If you’re anything like me, every now and then, you crave that perfect combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. The first time I made sesame chicken, it quickly became a family favorite! It reminds me of that satisfaction you get when you perfect a dish, like this lemon chicken recipe I recently tried. The harmony of flavors and textures in sesame chicken makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

Sesame Chicken Recipe — Credit: **dinneratthezoo.com**

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need some pantry favorites and fresh staples to create the ultimate sesame chicken! Here’s what you’ll want to gather to make magic happen in your kitchen:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs work too if you prefer a richer taste.
Cornstarch (½ cup): This creates a light coating for the chicken and gives it that crispy, satisfying crunch.
Soy sauce (¼ cup): Both light and salty, it adds depth to the sauce.
Honey (3 tablespoons): This sweetens the dish while keeping it naturally balanced.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): A little tang to bring out a bold flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is key for a rich and fragrant sauce.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way to add nutty goodness.
Sesame seeds (2 teaspoons): Toasted if possible, for extra flavor and garnish.
Green onions (2 stalks, thinly sliced): Add a fresh pop of color and flavor to the finished dish.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil to crisp up the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously.

Variations

There’s plenty of room to make sesame chicken your own! Here are some ideas for tweaking the recipe to suit different tastes:

Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free as written, so there’s no need for adjustments.
Sugar-Free: Swap the honey for your favorite sugar-free substitute, like maple-flavored syrups or stevia.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or include ginger to make the sauce extra bold.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long you’ll need to dedicate to this delicious recipe:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

It doesn’t take much to create this restaurant-quality dish at home! Here’s what you’ll need:

Large skillet or wok – For frying the chicken evenly.
Mixing bowls – For prepping and coating the chicken.
Whisk – To ensure the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
Tongs or a slotted spoon – To handle the chicken safely while frying.
Paper towels – Drain excess oil from the fried chicken.

How to Make Sesame Chicken?

When I first tried making sesame chicken, I was surprised by how simple it actually is. With just a few steps, you can create a flavorful dish that rivals takeout! Here’s how to make it:

Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them with cornstarch. This coating is what gives the chicken its crispy texture when fried. Once coated, set the pieces aside while you heat the oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat.

Fry the Chicken

Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Take your time to avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil’s temperature and make the chicken soggy. When done, place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce

While the chicken rests, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a pan and heat it on low until it thickens slightly. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Combine Everything

Add the fried chicken to the pan of sauce, tossing gently to ensure each piece is well-coated. Top it off with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, giving it that final restaurant-worthy touch.

Serve

Your sesame chicken is ready to serve! Plate your golden, sauce-covered chicken over steamed rice or alongside veggies for a stunning, flavorful meal.

Credit: dinneratthezoo.com

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this recipe countless times and picked up a few key tricks to improve it even further:

Always use fresh garlic for the sauce. It gives a more robust flavor than pre-minced garlic.
Don’t skip the cornstarch coating. It’s what makes the chicken extra crispy.
If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve a little cornstarch in water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers.
Toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling on top. It heightens the nutty flavor we love in this dish.
Serve your sesame chicken alongside a fun dish like an English muffin breakfast pizza for a creative spin on dinner and brunch combinations!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken pairs beautifully with some simple sides. Here are my favorite serving ideas:

Serve it over warm jasmine or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
Pair it with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to complete the meal.
Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for an inviting presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an easy breakdown of the nutritional elements in this dish:

Calories: 380 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 14g

Make Ahead and Storage

To simplify your cooking process, here’s how you can make and store sesame chicken:

Make Ahead: You can prep the sauce and cut the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
Storing Leftovers: Place leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe checks all the boxes for a memorable mealtime experience! Here’s why I’m sure you’ll adore it:

Ease of Preparation: It’s simple and straightforward to make, even on a busy weekday.
Versatility: You can switch up the ingredients and make it suit your needs, from gluten-free to sugar-free.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners.
Budget-Friendly: No need for expensive takeout when you can recreate this dish at home!
Customizable Flavor: Play with seasoning or spice levels to make it truly your own.

Enjoy making this sesame chicken recipe in your own kitchen, and don’t forget to check out more flavorful chicken recipes you can try! It’s comfort food, made better.

Ash Tyrrell