Mandy Croft
Sesame chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. Often a go-to favorite for takeout lovers, it turns out you can master this dish right in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients and some straightforward steps! This guide will walk you through how to create perfect sesame chicken at home that rivals, or even surpasses, your favorite restaurant version.
What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken consists of bite-sized pieces of tender chicken that are battered and cooked until golden and crispy, then coated in a flavorful sauce rich with soy, honey, garlic, and toasted sesame oil, and finally sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. The result is a dish that perfectly balances sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients Overview
For the Chicken:
- Boneless skinless chicken (breast or thighs)
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour and/or cornstarch for coating
- Cooking oil (for frying or sautéing)
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
- Honey or brown sugar for sweetness
- Ketchup for tang and color
- Rice vinegar for acidity
- Toasted sesame oil for a deep nutty flavor
- Fresh garlic and ginger for aromatic punch
- Cornstarch for thickening
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for freshness
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sesame Chicken
1. Preparing the Chicken
Begin by cutting chicken into 1-inch pieces. For a tender, juicy dish, many prefer using chicken thighs, although breast meat works well too. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Coating the Chicken
Create a batter by mixing beaten eggs with cornstarch (and sometimes flour) to coat the chicken thoroughly. This combination, known as “velveting,” helps the chicken retain moisture while developing a slightly crispy crust once cooked.
3. Cooking the Chicken
Traditionally, chicken pieces are deep-fried in hot oil (around 350°F) until golden and crispy. Using a thermometer ensures the oil is the correct temperature—too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks, too cool and the chicken becomes greasy.
For a healthier or simpler alternative, you can sauté the chicken in a small amount of oil. While it won’t be as crispy as deep-fried, it remains flavorful and tender, greatly reducing mess and oil usage.
4. Making the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Add cornstarch to this mixture to allow it to thicken when heated.
Simmer the combined sauce ingredients until thickened, usually 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Combining Chicken and Sauce
Once cooked, toss the crispy chicken in the warm sauce just before serving. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece, but serve immediately to maintain the chicken’s texture—the longer it sits, the softer the crust becomes.
6. Garnishing and Serving
Finish the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, chow mein noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken
- Use toasted sesame oil rather than regular—it has a richer, nuttier flavor and deeper color essential to authentic taste.
- Cornstarch is key to a crispy batter and thickened sauce; it makes a noticeable difference in texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to maintain consistent heat and crispness.
- Prepare the sauce a day ahead if you want to save time on the day of cooking – it stores well in the refrigerator.
- Consider adding fresh ginger and garlic for extra layers of flavor.
- For meal prep lovers, leftovers freeze well and reheat quickly without sacrificing flavor.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add chili flakes or a chili-infused sesame oil to the sauce to give it a kick.
- Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free flour blends.
- Deeper Crispy Coating: Double dip the chicken pieces in egg and cornstarch for an extra thick crust.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
A typical serving provides around:
- Calories: 390-530 kcal (depending on method and cut of chicken)
- Protein: 24-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-60 grams
- Fat: 14-18 grams
- Sodium: Can be adjusted by using reduced sodium soy sauce
Conclusion
With this ultimate guide, making perfect sesame chicken at home is within everyone’s reach. Whether you prefer the authentic deep-fried crisp or a healthier sautéed version, the sweet and savory sauce binds it all together, leaving every bite irresistible. Say goodbye to takeout and enjoy this classic dish fresh from your own kitchen—your family and taste buds will thank you!
