Easy Sesame Chicken

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe brings the flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen in just under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion when you crave something crispy and delicious. The tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce make for a delightful meal that pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of only 27 minutes, you can enjoy homemade sesame chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crispy Texture: The tempura batter creates a wonderfully crispy exterior, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and flavorful.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to suit your taste, making this recipe versatile for everyone.
• Family-Friendly Meal: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Easy Sesame Chicken reheats well, so you can enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making this Easy Sesame Chicken, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make preparation quick and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Pot or deep fryer
• Wire rack or paper towels
• Wok or large skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing sauces and batters without spilling.
• Pot or deep fryer: Provides even heat for frying, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken.
• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for tossing the chicken with sauce, allowing for quick and uniform coating.

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 while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter

In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water just until combined. Ensure there are no lumps. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly in the batter.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the battered chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown. Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil after frying.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In a large wok or skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour in the prepared sesame sauce and add the fried chicken pieces to the wok. Toss quickly to ensure each piece is well coated with sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken immediately while hot. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy it alongside rice or vegetables for a complete meal!

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a casual meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The aromatic flavor of jasmine rice complements the sweet and tangy sesame sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve with nutty brown rice to add fiber and nutrients.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds color and crunch, balancing the dish’s richness.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic offers a fresh taste to contrast the savory chicken.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with sesame chicken for a fun, low-carb option.
• Rice Paper Rolls: These can be filled with chicken, herbs, and vermicelli for a delightful twist.

With Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for an added zing.
• Extra Sesame Seeds: A handful of toasted sesame seeds enhances both flavor and presentation.

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How to Perfect Easy Sesame Chicken

Achieving the perfect Easy Sesame Chicken is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for optimal results.

• Use Cold Seltzer Water: This keeps the batter light and crispy when frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and crispness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid steaming the chicken, which would make it soggy.
• Toss Quickly in Sauce: Coat the chicken in sauce immediately after frying for maximum flavor absorption.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in the sauce according to your taste preference for sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Sesame Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Easy Sesame Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that will complement this delicious dish.

1. Fried Rice: A classic side that adds extra flavor; consider adding peas or carrots for color.
2. Egg Fried Rice: Stir-fry cooked rice with eggs, soy sauce, and vegetables for a hearty addition.
3. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and sesame oil provides a nice contrast.
4. Lo Mein Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in soy sauce are an excellent base to soak up flavors from the chicken.
5. Steamed Dumplings: Serve alongside steamed dumplings filled with veggies or meat for variety.
6. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made of cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame dressing adds texture and brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Easy Sesame Chicken, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Neglecting the Marinade: Skipping marinating the chicken can lead to less flavorful meat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in smaller batches for a crispy finish.
• Skipping the Cornstarch: Not using cornstarch in the batter will make it fall flat. Ensure you mix it well to achieve that perfect crunch.
• Inaccurate Oil Temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C) for ideal frying.
• Ignoring the Sauce Consistency: A sauce that’s too thin won’t cling to the chicken well. Make sure to whisk cornstarch thoroughly into your sauce for proper thickness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Easy Sesame Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, checking every minute until hot. This method may soften the chicken.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Sesame Chicken.

What is Easy Sesame Chicken?

Easy Sesame Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish made with fried chicken coated in a sweet sesame sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I make it spicier?

To add more heat, increase crushed red pepper or add some chili flakes directly into the sauce for an extra kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Easy Sesame Chicken stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep and quick lunches.

Final Thoughts

Easy Sesame Chicken is an amazing way to enjoy a beloved takeout dish at home without all the fuss. Its delightful flavor makes it versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice levels. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!