Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Healthier Than Takeout: Cooked with less oil and fresh ingredients, offering a wholesome alternative to restaurant versions.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil (or avocado oil)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined; set aside.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Place flour in a separate shallow dish. Dip chicken pieces first in the egg mixture, then in the flour, shaking off excess.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes, flipping to cook all sides evenly.
4. Add the Sauce: Push chicken to one side of the pan. Pour sauce into the other side and cook, stirring, until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Toss chicken with the sauce to coat evenly.
5. Serve: Serve immediately over cooked white or brown rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 17 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicier Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase the amount of sweet chili sauce.
• Vegetable Addition: Incorporate steamed broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for different dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

What is sesame chicken?

Sesame chicken is a dish commonly found in Chinese restaurants throughout the United States and Canada. It involves chicken pieces that are de-boned, battered, and deep-fried, then dressed with a sweet sauce and topped with sesame seeds.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier result.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce mixture before adding it to the pan; this will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.

What sides pair well with sesame chicken?

Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad complement this dish well.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off the chicken?

Ensure the chicken pieces are patted dry before coating, and handle them gently during cooking to keep the coating intact.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What type of rice is best to serve with sesame chicken?

Both jasmine and basmati rice work well, but any long-grain white or brown rice is suitable.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots and mix them in with the chicken and sauce.

Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken recipe offers a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to takeout.

Sesame Chicken

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Sesame Chicken recipe features tender chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner and a family favorite alternative to takeout. Serve it with rice and your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.

 

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Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or avocado oil)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Sauce:
  In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
• Coat the Chicken:
  • In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  • Place flour in a separate dish.
  • Dip chicken pieces first in the egg mixture, then in the flour, shaking off excess.
• Cook the Chicken:
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping to cook all sides evenly, until browned and cooked through.
• Add the Sauce:
  • Push chicken to one side of the skillet.
  • Pour sauce into the other side and cook, stirring, until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
  • Toss chicken with the sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve:
  Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
• The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: Chinese-American