Crispy Sesame Chicken

Introduction

Bringing Crispy Sesame Chicken to Your Table

Crispy Sesame Chicken is a go-to dish for anyone craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home. This recipe takes the classic takeout favorite and transforms it into a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying experience that’s easy to recreate in your own kitchen. With a combination of tender chicken, a sticky sesame sauce, and just the right amount of crunch, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Let’s break down how you can master it with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Everything You Need for Crispy Sesame Chicken

To prepare this flavorful meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Cornstarch, for coating the chicken pieces
– Eggs, lightly beaten
– All-purpose flour
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)
– Soy sauce, for adding the savory base to the sauce
– Honey, to provide a natural touch of sweetness
– Brown sugar, enhancing the rich, caramel-like flavor of the sauce
– Rice vinegar, for a slight tang that balances the overall flavor
– Sesame oil, bringing in that toasted, nutty aroma
– Sesame seeds, both for flavor and a decorative garnish
– Green onions, thinly sliced for a fresh topping

Prep Time

Getting Everything Ready

The preparation for this recipe is simple yet important. First, start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Coat the chicken in cornstarch followed by a dip in the beaten eggs, and then a dusting of flour to get that crispy exterior. While prepping the chicken, whisk together the base of the sesame sauce using soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Don’t forget to set up your frying station with a large skillet and preheated oil to make cooking efficient.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Quick and Satisfying Meal on Your Table

The cook time for Crispy Sesame Chicken is approximately 10 minutes for frying the chicken to golden perfection. Including preparation and assembly, the total time for this dish comes to about 25 minutes. This recipe yields four servings, making it a perfect option for a small family dinner or leftovers for the next day.

With a few simple steps, this Crispy Sesame Chicken becomes a flavorful masterpiece. Top it with sesame seeds and green onions, serve it over rice or steamed vegetables, and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes this meal has to offer!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks and set them aside.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg, then coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In another small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.

Step 6: Cook the Sauce

Add the sauce mixture to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir the sauce constantly and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Notes

Make Ahead Option

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before combining with the fried chicken.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

Reheating Suggestions

Avoid reheating in the microwave if you prefer the chicken to remain crispy. The stovetop method helps retain texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestion

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Substitution Ideas

Chicken breasts can be used instead of chicken thighs if preferred. If you want to reduce sweetness, adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar in the sauce.

Spiciness

For a slightly spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce while cooking.
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Cook Techniques

Coating the Chicken

To get a crispy texture, coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of flour and cornstarch before frying. This combination ensures a golden and crunchy exterior.

Frying the Chicken

To achieve the perfect crispiness, fry the chicken in small batches. This prevents overcrowding, ensuring that each piece cooks evenly and stays crispy.

Making the Sesame Sauce

Cook the sesame sauce using soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugars, and sesame oil. Stir constantly to create a glossy and thick glaze for the chicken.

Tossing the Chicken

After frying, toss the chicken in the sesame sauce while it is still warm. This helps the sauce to evenly coat every piece and enhances the flavor.

Garnishing

Add a garnish of sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. This adds a fresh finish and extra texture to the dish.

FAQ

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400 degrees F until golden and crispy. However, frying gives it the classic crispy texture.

What can I use as a substitute for cornstarch?

You can use potato starch or all-purpose flour as an alternative to cornstarch, though cornstarch is ideal for extra crispiness.

How do I store leftover crispy sesame chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I make this dish spicy?

To add heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste into the sesame sauce to adjust to your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute cornstarch with a certified gluten-free version. Ensure other ingredients do not contain gluten.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative. They remain juicy and flavorful in the recipe.

What can I serve with crispy sesame chicken?

Serve the dish over steamed rice, fried rice, or alongside stir-fried vegetables to complement the flavors and create a balanced meal.

Conclusion

The Crispy Sesame Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a delightful crunch in every bite. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting a small gathering, this dish will surely become a favorite on your weekly meal list. It’s simple to make, comforting, and bursting with flavor that rivals your favorite takeout. Pairing it with your favorite sides or adapting it with other complementary flavors can elevate your dining experience even more.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Honey Garlic Chicken

Add a sticky and sweet twist to your chicken experience with honey garlic chicken, pairing it with steamed vegetables for a perfect meal.

General Tso’s Chicken

For a spicy yet sweet combination, whip up a batch of General Tso’s chicken to rival restaurant-quality flavors.

Sticky Orange Chicken

Explore the citrusy, tangy delight of sticky orange chicken, ideal for serving over fluffy white rice.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

This timeless classic, with its vibrant sweet and tangy flavors, perfectly complements a noodle stir-fry.

Kung Pao Chicken

For an extra kick of bold flavors and spice, Kung Pao chicken is a great companion, especially with sautéed vegetables.

Teriyaki Salmon

Pair your Crispy Sesame Chicken with Teriyaki Salmon for a surf-and-turf style dinner combination.

Asian Veggie Stir-Fry

Add a vibrant and healthy mix to your table by serving the sesame chicken alongside an Asian veggie stir-fry.

Singapore Noodles

A plate of seasoned Singapore noodles complements the savory crunch of the sesame chicken beautifully.

Egg Drop Soup

Pair this light and comforting soup with the sesame chicken to create a balanced meal.

Fried Rice

Whether it’s classic fried rice or a special take like pineapple fried rice, this side pairs wonderfully with sesame chicken.