Sesame Chicken

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Sesame chicken is a classic Asian dish that brings a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors to your table.

I love making this recipe because it’s easy, delicious, and brings the taste of homemade Chinese food right into your kitchen. With its golden-brown, crispy coating and rich, sticky sesame sauce, this sesame chicken rivals takeout but with the comfort and coziness of a home-cooked meal.

It’s a fantastic dish for a casual family dinner or to impress guests with an easy Chinese recipe that tastes authentic.

Servings, Preparation and Cooking Time

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (or pinch of red pepper flakes for spice, optional but recommended)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons oil

How to Make Sesame Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs together with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Spread the flour on a plate. Dip each piece of egg-coated chicken into the flour, pressing gently so the flour sticks. Shake off any excess flour. This coating helps create a crispy texture when frying.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce (or red pepper flakes), garlic, and cornstarch. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Using the same skillet (wipe it out if necessary), pour the sauce mixture in and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until it starts to thicken and bubble (about 2-3 minutes). Add the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat them thoroughly in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully cling to each piece.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips and Notes

• Spice Level: If you love a bit of heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or more sweet chili sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Substitutions: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Sesame chicken pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For a full Chinese-inspired meal, add a side of sautéed vegetables, egg rolls, or a light cucumber salad.

This sesame chicken recipe is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The sauce is rich and glossy, and the chicken is tender and crisp, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

Give it a try, and feel free to share on social media. Happy cooking!

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