Easy Sesame Chicken: Delicious Recipe You Can Make Tonight

Easy Sesame Chicken, a dish that dances on your palate with sweet, savory, and nutty notes, is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken coated in a glistening, flavorful sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes. Sounds too good to be true? I promise you, it’s not!

While the exact origins of sesame chicken are debated, it’s widely believed to be an American-Chinese creation, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese flavors but adapted to suit the Western palate. It’s a testament to the beautiful fusion of cultures, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

What makes easy sesame chicken so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfying crunch of sesame seeds, and the sheer convenience of whipping it up after a long day. People adore its versatility – serve it over rice, noodles, or even alongside steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Forget takeout; this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Sesame Sauce:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup water
• For Garnish:
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a crispy coating for our chicken. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Ensure each piece is evenly covered with the cornstarch mixture. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. The egg acts as a binder, helping the coating adhere to the chicken.
4. Return the egg-coated chicken to the cornstarch mixture and toss again, ensuring a second, even coating. This double coating is the secret to extra crispy sesame chicken!

Frying the Chicken:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small piece of chicken is dropped in. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as it can burn the chicken before it cooks through.
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

Making the Sesame Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
2. Add the water to the saucepan and whisk again to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sesame sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is glistening with that delicious sesame glaze.
2. Continue to cook over low heat for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the sauce to further adhere to the chicken. This step ensures the chicken is fully infused with the sesame flavor.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls.
2. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a beautiful visual appeal.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
4. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Sesame chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken:

• Crispy Chicken is Key: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and use a double coating of cornstarch for maximum crispiness.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness of the sauce to your liking.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Serve Immediately: Sesame chicken is best served immediately after cooking to maintain its crispiness and flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding the chicken.

Variations:

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick. You can also add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
• Honey Sesame Chicken: Increase the amount of honey in the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Sesame Chicken with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, to the sauce along with the chicken.
• Baked Sesame Chicken: For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Toss the coated chicken with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Serve with noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein.
• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or other vegetables.
• Serve as an appetizer or snack.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly simple meal. The combination of the crispy chicken, the savory-sweet sauce, and the nutty sesame seeds creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But what makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of convenience and quality. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up, and you likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, the entire process, from prep to plate, takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re simply short on time but still want a restaurant-quality dish.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I love serving this Easy Sesame Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, the possibilities are endless. For a healthier option, try pairing it with quinoa or brown rice. You could also toss it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a complete and balanced meal.

Looking for some fun variations? Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat. Or, if you’re a fan of ginger, grate a small piece into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. For a sweeter twist, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can elevate the dish to a whole new level. You can even use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more flavorful experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Serving suggestions? I highly recommend garnishing with extra sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad would also complement the dish perfectly. And for those who enjoy a little extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce recipe and serve it on the side for dipping.

I’m confident that this Easy Sesame Chicken will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to give it a try and see for yourself.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, get cooking, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Easy Sesame Chicken adventures!

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