Sesame chicken is a classic dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. It’s a favorite in many households, and the good news is that you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. With a few simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality sesame chicken right in your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 500g chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking oil for frying
- ½ cup chopped spring onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken uniformly. Allow it to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. In another dish, place the all-purpose flour. Dip each piece of marinated chicken first into the egg mixture, then roll it in the flour, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying them until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, 4 tablespoons of light soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, sesame oil, and white vinegar. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with ½ cup of water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan, tossing them gently to ensure they are fully coated in the sauce. Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes so it can take in the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped spring onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve the chicken hot, alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Conclusion:
This easy and delicious sesame chicken recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your dinner table. The combination of crispy chicken and rich, flavorful sauce makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, and don’t forget to sprinkle on those sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch!