January 11, 2025

sesame chicken recipe

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Did you know that sesame chicken is one of the most ordered dishes in American Chinese restaurants, accounting for nearly 20% of all takeout orders? Its blend of crispy chicken and a sweet, savory sauce offers a comforting meal that many enjoy. If you’re looking to replicate this popular dish at home, you’ll find that it’s surprisingly easy and quick to prepare. But before you head to the kitchen, let’s explore the history behind this beloved recipe and what makes it stand out among other options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Sesame Chicken recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures in just one dish. The crispy chicken, coated in a sweet and savory sauce, pairs beautifully with sesame seeds that add a delightful crunch.

You’ll find that the combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a rich flavor profile that satisfies your taste buds. This recipe is easy to follow, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks.

You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, allowing you to serve a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. The ingredients are simple and often found in your pantry, so you won’t need a long shopping list.

Serving this dish with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables enhances the overall meal experience. You’ll enjoy how the flavors meld together, creating a satisfying dinner that feels special.

Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends without a lot of fuss.

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History

Sesame chicken has a fascinating history that reflects the fusion of cultures and culinary traditions. This dish likely originated in Chinese cuisine, where sesame seeds are commonly used for flavor and texture. However, it gained popularity in the United States, especially in Chinese-American restaurants, during the late 20th century. Here, chefs adapted traditional recipes to suit American tastes, often creating a sweeter, more sauce-heavy version.

You might notice that sesame chicken typically features crispy, battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet soy-based sauce. This combination highlights the Chinese influence, as well as the American preference for fried foods. Additionally, it often includes sesame seeds sprinkled on top, adding a nutty flavor and appealing texture.

As you learn more about this dish, it’s noteworthy to mention that sesame chicken is just one example of how culinary traditions evolve. Just like many recipes, it reflects the blend of ingredients and cooking techniques from different cultures.

Recipe

Sesame chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sesame sauce. This popular dish is often found in Chinese restaurants, but it can easily be made at home for a satisfying meal. The sauce, which is a perfect blend of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, brings all the elements together, while the sesame seeds add a delicious crunch.

Whether you’re serving it over steamed rice or alongside vegetables, sesame chicken is sure to impress. Preparing sesame chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and make adjustments to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a fun dish to make for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love. Let’s explore the ingredients and directions for making this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by preparing the chicken. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and flour until they’re evenly coated. This will give the chicken a nice crispy texture when fried.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Dip each piece of coated chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional minute until the sauce is heated through.
Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the sesame chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

When cooking sesame chicken, it’s important to keep an eye on the frying oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. Conversely, if the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.

Use a thermometer if possible, and maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for best results. Enjoy your homemade sesame chicken!

Final Thoughts

Making sesame chicken at home isn’t only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy a delicious meal tailored to your tastes. By preparing this dish yourself, you can control the ingredients, making it healthier and more flavorful than takeout. You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, and even the vegetables to suit your preferences.

Cooking sesame chicken can also be a fun activity to share with family or friends. You can involve others in the process, whether it’s chopping vegetables, mixing sauces, or frying the chicken. This teamwork can make the cooking experience more enjoyable and result in a tasty meal everyone can appreciate.

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t hesitate to experiment. Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or swapping out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. The flexibility of this dish means you can make it your own.

Lastly, serving sesame chicken with steamed rice or noodles can enhance the experience and complement the flavors. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the journey of creating this delightful dish in your kitchen!

FAQ

If you have questions about preparing sesame chicken, you’re not alone. Many home cooks seek guidance on this popular dish. One common question is about the type of chicken to use. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best, as they stay juicy and tender. You can also use chicken breasts, but they may dry out if overcooked.

Another frequent inquiry relates to the sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry. Just mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce while it simmers. This will give you that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

You might also wonder about substitutions. If you’re allergic to sesame, try using sunflower oil instead, and skip the sesame seeds. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Lastly, don’t forget about storage! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan over low heat to retain the chicken’s texture.

With these tips, you’re well-equipped to tackle any sesame chicken challenges you may face!