Sesame chicken is a delightful dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its crunchy exterior and sweet, savory sauce. The moment you take a bite, the crispy texture mingles with the rich flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce, creating an explosion of deliciousness that dances on your palate. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.
I remember the first time I tried sesame chicken; it was during a rainy day when my friend and I decided to brave the outdoors for Chinese takeout. The aroma wafting from the restaurant drew us in like moths to a flame. Little did we know that this dish would become a staple in our culinary adventures! Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, sesame chicken brings joy to any table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sesame chicken recipe is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight dinners effortless.
- The flavor profile bursts with sweet and savory notes that will leave you craving more.
- Its golden-brown color and glossy finish make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal.
- This dish is versatile enough to serve over rice or toss into salads for a delicious twist.
Ingredients for sesame chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust quantity based on your appetite or guest list.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for the best flavor; garlic lovers might want to double up!
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced without sacrificing flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds that irresistible sweetness; feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way, giving that nutty flavor we all crave in sesame chicken.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance out the sweetness; look for unseasoned varieties for best results.
End with: “The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.”
How to Make sesame chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly and soak up all that luscious sauce later on.
Step 2: Marinate
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic (minced), sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Toss in the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this step is essential for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once marinated, it’s time to coat your chicken! In another bowl, mix cornstarch with a dash of salt and pepper. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken through this mixture until fully coated. Not only does this add crunch but also helps create that beautiful golden color in your finished dish.
Step 4: Fry Like You Mean It
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches (don’t overcrowd!) and fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per batch should do the trick.
Step 5: Create The Sauce
While your chicken is frying away like a superstar chef, you can whip up the sauce! In the same bowl used for marinating, whisk together more soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and additional sesame oil if desired.
Step 6: Combine
Once all your chicken is cooked perfectly golden brown, pour the sauce over it in the pan and toss everything together until nicely coated—about two minutes should suffice!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with some extra sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy! Serve alongside steamed broccoli or fluffy rice for an epic dinner experience.
And there you have it—delicious homemade sesame chicken ready to bring joy (and possibly food envy) at your next meal! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish that transforms any ordinary evening into an extraordinary one.
You Must Know
- This amazing sesame chicken offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in all those juicy flavors, then prepare your sauce while the chicken simmers gently. Finally, toss everything together for a delightful meal that feels like a restaurant experience right at home.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous. Want an extra kick? Add some chili flakes or fresh ginger to jazz up the flavor profile and make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Keep any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain that delicious texture rather than zapping it in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your sesame chicken turns out perfectly every time, remember these tips: marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor, use high heat when searing for crispy edges, and don’t overcrowd the pan to achieve even cooking.
Sometimes I think my family believes I’m a culinary magician when I whip up this sesame chicken. Just last week, my sister asked for seconds and claimed it was her “new favorite dish” – talk about a confidence booster!
FAQs :
What is sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine that features fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce made primarily from sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey or sugar. The dish often includes toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top, providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It is commonly served with steamed rice and vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. This dish is beloved for its balance of textures and flavors, appealing to a wide range of palates.
How do you make sesame chicken at home?
To make sesame chicken at home, start by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken breast in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for added flavor. Next, coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying it until golden brown. Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and vinegar in a pan until it thickens slightly. Finally, toss the fried chicken in the sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve with rice for an authentic experience.
Can I make sesame chicken healthier?
Yes, you can make healthier versions of sesame chicken by using baked or grilled chicken instead of frying it. Additionally, substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding broccoli or bell peppers to the dish. Using less sugar or opting for natural sweeteners can help reduce calorie counts while maintaining flavor.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken pairs well with various side dishes that complement its sweet and savory flavors. Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice provides a perfect base to soak up the sauce. Additionally, stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add nutritional value and color to your plate. beef and broccoli stir fry For a lighter option, consider serving the dish over mixed greens or in lettuce wraps.
Conclusion for sesame chicken :
Sesame chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy fried chicken enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce. Making this dish at home allows for customization regarding healthiness by opting for baking instead of frying. Served alongside rice and vegetables, it becomes a satisfying meal that appeals to many tastes. slow cooker chicken recipes With easy preparation steps and potential variations in ingredients, sesame chicken can be enjoyed by everyone while delivering delicious flavors every time you serve it.
Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sesame chicken is a beloved dish featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces enveloped in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it over rice or toss it into salads for an exciting twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 breasts)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add chicken pieces and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with salt and pepper in another bowl. Dredge marinated chicken through cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown (5-7 minutes per batch).
- In the same bowl used for marinating, combine more soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the fried chicken in the pan and toss to coat for about two minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
