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Sesame Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 47 reviews

This crispy and flavorful Sesame Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken pieces coated in a light, crunchy batter and tossed in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. Perfectly balanced with honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil, this dish is a classic crowd-pleaser ready in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for frying (about 3 inches deep)

Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined to create an egg wash for the chicken coating.
  2. Prepare dry coating: In a shallow bowl or on a plate, mix together the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch evenly to form the dry coating mixture.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the flour and cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated and set aside.
  4. Heat oil for frying: Pour oil into a deep pan to a depth of approximately 3 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C) for deep frying.
  5. Fry chicken: Carefully add 7 to 8 pieces of coated chicken to the hot oil. Fry for about 5 minutes or until the chicken pieces are crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
  6. Make the sauce mixture: While the chicken is frying, in a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Stir well to blend.
  7. Cook garlic and sauce: Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Toss chicken in sauce: Add the drained, crispy chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the thickened sauce.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the coated chicken before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness while frying.
  • Use reduced sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
  • Be sure to drain fried chicken properly to avoid sogginess.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables.