Better-Than-Takeout Sesame Chicken (for Mark)
I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍
Love Chinese takeout but want a healthier option? You can make tasty sesame chicken at home in just 15 minutes. This recipe uses crispy battered chicken tossed in a sweet and sticky sauce. It’s quicker, fresher, and more delicious than ordering delivery.
You’ll learn how to make the perfect batter and sauce from scratch. The chicken turns out golden and crunchy on the outside, yet tender inside. Top it with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and crunch. Your family will ask for this yummy meal again and again!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty sesame chicken:
For the chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the batter:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
Toppings:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will help you move quickly through the recipe steps.
Remember to adjust the amounts if you want to make more or less servings. The recipe as written serves about 4 people.
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep. Add the cubed chicken breast to a bowl with the seasoning. Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the bowl and dust it with cornstarch.
Step 2 – Fry. Add oil to a wok or large pan and place it over medium heat. Once the oil gets hot, dredge the chicken in the batter and fry it in small batches until golden brown. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
Step 3 – Make the sauce. Stir together the honey, corn syrup, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the sesame oil and whisk well. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
Step 4 – Combine. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss well until all the chicken is covered in the honey sesame sauce. Garnish with chopped herbs.
Your homemade sesame chicken is now ready! Enjoy this tasty dish that’s even better than takeout.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this sesame chicken recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
Protein swaps:
Sauce tweaks:
- Use maple syrup instead of honey
- Try hoisin sauce in place of soy sauce
- Add a splash of rice vinegar for tang
Spice it up by adding:
- Red pepper flakes
- Sriracha sauce
- Minced fresh ginger
For extra crunch, toss in:
- Chopped peanuts
- Sliced water chestnuts
- Diced bell peppers
You can also make this gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour in the batter. For a healthier version, try baking the chicken instead of frying.
Remember, cooking is about having fun and making the recipe your own. Feel free to experiment with these ideas or come up with your own unique twists!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Make sure your oil is hot before frying the chicken. Test it by dropping a small piece of batter in – if it sizzles and rises to the top, it’s ready.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Cook the chicken in batches for the crispiest results.
For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken. Fry once, let it rest for a few minutes, then fry again briefly.
Use a thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Try adding a dash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
You can freeze the cooked chicken without sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Make extra sauce and store it separately. It’s great for dipping or drizzling over other dishes too!
