Irresistible Sesame Chicken: A Recipe You’ll Crave!

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Irresistible Sesame Chicken: A Recipe You’ll Crave!

Sesame chicken. The very name conjures images of crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a glistening, sweet, and savory sauce, studded with nutty sesame seeds. It’s a takeout favorite for a reason – its addictive flavor profile is simply irresistible. But what if you could recreate that restaurant-quality sesame chicken at home, with even better ingredients and control over the level of sweetness and spiciness? This recipe aims to do just that, providing you with a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving sesame chicken perfection.

This isn’t just another sesame chicken recipe; it’s a journey into flavor, texture, and culinary satisfaction. We’ll break down each component, from the perfectly crispy chicken to the luscious sauce, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve outstanding results. Get ready to say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade sesame chicken that will have everyone begging for more.

Why This Recipe Works

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand why this particular approach is so successful:

* **Double Frying (or Air Frying):** The secret to truly crispy chicken lies in double frying or using an air fryer. The first fry (or air fry) cooks the chicken through, while the second creates that irresistible, golden-brown crust that stays crispy even after being coated in sauce.
* **Cornstarch Coating:** Cornstarch is the key ingredient for achieving that light, crispy coating. Unlike flour, cornstarch creates a delicate, almost airy crust that holds up well to the sauce.
* **Balanced Sauce:** The sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Soy sauce provides the umami base, while brown sugar and honey add sweetness. Rice vinegar balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity, and sesame oil adds a nutty aroma.
* **Fresh Ginger and Garlic:** Using fresh ginger and garlic is crucial for achieving the authentic, aromatic flavor of sesame chicken. Pre-minced versions simply don’t compare.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** This recipe allows you to adjust the spice level to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while sriracha can be added for a more intense heat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing sesame chicken:

**For the Chicken:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup water
* Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)

**For the Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

**Equipment:**

* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Large skillet or wok
* Deep fryer or air fryer (optional)
* Tongs
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Best Sesame Chicken

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create restaurant-quality sesame chicken in your own kitchen.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. **Cut the Chicken:** Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. This simple seasoning adds flavor to the chicken itself.
3. **Prepare the Breading:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water. This mixture will help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
4. **Coat the Chicken:** Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture and back into the cornstarch, pressing gently to ensure the cornstarch adheres well. This double coating is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.

**Step 2: Fry (or Air Fry) the Chicken**

**Frying Instructions:**

1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
2. **Fry in Batches:** Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Remove and Drain:** Use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. **Second Fry:** Once all the chicken has been fried once, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken again for 1-2 minutes per batch, or until it’s even more golden brown and crispy. This second fry is what makes the chicken extra crispy.
5. **Remove and Drain Again:** Remove the chicken from the oil and place it back on the wire rack to drain.

**Air Frying Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Spray the Chicken:** Lightly spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer.
3. **Air Fry in Batches:** Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. **Second Air Fry:** Once all the chicken has been air fried once, air fry it again for 2-3 minutes per batch to make it extra crispy.

**Step 3: Make the Sesame Chicken Sauce**

1. **Combine Sauce Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is dissolved. This ensures that the sauce will thicken properly without any lumps.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. **Add Sauce Mixture:** Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken quickly as the cornstarch cooks. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and glossy.
4. **Adjust Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for another minute or two until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. **Add Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** If you want to add a little heat to your sesame chicken, stir in the red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

**Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

1. **Add Chicken to Sauce:** Add the fried (or air-fried) chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated in the glistening sauce.
2. **Cook Briefly:** Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the sauce to adhere to the chicken and warm through.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. **Garnish:** Sprinkle the sesame chicken with sesame seeds and green onions. These add a nutty flavor and fresh, vibrant color to the dish.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the sesame chicken immediately over rice or noodles. It’s also delicious with steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy.

Tips for Sesame Chicken Perfection

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce. Avoid using pre-minced versions if possible.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When frying or air frying the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** The sauce recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess to your liking. Add more brown sugar or honey for a sweeter sauce, more red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicier sauce, or more rice vinegar for a tangier sauce.
* **Keep the Chicken Warm:** If you’re not serving the sesame chicken immediately, keep it warm in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) to prevent it from getting soggy.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
* **Air Fry for a Healthier Option:** Air frying is a great way to reduce the amount of oil used in this recipe without sacrificing flavor or crispiness.
* **Prep Ahead:** You can save time by prepping some of the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the chicken, whisk the egg mixture, and combine the sauce ingredients in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Sesame Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier version.
* **Orange Sesame Chicken:** Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
* **Lemon Sesame Chicken:** Substitute lemon juice for rice vinegar in the sauce for a brighter, more acidic flavor.
* **Sesame Tofu:** Substitute firm or extra-firm tofu for the chicken for a vegetarian option. Press the tofu to remove excess water before coating it in cornstarch.
* **Sesame Shrimp:** Substitute shrimp for the chicken for a seafood version. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
* **Vegetable Sesame Stir-Fry:** Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and carrots, to the skillet along with the chicken and sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice:** Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
* **With Noodles:** Serve it with lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or udon noodles.
* **With Steamed Vegetables:** Serve it with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** Serve it in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
* **In Bowls:** Combine rice, sesame chicken, steamed vegetables, and a fried egg in a bowl for a complete and satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken ahead of time. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the coated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry or air fry the chicken just before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness as it sits in the sauce, but it will still be delicious.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover sesame chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the chicken may become a bit soggy.

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe, all in one place for your convenience.

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Chicken:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup water
* Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)

**For the Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat again in cornstarch.
2. **Fry (or Air Fry) the Chicken:**
* **Frying:** Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 1-2 minutes until extra crispy. Drain again.
* **Air Frying:** Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray chicken with cooking spray. Air fry in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Air fry again for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Sauté minced garlic and ginger in a skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
4. **Combine Chicken and Sauce:** Add the fried (or air-fried) chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

**Disclaimer:** Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Sesame Chicken Recipe

There you have it – a comprehensive guide to making incredibly addictive sesame chicken at home. With crispy chicken, a perfectly balanced sauce, and customizable spice levels, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So ditch the takeout menu and get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish. Enjoy!

Call to Action

Try this recipe and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #HomemadeSesameChicken.

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