Description
This Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken bites coated in a flavorful sweet and spicy sesame sauce. Prepared in under an hour, it’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- Oil, for frying (enough to fill pan 3 inches deep)
Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch red pepper flakes or chili flakes
For Serving:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs with additional salt and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan to a depth of about 3 inches. Fry 7-8 pieces of chicken at a time for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, in a large saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken to the simmering sauce, tossing to evenly coat each piece. Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for a minute or two.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For extra saucy chicken, double the sauce ingredients.
- Ensure oil temperature stays at 350°F for crispy results; use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Use toasted sesame oil for the best nutty flavor in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
