Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite dishes – Sesame Chicken. This flavorful and satisfying dish is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, Sesame Chicken is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This
Let me tell you why I absolutely adore Sesame Chicken. First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep work, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. Secondly, the combination of crispy chicken, savory sauce, and nutty sesame seeds creates a burst of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Lastly, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course with steamed rice or noodles, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Feel free to make some substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, if you’re in a hurry, you can use cornflour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, if you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the dish your own!
Directions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Sesame Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the Sesame Chicken for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
And that’s it! Your Sesame Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with some chopped green onions for an extra pop of freshness. Don’t worry if the dish looks a bit weird at the beginning – the magic happens in the flavors!
Notes
Through my trial and error, I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks that will take your Sesame Chicken to the next level. Firstly, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Secondly, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, as it may prevent them from getting crispy. Lastly, if you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it from the sauce without compromising the overall taste. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and Sesame Chicken is no exception. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Orange Sesame Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one orange to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Ginger Sesame Chicken: Grate some fresh ginger and add it to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Spicy Sesame Chicken: Increase the amount of honey and add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce for a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Remember, cooking is all about exploration, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own!
Storage
Sesame Chicken makes for delicious leftovers that you can enjoy the next day. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! To reheat, you can either microwave it for a few minutes or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving Sesame Chicken with steamed jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. However, feel free to get creative with your serving choices! You can serve it over noodles, with a side of crunchy Asian slaw, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!
Pro Tips
After making Sesame Chicken countless times, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons along the way. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Don’t rush the browning process – crispy chicken is the key to a successful Sesame Chicken dish.
- Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before adding the chicken back into the skillet – this will ensure a nice coating on each piece.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- If you’re a fan of extra sesame flavor, you can drizzle a little extra sesame oil over the finished dish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the traditional choice for Sesame Chicken, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook through.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce. The result will be just as delicious!
Q: Can I freeze Sesame Chicken?
A: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the cooked Sesame Chicken, as it may affect the texture and flavor. However, you can freeze the uncooked chicken pieces and make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to cook. Just thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course! If you’re cooking for a larger crowd or want to have leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger skillet to accommodate the additional chicken pieces.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist, adding an extra layer of richness to the dish.
Q: Is Sesame Chicken spicy?
A: This recipe is not inherently spicy. However, if you enjoy some heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve the dish with a side of chili sauce for those who want to spice things up!
I hope these answers help you with any questions you may have. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to ask!
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give this Sesame Chicken recipe a try. I guarantee it will become a regular in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Happy cooking!
Sesame Chicken
A flavorful and satisfying Asian dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a savory sesame sauce with a nutty crunch. Perfect for any meal occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
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In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Coat chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
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Cook chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
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Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Cook until slightly thickened.
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Add cooked chicken back to the skillet, toss with sauce, and cook for additional flavor melding.
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Remove from heat, sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish for a crunchy garnish.