Sesame Chicken

A warm welcome to my take on a classic takeout favorite: sesame chicken! Forget greasy takeout – this recipe brings the restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. We skip the mystery ingredients and excessive oil.

It’s a family pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make. Even on busy weeknights, you can whip up a batch of this delicious dish. It’s a guaranteed hit!

This sesame chicken is perfect for a quick dinner. The combination of sweet and savory will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, you control exactly what goes into it!

Why This Sesame Chicken Recipe is a Winner

This sesame chicken recipe is special. It uses a healthier cooking method like baking or air frying. You still get that crispy, sweet, and savory taste you crave!

My kids absolutely love it, and my husband says it rivals his favorite Chinese restaurant’s version! That’s a win in my book.

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine. It’s made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered, fried (or baked/air-fried!), and coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. The sauce is usually made with soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or sugar, and other seasonings.

Think of it as a delicious balance of sweet and savory. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a little bit of crunch. It’s often served with rice or noodles and is a go-to for takeout lovers.

Sesame Chicken Around the World

While sesame chicken is mostly known as an American Chinese dish, similar variations exist in other Asian cuisines. You might find dishes with a similar sweet and savory glaze using sesame in Korea or Japan, though the spices and preparation might be a little different. Every culture puts its own spin on things!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Sesame Chicken

To make amazing sesame chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples! Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken and the delicious sesame sauce.

For the Chicken

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too!
• Marinade:
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

We cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

For the Sesame Chicken Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best!)
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat!)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish

Adjust the honey to your liking. Want it less sweet? Reduce the honey! More tangy? Add a splash more rice vinegar.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Sesame Chicken (~600 words)

Ready to make some delicious sesame chicken? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal in no time!

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder.
3. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Cooking the Chicken: Baking, Air Frying, or Pan-Frying

• Baking (Healthier Option):
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
     Baking is healthier, but the chicken won’t be as crispy as frying.
• Air Frying (Crispy and Quick):
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
  3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
     Air frying gives you a crispy texture with less oil!
• Pan-Frying (Classic Method):
  1. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot oil in a single layer (again, work in batches to avoid overcrowding).
  3. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
     Pan-frying is the most traditional method and yields very crispy chicken, but it’s also the least healthy.

Making the Sesame Chicken Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
2. Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the cooked chicken (baked, air-fried, or pan-fried) to the saucepan with the sesame sauce.
2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to glaze the chicken.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.

Plating and Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious sesame chicken immediately over cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. You could also serve it with noodles!

Garnish with extra sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for a pop of color.

For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or an egg roll. This sesame chicken is also fantastic served as an appetizer! Enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Perfect Sesame Chicken

Want to take your sesame chicken to the next level? Here are some tips and variations to customize the recipe to your liking!

Making it Gluten-Free

To make this sesame chicken gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Adding a Spicy Kick

Love some heat? Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sesame sauce. You could also use a dash of your favorite hot sauce! Sriracha is a great addition.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Sesame Chicken

• Rice: Classic white rice, brown rice, or even flavorful fried rice are all great options.
• Noodles: Lo mein or chow mein noodles pair perfectly with the sweet and savory chicken.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried mixed vegetables, or a simple side salad add a healthy touch. For a refreshing twist, consider an apple cranberry coleslaw.
• Appetizers: Egg rolls, spring rolls, or crab rangoons make a fantastic Asian-inspired feast.
• Other Ideas: Try adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch! You can also drizzle a little bit of chili oil over the top for extra flavor and heat.

FAQ

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Sesame Chicken

To store leftover sesame chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Understanding the health implications of what you eat is key to maintaining a balanced diet. Healthline offers comprehensive nutritional information that can help you make informed choices.

For the best results when reheating, use the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Spread the sesame chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and reheat for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help to restore some of the crispiness. If you are looking for other delicious dishes to try, consider exploring different beef recipes for more culinary inspiration. Microwaving can make it soggy, but if you’re short on time, that will work too.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Sesame Chicken!

There you have it – a delicious and easy sesame chicken recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal! I hope you give it a try and see how much better it is than takeout. You control the ingredients, the level of sweetness, and how crispy you want it. For another great chicken option, why not explore how to perfect making fried chicken at home?

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your photos and comments – I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy cooking! Always consider the nutritional value when planning your meals; resources like Healthline can be a valuable tool for understanding the nutritional content of your food. And if you’re looking for more quick and easy meals, check out some great chicken cutlet recipes. If you have leftover chicken, consider making a tasty chicken salad wrap for lunch the next day.

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