There’s something truly delightful about biting into crispy sesame chicken—the satisfying crunch paired with a sweet and savory sauce makes it an irresistible dish. I remember the first time I tasted a perfectly cooked version at a local restaurant. The way the flavors danced on my palate and the crunch lingered long after each bite made me determined to recreate that experience at home. This recipe, featuring succulent chicken breast coated in a light and crunchy batter, drizzled with a delectable sesame sauce, is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
What makes this dish special is not just the texture, but its versatility. You can serve it with steamed rice or a fresh salad, making it suitable for any occasion—whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends. Let’s dive into how you can make your very own crispy sesame chicken that will transport you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to make for any night.
- Flavorful combination of sweet and savory.
- Uses simple pantry staples.
- Perfect for meal prepping.
- Leftovers keep well for the next day.
"This dish is a crowd favorite and so easy to whip up!"
Step-by-step overview
The process begins by preparing a crispy batter made from flour, cornstarch, and flavorful seasonings. You’ll dip bite-sized pieces of chicken, fry them until golden brown, then toss in a rich sesame sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an impressive presentation.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Chicken Breast: Thighs can be used for a juicier cut.
- Flour & Cornstarch: Together they create a perfectly crispy texture.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce can help control salt levels.
- Honey: Maple syrup can be an alternative for sweetness.
Cooking method
To create this delicious crispy sesame chicken, start by preparing the batter and frying the chicken to achieve crispy perfection.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger to create the dry mix.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and gradually incorporate the water to form a smooth batter.
- Dip each chicken piece into the batter, making sure they are thoroughly coated.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the battered chicken, frying until golden brown and crispy—about 5 minutes per side. Ensure they are cooked through; they should feel firm and have a beautiful golden color.
- For the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a saucepan. Heat until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sesame sauce, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Pro Tip: Make sure to let the oil heat adequately before adding the chicken. A hotter oil prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil and ensures a crispy texture.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this can reduce the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Allow the crispy chicken to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving to maintain crunchiness.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve your crispy sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a vibrant salad for a balanced meal. Drizzle with extra sesame sauce for added flavor and garnish with crispy fried noodles for an added crunch.
Storage & reheating tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat in a hot skillet or the oven to maintain that signature crispiness. If using a microwave, ensure you cover it to avoid drying out the chicken.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
- If the chicken is dry: Ensure to not overcook the chicken while frying; check its firmness and golden color.
- Soggy texture: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. A cold oil will lead to greasy chicken.
- Bland flavor: Adjust seasonings in the dry mix; consider adding more garlic powder or a splash more soy sauce if desired.
Creative twists
For a different flavor profile, you can incorporate diced bell peppers or snap peas into the dish while tossing with the sesame sauce. Alternatively, create a spicy version by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Common questions
What should I serve with crispy sesame chicken?
Crispy sesame chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh vegetable stir-fry. You can also enjoy it with soba noodles tossed in a sesame dressing for a delightful meal.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour and soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives, you can easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For an even crunchier texture, double fry the chicken. After the first fry, let it rest for a few minutes before frying again until extra crispy.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can batter the chicken earlier in the day and store it in the refrigerator. Fry it just before serving for the best texture.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftover crispy sesame chicken can be safely stored in the fridge for about 3 days. For the best texture, reheat in the oven for a few minutes or in a hot skillet.
Crispy sesame chicken can become a staple in your weeknight rotations or be served as an impressive meal during gatherings. With its rich flavors and satisfying crunch, it encapsulates the best of both comfort food and culinary finesse. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Crispy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger to create the dry mix.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and gradually incorporate the water to form a smooth batter.
- Dip each chicken piece into the batter, making sure they are thoroughly coated.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the battered chicken, frying until golden brown and crispy—about 5 minutes per side.
- Ensure they are cooked through; they should feel firm and have a beautiful golden color.
- For the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a saucepan.
- Heat until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sesame sauce, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.