Easy Sesame Chicken

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is your ticket to enjoying a beloved takeout dish right at home. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a crispy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This dish offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults alike.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sesame Chicken Sauce:
• For the Tempura Batter:
• For the Chicken:
• How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter
• Step 3: Fry the Chicken
• Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Pepper
• Step 5: Combine with Sauce
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken
• With Steamed Rice
• On a Bed of Vegetables
• Garnished with Green Onions
• Accompanied by Noodles
• Served as an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Easy Sesame Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Sesame Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Sesame Chicken
• Reheating Easy Sesame Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
• What can I serve with Easy Sesame Chicken?
• How spicy is this Easy Sesame Chicken?
• Can I make this dish gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Crispy Texture: The tempura batter ensures that each piece of chicken is golden and crispy.
• Flavorful Sauce: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes every bite delicious.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, vegetables, or even on its own for a satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please the whole family, even picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Easy Sesame Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wire rack or paper towels
• Wok or large skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pot: Ensures even cooking of the chicken by allowing enough oil for frying.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for preparing your batter and sauce without any mess.
• Whisk: Helps to combine ingredients smoothly for the sauce and batter.

Ingredients

For the Sesame Chicken Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Tempura Batter:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup cold seltzer water

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter

In a separate bowl, mix the following:
1. Combine cornstarch and flour.
2. Add egg whites and cold seltzer water; stir just until combined.
3. Carefully add chicken pieces to coat evenly in the batter.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
– Fry chicken in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
– Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Pepper

In a large wok or skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
– Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine with Sauce

Pour in your prepared sauce into the wok.
– Add in crispy fried chicken pieces.
– Toss quickly to coat all chicken pieces in the savory sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Sesame Chicken paired with fluffy rice or steamed vegetables!

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken

Serving Easy Sesame Chicken is a delightful experience that can elevate your dining table. The dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavors.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice is a perfect base for the sesame chicken, soaking up the delicious sauce.

On a Bed of Vegetables

• Serve over sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious addition.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of color when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Accompanied by Noodles

• Tossed noodles can complement the dish well; consider using lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.

Served as an Appetizer

• For smaller portions, serve the chicken bites as an appetizer alongside toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.

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How to Perfect Easy Sesame Chicken

To achieve restaurant-quality Easy Sesame Chicken at home, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality soy sauce significantly enhance the flavor of your sesame chicken.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) while frying to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid steaming, which could lead to soggy pieces instead of crunchy ones.

• Let Chicken Rest: Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels briefly before tossing in the sauce for maximum crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Sesame Chicken

Pairing Easy Sesame Chicken with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice, fried rice brings additional flavors and texture that work well with sesame chicken.

2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast and make for a satisfying appetizer or side.

3. Miso Soup: This warm, savory soup adds depth to your meal and is light enough not to overpower the main dish.

4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds brightness and balances the richness of sesame chicken.

5. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Lightly stir-fried bok choy brings nutrients and a slight crunch that pairs nicely with the tender chicken.

6. Edamame: Steamed edamame pods are simple yet nutritious; sprinkle them with sea salt for added flavor.

7. Chow Mein: These stir-fried noodles can soak up extra sauce from your sesame chicken while adding heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Easy Sesame Chicken even better. Here are some tips:

• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Spend at least 15 minutes marinating in soy sauce before frying for maximum taste.
• Not using cold seltzer water: Using warm or room temperature water can result in a soggy batter. Always ensure your seltzer is ice-cold for crispiness.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy chicken. Fry in small batches for optimal crispiness.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature can burn your chicken or leave it undercooked. Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C).
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes add visual appeal and extra flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for that authentic touch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Sesame Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Sesame Chicken that may help you perfect your dish.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

What can I serve with Easy Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.

How spicy is this Easy Sesame Chicken?

The spice level is mild due to just a touch of crushed red pepper. You can adjust it by adding more or omitting it entirely based on your preference.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to keep this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. It’s not only quick but also versatile—feel free to customize it with different vegetables or adjust the sweetness of the sauce. Give it a try for a cozy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress!