Description
This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. It’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you crave takeout-style food at home. Serve it with steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic powder. Let it sit for 5 minutes. -
Coat the Chicken:
Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour, ensuring each piece is well-coated. -
Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. -
Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once the sauce starts to thicken (about 2-3 minutes), stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. -
Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a few chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the dish for a more balanced meal.