This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, with bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crunchy exterior and tossed in a delicious sesame sauce. It’s a great meal for weeknights, and it pairs perfectly with rice or steamed vegetables. The sesame seeds and sliced scallions add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 thinly sliced scallions
- ¼ cup cold water
- ½ tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek chili paste (optional for heat)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken chunks with salt and black pepper. In a bowl, beat the eggs and set aside. In a separate shallow dish, add the cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly with the cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat a deep skillet or frying pan with enough oil to fry the chicken pieces over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or when a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately), carefully add the chicken chunks in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Set aside. In a separate saucepan, heat ½ tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, and sambal oelek chili paste (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch and water mixture) and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Toss the fried chicken pieces into the sauce until they are fully coated.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Crispy Sesame Chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for garnish. Serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.
Cooking Notes:
- Chicken Options: This recipe works well with chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will provide a juicier result due to their higher fat content.
- Frying Tips: Be sure to fry the chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy.
- Sauce Variations: For a sweeter sauce, increase the honey. For more heat, add extra sambal oelek or another chili paste to taste.
Variations:
1. Spicy Sesame Chicken:
Double the amount of sambal oelek chili paste or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier version of this dish.
2. Lighter Sesame Chicken:
Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through. Coat the chicken pieces with a little oil before baking to help them crisp up.
3. Vegetable Additions:
Add stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for a more balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Be sure to check the labels on other ingredients like sambal oelek and ketchup to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
Q: Can I freeze Crispy Sesame Chicken?
While the chicken can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce. Freeze the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then toss with freshly made sauce before serving.
This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and spice. With its rich, sticky sesame sauce and tender chicken pieces, it’s sure to be a favorite for family dinners or special occasions. The quick frying method ensures that the chicken stays crispy even after being coated in the sauce, while the combination of sesame oil, honey, and soy sauce creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Whether you make it spicy, add vegetables, or keep it classic, this dish is an easy and delicious way to enjoy takeout-style sesame chicken at home. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation
