Easy Sesame Chicken
This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe brings the delightful flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy sesame sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this quick meal fits the bill while satisfying your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 27 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Texture: The tempura batter gives the chicken a light and crispy coating that enhances every bite.
- Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and tangy sesame sauce adds an irresistible flavor that elevates the dish beyond ordinary stir-fry.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s easy to customize.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this tasty dish, making it great for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Easy Sesame Chicken, gather your essential tools to streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pot
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking thermometer
- Wire rack or paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pot: Ensures even cooking and prevents oil splatter.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth sauce and batter by thoroughly combining ingredients.
- Cooking thermometer: Allows you to monitor oil temperature for perfectly fried chicken.
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 to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter
In another bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water just until combined. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly in the batter.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the battered chicken in batches until golden brown. Transfer the 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 followed by adding the fried chicken. Toss everything quickly to ensure each piece is well coated with that delicious sesame sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken immediately. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired for an added touch of flavor and presentation. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken
Easy Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it creatively can enhance the dining experience, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice acts as a great base, soaking up the sweet and tangy sauce.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve over fresh spinach or mixed greens for a light, refreshing twist.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Pair with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add nutrition and crunch.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas or lettuce wraps to create a fun finger food option ideal for parties.
Garnished with Green Onions
- A sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile.
How to Perfect Easy Sesame Chicken
To ensure your Easy Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold seltzer water for the batter. This helps achieve a crispier texture when frying.
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Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If the temperature drops too low, the chicken can become greasy instead of crispy.
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Fry in Batches: Cook smaller batches of chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in the pot.
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Toss Quickly: When adding the fried chicken to the sauce, toss it quickly to coat without losing its crunchiness.
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Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the sauce by adding more soy sauce or sugar based on your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Sesame Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Easy Sesame Chicken can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors beautifully.
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Fried Rice: A classic choice that brings together vegetables and eggs, enhancing your meal’s heartiness.
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Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat provide an added crunch and flavor contrast.
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Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame dressing; it’s crunchy and vibrant.
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Cucumber Salad: Lightly pickled cucumbers offer a cool, crisp bite that balances well with the savory chicken.
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Noodles: Simple stir-fried noodles tossed in soy sauce make a satisfying accompaniment that absorbs all flavors.
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Miso Soup: A light miso soup serves as a warm starter that complements the main dish without overpowering it.
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Steamed Dumplings: These soft and chewy dumplings filled with meat or vegetables create a comforting addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.
- Ignoring the Oil Temperature: Frying chicken at the wrong temperature can lead to soggy or burnt pieces. Always heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the batter tough. Combine ingredients just until mixed for a light and crispy texture.
- Not Prepping Ingredients First: Skipping prep can slow down your cooking. Have all ingredients ready to go before you start cooking for a seamless process.
- Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: The flavor of the sauce hinges on good soy sauce. Choose a quality brand for a richer taste in your Easy Sesame Chicken.
- Skipping the Garnish: Garnishing with sesame seeds adds flavor and visual appeal. Don’t forget this final touch to enhance your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Sesame Chicken
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag; it will last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Sesame Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring it stays crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil if needed, stirring until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Sesame Chicken that might help you out!
What makes this Easy Sesame Chicken so quick?
The use of simple ingredients and fast cooking methods allows this dish to be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just remember that they may cook slightly faster than thighs.
What are good side dishes with Easy Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
You can bake the chicken instead of frying it or use less sugar in the sauce while still enjoying delicious flavors in your Easy Sesame Chicken.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can be added during cooking for extra nutrients and color.
Final Thoughts
Easy Sesame Chicken is not just quick and delicious; it’s also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes and preferences. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that brings takeout right into your kitchen!
Easy Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Sesame Chicken is a delightful and quick dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen in just 27 minutes. This recipe features tender, crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, Easy Sesame Chicken satisfies cravings while offering versatility in serving options. Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil for the sauce. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer until combined. Coat chicken pieces in this batter.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot and fry the chicken until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Sauté minced garlic and crushed red pepper in sesame oil over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add the prepared sauce and fried chicken to the skillet; toss quickly to coat.
- Serve immediately garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (around 150g)
- Calories: 332
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
