Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent pieces of crispy chicken, enveloped in a luscious, sticky-sweet sauce kissed with the nutty flavor of sesame. This Sesame Chicken recipe captures that nostalgic takeout experience you crave, transforming it into an easy, homemade delight that the entire family will adore. With its quick prep and satisfying crunch, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen, evoking dreams of cozy nights and shared laughter around the dinner table.

What Tempts Your Taste Buds?

Have you ever found yourself longing for that perfect blend of savory and sweetness that can only be found in a beloved takeout dish? Picture this: tender chicken tossed in a glossy sauce, with just the right amount of heat, topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds that add a delightful crunch. Is there anything better than a homemade dish that transports you back to the warm memories of family dinners?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Prep: You can whip up this indulgent meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Its irresistible flavors and crispy texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

• Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a gourmet experience right at home.

• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even salad for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 5 cups)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tsp. cornstarch, divided
• 2 large egg whites
• 3 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 lb. chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. sriracha
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Each ingredient plays a role, contributing to the symphony of flavors. The chicken, when fried to golden perfection, becomes the tender star of the show. The sauce, a melange of soy sauce, honey, and a hint of garlic, coats every piece in a glorious glaze that is an absolute dream.

Timing

Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can have this dish on the table in around 30 minutes! Fast and indulgent, it screams weeknight dinner while still delivering that luxurious restaurant feel. So, whether you’re whipping it up for a quick family meal or impressing guests, Sesame Chicken is your go-to option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.

Step-by-Step

1. Into a medium Dutch oven or large, heavy, high-sided skillet, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium heat until a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer registers 350 degrees.

2. Meanwhile, set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch.

3. In another shallow bowl, whisk egg whites and 1 Tbsp. sesame oil.

4. Into a third shallow bowl, pour breadcrumbs.

5. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder and 1 tsp. salt.

6. Coat the chicken in flour, dip it into the egg mixture (letting excess drip off), then into breadcrumbs, gently pressing to adhere.

7. Working in batches, fry the chicken, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through, around 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and season with salt.

8. In a small bowl, combine broth and remaining 2 tsp. cornstarch until cornstarch is dissolved.

9. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the cornstarch mixture, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, sriracha, and remaining 2 Tbsp. sesame oil.

10. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.

11. Add chicken pieces to the skillet with sauce and toss until coated.

12. Divide chicken and sauce among plates. Top with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice alongside.

Just imagine that golden, crispy exterior giving way to tender chicken, all enveloped in a glossy, thick sauce that clings deliciously to every morsel.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving.

While Sesame Chicken is an indulgent treat, it leaves room for that occasional stress-relief bite when life needs a little sweetness. Enjoy it but keep moderation in mind for a healthy lifestyle!

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten up your Sesame Chicken? Consider the following swaps:

• Low-Sugar Honey Alternative: Opt for agave nectar or a stevia blend to reduce sugar amounts while keeping that sweetness.

• Dairy-Free Swaps: While the recipe is naturally dairy-free, ensure any condiments or additional ingredients align with dairy-free preferences.

• Air Frying: Use an air fryer for a healthier version; all the crunch without the excess oil!

Serving Suggestions

This delightful dish can be easily elevated for various occasions.

• With Ice Cream: Consider pairing a light, fruit-based sorbet or vanilla ice cream to balance the sweet and savory flavors.

• On Holidays: Impress your guests by serving it as part of an Asian-inspired feast during festive seasons, alongside spring rolls and fried rice.

Common Mistakes

• Overbaking: If frying for too long, the chicken can lose its juicy tenderness, so keep an eye on those timers.

• Texture Issues: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that perfect crisp.

• Messy Cooking Space: Prepare and clean as you cook to avoid a chaotic kitchen when the meal is finally plated.

Storing Tips

• Freezing Portions: Prepare a batch and freeze portions in airtight containers. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating Instructions: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain that crispy texture, avoiding the microwave which can make it soggy.

Conclusion

You absolutely need to try making this Sesame Chicken at home — your taste buds will thank you! So, gather your ingredients and indulge in this flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying meal. It’s not just dinner; it’s comfort on a plate, ready to take you back to your most cherished moments. Don’t let those cravings wait any longer, get cooking!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
   Yes, chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness, making the dish even richer.

2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free bread crumbs.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
   Serve it alongside steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, or even stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat before adding chicken.

5. Is there a way to reduce the sweetness in the sauce?
   Yes, adjusting the amount of honey or substituting it with less sweet alternatives can help tone down the sweetness to your preference.

Enjoy your delicious journey with this recipe, and happy cooking!

Sesame Chicken

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• Author: noah-reed
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Dairy-Free

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Description

A delightful and crispy sesame chicken recipe that brings the flavors of takeout to your home in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 5 cups)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tsp. cornstarch, divided
• 2 large egg whites
• 3 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 lb. chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. sriracha
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
• Cooked white rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium Dutch oven or large, heavy, high-sided skillet, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°F.
2. Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch.
3. In another shallow bowl, whisk egg whites and 1 Tbsp. sesame oil.
4. In a third shallow bowl, pour breadcrumbs.
5. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder and 1 tsp. salt.
6. Coat the chicken in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, then into breadcrumbs, gently pressing to adhere.
7. Working in batches, fry the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
8. In a small bowl, combine broth and remaining 2 tsp. cornstarch until dissolved.
9. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the cornstarch mixture, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, sriracha, and remaining 2 Tbsp. sesame oil.
10. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
11. Add chicken pieces to the skillet with sauce and toss until coated.
12. Divide chicken and sauce among plates, top with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice alongside.

Notes

Consider air frying for a healthier version; all the crunch without the excess oil!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg