Get ready to indulge in the crispy, crunchy goodness of homemade Sesame Chicken! This delightful dish brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen, and it’s perfect for impressing family and friends. With its golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think! In just under an hour, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal that serves four. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Place diced chicken in a large mixing bowl and pat dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispiness and remove excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until lightly golden and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Toss crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken, gently mixing to distribute evenly.
- Serve immediately on a platter, garnished with chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Extra Crispiness: Before coating the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy texture when frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken instead of crispy bites.
- Perfect Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature before adding the chicken. Ideally, it should be around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of chicken into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready!
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes to enhance the flavors and achieve a slightly thicker consistency. This will help it cling better to the chicken.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds in a dry pan brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Garnish for Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, serve the sesame chicken on a platter garnished with chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds. It makes the dish look even more appetizing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
