Pin it
This hearty sesame chicken recipe has become my weekend go-to when I'm craving takeout flavors without leaving home. The slightly sweet and tangy sauce creates the perfect balance that coats each piece of chicken beautifully, making this dish irresistible for both adults and kids alike.
I first made this sesame chicken during a snowstorm when delivery wasn't an option. My family was skeptical at first but after one bite, they declared it better than our local Chinese restaurant. Now it's requested at least twice a month in our home.
Ingredients
- Eggs: provide richness and help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken creating that signature coating
- Soy sauce: adds essential umami flavor use low sodium if watching salt intake
- Cornstarch: creates the perfect crispy coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce
- Chicken breasts: cut into 1inch cubes for even cooking boneless thighs work wonderfully too
- Water: helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency
- Honey: adds natural sweetness choose raw honey for deeper flavor
- Ketchup: might seem unusual but provides both tomato tang and sweetness
- Sesame seed oil: gives that signature nutty flavor a little goes a long way
- Lime juice: brightens the entire dish with acidity fresh is best
- Salt: enhances all the other flavors
- Vegetable oil: with a high smoke point is perfect for frying
- White rice: serves as the perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce
- Sesame seeds: add essential crunch and visual appeal toast them for enhanced flavor
- Green onions: provide color and a mild onion flavor perfect as garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the batter:
- Whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce in a medium bowl until completely combined. The mixture should be a uniform pale yellow color. This creates the first layer that helps everything stick to the chicken.
- Coat the chicken:
- Add the cubed chicken breasts to the egg mixture along with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix thoroughly ensuring each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch creates that signature light crispy exterior we all love. Let it sit for 5 minutes to adhere properly.
- Prepare the signature sauce:
- Combine water honey ketchup sesame seed oil lime juice salt and the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom about ¼ inch deep. When the oil shimmers add the chicken pieces in a single layer working in batches if needed. Fry until golden brown and fully cooked about 3 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Combine chicken and sauce:
- Place the cooked chicken in a clean bowl and pour the prepared sauce over it. Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the glossy sauce. The chicken should be glistening but not swimming in sauce.
- Serve in style:
- Plate the chicken over fluffy white rice and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. For an authentic touch serve in deep bowls with chopsticks on the side.
Pin it
My favorite part of this dish is the sesame oil which transforms an ordinary chicken recipe into something special. I discovered its importance years ago when I accidentally left it out and my husband immediately noticed something was missing. Now I keep a bottle of high quality sesame oil just for this recipe it makes all the difference in achieving that authentic flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken considerably when chilled so when reheating add a splash of water to loosen it up. For best results reheat in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave this helps maintain the texture of the chicken. If freezing portion the chicken and rice separately and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pin it
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile. For a gluten free version substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. If you prefer a spicier dish add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. No honey available? Brown sugar or maple syrup work beautifully. For a lower carb option serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier result with more flavor.
Make It Restaurant Quality
For that authentic restaurant quality experience thoroughly dry your chicken before coating it this ensures maximum crispiness. Consider using dark meat chicken for juicier results. Double fry technique where you fry the chicken briefly remove it let it rest for a few minutes then fry again creates an exceptional crispy exterior. Serve family style on a large platter garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds thinly sliced green onions and a few wedges of lime on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes this sesame chicken unique?
This sesame chicken combines a distinctive balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors using common pantry ingredients like ketchup, honey, and soy sauce.
- → Can I use any other protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef for variations while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.
- → How do I get the chicken crispy?
Coating the chicken in egg, soy sauce, and cornstarch before frying helps achieve a crispy texture when cooked in hot oil.
- → Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before using.
- → What should I serve alongside sesame chicken?
Serve sesame chicken with steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal. Add a side of sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition.