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Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken is a delicious homemade dish featuring crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce enriched with toasted sesame seeds. This easy recipe balances crunch and flavor with familiar Asian-inspired notes, perfect for a comforting meal that’s fresh, wholesome, and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF version)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, helping the coating stick better and fry crisply.
  2. Make the Coating Mixture: Combine equal parts cornstarch and all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) in a shallow bowl. This mixture balances crunch and lightness for the ideal crispy exterior.
  3. Coat and Fry the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Toss Chicken in Sauce and Garnish: Return all fried chicken pieces to the pan and pour over the warm sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top just before serving.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry ensures the coating adheres well and produces maximum crispiness.
  • Fry over medium-high heat to prevent sogginess and excessive oil absorption.
  • Make the sauce ahead to save time and deepen flavors.
  • Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sesame Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Crispy Chicken, Homemade Takeout, Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken