Easy Sesame Chicken
This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its crispy texture and sweet, tangy sesame sauce, you can indulge in a takeout favorite right from your kitchen in under 30 minutes. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners or a cozy meal with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 27 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Crispy Texture: The tempura batter gives the chicken a delightful crunch that everyone will love.
- Flavorful Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar creates a deliciously sweet and tangy coating.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, noodles, or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy Sesame Chicken efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot for frying
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack or paper towels for draining
- Wok or large skillet
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot for frying: Ensures even cooking and prevents oil splatter while frying the chicken.
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter consistency for the chicken 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 smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter
In another mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water. Mix just until combined; avoid over-mixing. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are evenly coated in the batter.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the battered chicken in batches until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked pieces to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the fried chicken pieces into the wok and toss quickly to coat each piece thoroughly in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken immediately while it’s hot. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired for an added crunch!
How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken
Easy Sesame Chicken can be enjoyed in a variety of ways that enhance its delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice absorbs the savory sesame sauce perfectly.
- Fried Rice: Add some veggies and eggs for a complete meal that’s slightly more filling.
As a Salad
- Sesame Chicken Salad: Toss the chicken with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a sesame dressing for a fresh twist.
- Asian Slaw: Combine shredded cabbage and carrots with the chicken for a crunchy texture.
With Vegetables
- Stir-Fried Broccoli: The bright green broccoli pairs well and adds nutrition.
- Sautéed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers offer both flavor and visual appeal when served alongside.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in large lettuce leaves topped with additional sauce for a low-carb option.
- Tortilla Wraps: Roll the chicken in tortillas with fresh veggies for an easy handheld meal.
How to Perfect Easy Sesame Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Easy Sesame Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and quality soy sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
- Control the Frying Temperature: Maintain oil at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy chicken without excess oil absorption.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Let It Drain Properly: Allow fried chicken to drain on paper towels or a wire rack to keep it crunchy.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding to the chicken.
- Garnish Generously: Adding more sesame seeds before serving not only looks great but boosts flavor too.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Sesame Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Sesame Chicken can create a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish beautifully.
- Fried Rice: A classic side that adds flavor and texture, making your meal heartier.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside the tender chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious; steamed broccoli balances out the sweetness of the sesame sauce.
- Egg Fried Rice: Add eggs and green onions to rice for extra protein and flavor.
- Asian Noodle Salad: Chilled noodles tossed in sesame dressing provide a refreshing contrast to warm chicken.
- Coconut Rice: Infuse rice with coconut milk for sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can result in less flavor. Take a few minutes to let the chicken soak in some soy sauce or your favorite seasoning.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: If you add too many pieces of chicken at once, they may steam instead of fry. Fry in smaller batches for that perfect crispiness.
- Not measuring ingredients: Guessing measurements can lead to imbalanced flavors. Use precise quantities for the best results.
- Ignoring oil temperature: Cooking in oil that is too cool will make the chicken soggy. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
- Using stale sesame seeds: Old sesame seeds lose their flavor and crunch. Always use fresh seeds for an aromatic finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Sesame Chicken
- Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.
Reheating Easy Sesame Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid uneven heating.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Easy Sesame Chicken.
Can I make Easy Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to create a delicious gluten-free version of this dish.
What sides pair well with Easy Sesame Chicken?
Easy Sesame Chicken goes great with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added color and nutrition. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for alternatives.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Easy Sesame Chicken is not only quick and tasty but also versatile, allowing for various customizations based on your preferences. Whether you’re craving something comforting or want to impress guests with homemade takeout, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy experimenting with different flavors!
Easy Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Easy Sesame Chicken, a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 27 minutes, you’ll have crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce that rivals your favorite takeout. This recipe is versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy meals with friends. With its satisfying crunch and mouthwatering sauce, this homemade version will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.
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
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds until smooth; set aside.
- Make Tempura Batter: Mix cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water in a bowl until just combined. Coat chicken pieces in the batter.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a wok; add garlic and crushed red pepper for about 30 seconds.
- Combine & Serve: Add sauce to the wok; simmer before tossing fried chicken to coat thoroughly. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 348
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
