Sesame Chicken is the ultimate indulgence for lovers of crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky-sweet glaze. This beloved takeout classic features tender chunks of chicken deep-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a glossy sauce made with soy, honey, vinegar, and a hint of garlic and ginger. Topped with fragrant sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving for bold flavor and crunch. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or showing off your skills at your next dinner party, this dish never fails to impress. The best part? It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a go-to for quick, comforting meals that don’t skimp on taste or presentation. Pair it with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried veggies to complete your homemade Chinese feast.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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500g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon white pepper
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
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1 egg
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1/2 cup corn starch
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1/2 cup plain flour
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Oil for deep frying
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
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Sliced green onions (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
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2 tablespoons light soy sauce
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1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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2 tablespoons honey
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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3 tablespoons water
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1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for slurry)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, white pepper, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and egg. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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In another bowl, combine corn starch and plain flour. Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the dry mixture until well coated.
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Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towel to drain excess oil.
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In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
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Add all the sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry) and stir well. Bring to a simmer.
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Add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
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Toss the fried chicken pieces into the sauce and coat evenly.
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Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Sesame Chicken
When it comes to comfort food with bold flavor and irresistible texture, few dishes rival the classic Sesame Chicken. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Asian cuisine or a newcomer to wok cooking, this sticky, savory, slightly sweet dish delivers satisfaction with every bite. Crispy golden chicken pieces drenched in a glossy honey-soy glaze, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds what’s not to love?
In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of Sesame Chicken, what makes it so special, how you can personalize it to suit your tastes, and tips to take your homemade version to restaurant-level perfection.
A Brief History of Sesame Chicken
Though often associated with Chinese cuisine, Sesame Chicken is a distinctly American Chinese creation, much like General Tso’s Chicken or Orange Chicken. The dish gained popularity in Chinese-American restaurants across North America during the late 20th century, appealing to Western palates with its crispy texture and sweet-savory sauce.
The flavor profile of Sesame Chicken borrows elements from classic Chinese cooking soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger while leaning heavily into a sweeter glaze that’s more aligned with American preferences. The result is a dish that’s both familiar and exotic, rooted in tradition but shaped by modern culinary trends.
What Makes Sesame Chicken Irresistible?
The secret to Sesame Chicken’s widespread appeal lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
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Crispy Chicken: The chicken pieces are marinated and coated in a flour-cornstarch blend before being deep-fried to golden perfection. The crispy shell contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
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Sticky Glaze: The sauce is where the magic happens a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, honey, ketchup, and aromatics like garlic and ginger. Once thickened into a sticky glaze, it coats each piece of chicken evenly, creating that signature glossy finish.
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Nutty Finish: A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds an earthy aroma and a slight crunch, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Homemade vs. Takeout: Why Make It Yourself?
Ordering Sesame Chicken from your favorite takeout spot is easy, but making it at home has major benefits:
1. Control Over Ingredients
When you cook it yourself, you can control everything from the quality of the chicken to the sugar content in the sauce. Want to reduce sodium? Use low-sodium soy sauce. Prefer it less sweet? Cut back on the honey or ketchup.
2. Freshness and Texture
Freshly cooked sesame chicken is unbeatable. Unlike takeout, which may become soggy in transit, your homemade version stays crispy right up to the first bite.
3. Customizable Flavors
You can easily tailor the flavor profile to your liking make it spicier with chili flakes, more garlicky, or extra tangy with a splash more vinegar.
Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken Every Time
If you’re trying this recipe at home, here are a few tried-and-true tips to elevate your dish:
– Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than breasts. They remain juicy after frying and stand up well to the bold sauce.
– Double Fry for Extra Crispiness
For ultra-crispy chicken, consider double frying. Fry the chicken once until lightly golden, remove and rest, then fry again at a higher heat. This technique locks in crunch without making the chicken greasy.
– Toast Your Sesame Seeds
Don’t skip this small step it unlocks a deeper, nuttier flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
– Use a Slurry for Thickening
Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce ensures a smooth, lump-free glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Delicious Ways to Serve Sesame Chicken
While Sesame Chicken shines on its own, you can pair it with several side dishes to make it a complete meal:
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Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The mild flavor of rice balances the intensity of the glaze and soaks up every drop of sauce.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers make great sides, adding crunch and color to the plate.
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Asian Slaw or Cucumber Salad: For a refreshing contrast, serve your sesame chicken with a chilled slaw or pickled cucumber salad.
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Noodles: Swap rice for egg noodles or rice noodles for a heartier option.
Health Considerations and Variations
While traditional sesame chicken is deep-fried, you can make healthier variations without sacrificing flavor:
– Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Skip the oil and try air-frying your chicken pieces. You’ll get a similar crispness with fewer calories and less mess.
– Baked Version
Oven-baking is another healthier alternative. Coat your chicken in a bit of oil and bake at high heat, flipping halfway through.
– Vegetarian Options
Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based take on this classic. Both absorb the sauce well and hold up to high-heat cooking.
– Low-Carb Adaptation
Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of regular flour and cornstarch. Pair with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While Sesame Chicken is relatively simple to make, a few common pitfalls can ruin the experience:
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Soggy Chicken: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy results.
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Overcooking the Sauce: Keep an eye on the heat once you add the cornstarch slurry. Over-reduction can make the sauce too thick or even burn the sugars.
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Skipping the Marinade: Don’t underestimate the power of a good marinade. Even 15 minutes can dramatically improve flavor and tenderness.
The Takeout Experience at Home
Recreating restaurant-style Sesame Chicken at home is not only satisfying but also incredibly rewarding. The scent of sizzling garlic and ginger, the golden chicken fresh from the oil, the glossy sauce clinging to each piece it all adds up to a culinary event that feels special, yet achievable any night of the week.
With just a few pantry staples and simple techniques, you can treat your family (or yourself) to a dish that feels indulgent, without the need to pick up the phone for takeout.
Conclusion:
Sesame Chicken is more than just a popular takeout dish it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and cooking tradition. With a crispy base and a sticky-sweet glaze, it delivers a deeply satisfying experience that can be customized to fit almost any dietary preference or cooking style.
Whether you enjoy it in its classic fried form or opt for a lighter baked or air-fried version, Sesame Chicken deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Not only does it please a crowd, but it also offers endless opportunities for flavor exploration, from spicy variations to vegetarian twists.
So next time the craving hits, skip the delivery and bring the joy of homemade Sesame Chicken to your kitchen. You’ll be surprised at just how easy and delicious it can be.