Easy Sesame Chicken
This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delicious homemade meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, this dish combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and tangy sesame sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, you’ll have a satisfying main course ready to serve alongside rice or steamed vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 27 minutes, you can whip up this dish faster than ordering takeout.
- Crispy Texture: The tempura batter creates a delightful crunch that enhances the flavor of the tender chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies to customize your meal according to your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Easy Cleanup: Since most of the cooking happens in one pot and a few bowls, cleanup is a breeze.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather all necessary tools. Having everything at hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pot for frying
- Wire rack or paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or skillet: Ideal for stir-frying quickly and evenly heating ingredients while enhancing flavor.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for mixing sauces and batters without spillage.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of sauce ingredients, preventing lumps.
- Pot for frying: Deep enough to accommodate oil for perfectly crispy fried chicken.
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 well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter
In another bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water just until combined. Add the chicken pieces into the batter and coat them evenly.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Combine Flavors
In a large wok or skillet over medium heat, heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Coat with Sauce
Pour in the prepared sesame sauce. Then add the crispy fried chicken pieces. Toss quickly to ensure each piece is coated thoroughly in sauce.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your easy sesame chicken hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this flavorful dish alongside rice or your favorite vegetables!
How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken
This Easy Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture complements the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.
- Brown Rice: A healthy option that adds nuttiness and extra fiber to your meal.
Over Noodles
- Lo Mein: Toss the chicken over stir-fried noodles for a satisfying twist.
- Rice Noodles: These gluten-free noodles soak up the sauce well and provide a light, fresh contrast.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and crunch, making it a nutritious choice.
- Sautéed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers bring sweetness and vibrancy to your plate.
As Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
- Tortilla Wraps: Use flour tortillas for a fusion-style meal with added flavors.
How to Perfect Easy Sesame Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Easy Sesame Chicken, follow these tips for optimal flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality soy sauce will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil stays at 350°F (175°C) while frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in small batches to maintain even cooking and prevent sogginess.
- Quick Tossing: Once you add the chicken to the sauce, toss quickly to coat without overcooking the chicken pieces.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Sesame Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Sesame Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great suggestions to consider:
- Fried Rice: A classic choice that adds both flavor and texture; try adding peas and carrots for extra nutrition.
- Egg Drop Soup: This light soup complements the richness of sesame chicken perfectly, offering warmth and comfort.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing can provide a refreshing contrast.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables add an additional layer of flavor to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad: Lightly pickled cucumbers offer a cool and tangy bite that balances out the savory chicken.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables can enhance the Asian dining experience.
These side dishes will not only complement your Easy Sesame Chicken but also impress your guests!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Easy Sesame Chicken can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the marination – Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Marinate for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Incorrect oil temperature – Frying at the wrong temperature can result in soggy or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C).
- Overcrowding the pan – Adding too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches.
- Neglecting garnishes – Skipping sesame seeds or green onions can make your dish look less appealing. Always garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
- Not adjusting sauce sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the brown sugar in the sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Sesame Chicken that may help you perfect your dish.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well too! Just ensure it’s cooked until golden and fully done.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can reduce the sugar in the sauce and use whole grain flour for the batter to make it healthier.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time for quick meals during the week.
What should I serve with Easy Sesame Chicken?
Pair it with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Easy Sesame Chicken is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sauce’s sweetness. It’s a fantastic option when you’re craving takeout without leaving home. Try making it tonight and experience its delightful flavors!
Easy Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Sesame Chicken is a delightful homemade dish that brings the flavors of takeout to your kitchen in just 27 minutes. This quick recipe features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Serve it alongside steamed rice or fresh vegetables, and enjoy a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 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
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup cold seltzer water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and seltzer water to make the tempura batter.
- Coat chicken pieces in the batter and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet, add garlic and crushed red pepper for flavor.
- Pour in the sesame sauce and add the fried chicken; toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with garnished sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
