Sesame Chicken: Easy, Fast, and Incredibly Delicious

This sesame chicken recipe is the perfect blend of crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sauce, finished with sesame seeds and fresh spring onions. It’s a fantastic dish for weeknights or when you’re craving Chinese takeout but want something homemade. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have this flavorful dish ready in no time!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • Chicken breast – 500 g (1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Egg – 1 large
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, crushed
  • Salt – 1/2 tsp
  • Pepper – 1/2 tsp
  • Light soy sauce – 2 tbsp
  • Corn starch – 2 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour – 1 cup
  • Oil – For frying
  • Sesame seeds – For garnish
  • Spring onion – For garnish

For the Sauce:

  • Spring onion – 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Oil – For sautéing
  • Chicken broth – 1 cup
  • Light soy sauce – 4 tbsp
  • Brown sugar – 3 tbsp
  • Ketchup – 3 tbsp
  • White vinegar – 1 tbsp
  • Sesame oil – 1 tbsp
  • Water – 1/2 cup
  • Corn starch – 1 tbsp (for slurry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

  1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting 500 g (1.1 lbs) of chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add 3 crushed garlic cloves, 2 tbsp of light soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 egg to the chicken. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Sprinkle 2 tbsp of corn starch over the chicken and mix well. Then, gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ensuring each chicken piece is well-coated.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat a pan with enough oil for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

  1. Sauté the Spring Onions: In a clean pan, heat a little oil and add 1/4 cup chopped spring onions. Sauté until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  2. Make the Sauce: Add 1 cup of chicken broth, 4 tbsp of light soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 3 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil to the pan. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of corn starch with 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

  1. Coat the Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken cubes to the pan. Toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped spring onions for added flavor and presentation.

Tips for Success:

  • Crispier Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures the chicken stays crispy.
  • Consistency of Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more water if it becomes too thick or letting it simmer longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.
  • Vegan Variation: Swap the chicken for tofu, and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegan sesame tofu dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.


Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Sugars: 12 g

This sesame chicken recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, the sweet and savory sauce paired with the crispy chicken will become a household favorite!