, ginger, or even a splash of orange juice can give it extra depth.
Variations
There are countless ways to customize Easy Sesame Chicken. If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, consider swapping the frying for baking. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or a bit of Sriracha to the sauce. If you want to create a different flavor profile, try using different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. They will still be delicious, but thighs generally provide a juicier texture.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! To make this Easy Sesame Chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that the cornstarch and other ingredients do not contain gluten.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to head into the kitchen and make some delicious Easy Sesame Chicken. Enjoy your cooking adventure and delightful meal!
Print
Easy Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
A flavorful and crispy sesame chicken dish with a rich sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 stalk green onion, sliced
- Oil (as needed for frying)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix chicken thighs with ¼ cup water, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in cornstarch and oil.
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a wok or pan to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauces. Set aside.
- Carefully place marinated chicken into the hot oil in batches and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Return fried chicken to the hot oil for a second fry for 5-6 minutes until crispy.
- In a wok, stir fry the white parts of green onion. Pour in the prepared sauce and let it bubble.
- Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion greens.
Notes
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Monitor oil temperature while frying for optimal results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: sesame chicken, easy chicken recipe, comfort food
