Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my love for Sesame Chicken! It’s one of those dishes that brings together the perfect crunch of crispy chicken and a sweet-savory sauce that’s just to die for. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in! What I adore about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up on a weeknight, and it’s gluten-free too! You won’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques, just some good old-fashioned frying, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the most delicious Sesame Chicken! I promise, it’s simple and straightforward. Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 lb chicken fillet, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch for that perfect crispy coating
- 2 eggs, beaten (this is going to help everything stick together!)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying—feel free to use your favorite oil!
- 1/4 cup honey for that sweet touch that balances everything out
- 1/4 cup soy sauce for that savory, umami flavor
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil to add a nutty depth to the sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted if you like, for a delightful crunch on top
- 2 green onions, chopped, to sprinkle on top for a pop of color and freshness
And that’s it! You’ll see, these ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes. Get ready to amaze your family and friends!
How to Prepare Sesame Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process of making your very own Sesame Chicken! It’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can create that crispy goodness right in your kitchen.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
First things first, let’s get the chicken ready! Take your cubed chicken fillet and toss it in the cornstarch. Make sure every piece is coated evenly; this is what gives it that amazing crunch! Once coated, dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs. The egg will help the cornstarch stick better, which is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Step 2: Frying the Chicken
Now it’s time to fry! Heat up your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough that it sizzles when you add the chicken. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry them for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting a piece in half; it should be white and juicy, not pink. Once done, take them out and let them drain on a paper towel.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up that delightful sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. The balance of sweet and savory in this sauce is what makes this dish truly shine!
Step 4: Combining Chicken with Sauce
Once your chicken is all crispy and golden, it’s time to add it to the sauce. Toss the fried chicken pieces into the bowl of sauce and gently stir to coat every piece thoroughly. You want that yummy sauce to stick to the chicken, so give it a good mix!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Now for the final touches that make this dish pop! Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the coated chicken, and don’t forget the chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and color. Serve this gorgeous Sesame Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some stir-fried veggies for a complete meal. Trust me, it’ll be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates. For one serving of this delicious Sesame Chicken, expect around 350 calories, 12g of fat, 25g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that packs a punch but always remember to adjust based on your personal preferences and dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore making this Sesame Chicken! First off, it’s super quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of prep time, and you’re on your way to a mouthwatering meal. The chicken turns out deliciously crispy, giving you that perfect crunch in every bite. Plus, the sweet and savory flavor profile is simply irresistible; it strikes the right balance that keeps you coming back for more. And if you’re looking for gluten-free options, this recipe has got you covered! It’s a fantastic choice for a family dinner that everyone will love, so let’s get cooking!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Sesame Chicken turns out amazing every single time! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the sweetness—if you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey; if you prefer it less sweet, just reduce the amount. Also, be sure to fry the chicken in batches; this helps achieve that even golden crunch we all love. And here’s a fun twist: try adding some chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations
One of the best things about this Sesame Chicken recipe is how versatile it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for tofu for a fantastic vegetarian option—just make sure to press it first to remove excess moisture. You can also use beef or shrimp if you’re craving something different! Want to add some color and nutrition? Toss in some stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas right before serving. And if you want to play with flavors, consider adding spices like ginger or chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Sesame Chicken is ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! I love pairing it with fluffy steamed rice; it soaks up that delicious sauce beautifully. Stir-fried vegetables are another fantastic option—think vibrant bell peppers, crisp broccoli, or snap peas for a pop of color and crunch. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken perfectly. Trust me, any of these options will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delicious crunch. First, let the Sesame Chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat. This way, you can crisp it back up! Just add a splash of oil and stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch intact—trust me, it makes a difference!
For more tips on cooking chicken, check out this guide from Food Network.
If you’re interested in more delicious chicken recipes, visit our dinner section for inspiration!
Print
Sesame Chicken: 5 Amazing Secrets to Perfect Crunch
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sesame Chicken is a popular dish made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken fillet, cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Dip chicken in beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry chicken until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Sesame Chicken, Chinese food, crispy chicken, sweet sauce