If you are constantly searching for the best late dinner ideas, your search ends here with this mouthwatering meal. This easy sesame chicken is the perfect way to satisfy those takeout cravings without ever leaving your house or waiting for a delivery driver. Many people wonder how to make sesame chicken that stays crunchy once the sauce is added, and our specific breading technique is the secret key. This sesame chicken recipe easy enough for a weeknight is designed to be approachable for any home cook while delivering that authentic, sticky-sweet glaze we all love. For those looking for a sesame chicken recipe healthy alternative, we include options for air frying and reducing sugars to fit your lifestyle. Whether you call it island fire chicken or simply your favorite takeout dish, these dishes recipes are meant to bring joy to your dining table. Join us at the stove as we transform basic pantry ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that beats the local restaurant every single time.
Helpful Tips
- For the ultimate crunch that rivals any restaurant, try the double-fry method: fry once at a lower temperature to cook through, then a second time at high heat to crisp the exterior.
- To ensure a sesame chicken recipe healthy enough for your weekly rotation, use an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 12 to 15 minutes instead of deep frying in oil.
- Achieve the perfect sauce consistency by using a cornstarch slurry; if the glaze is too thin, mix equal parts cornstarch and water then whisk it into the pan until it reaches a glossy thickness.
- While boneless skinless thighs provide the juiciest results and best flavor, you can certainly substitute chicken breast if you prefer a leaner protein option for your meal.
- Make sure your oil is exactly 350 degrees before adding the meat; using a thermometer prevents the coating from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth; set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the beaten egg until well coated.
- In another bowl or a large zip-top bag, combine the cornstarch and flour. Add the egg-coated chicken and shake or stir until every piece is thoroughly breaded.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a separate large skillet or cleaned wok, pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the sauce begins to thicken slightly (about 2-3 minutes), add the fried chicken pieces and toss quickly to coat everything in the glossy glaze.
- Remove from heat immediately, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 sliced green onions for garnish
Shopping List
- Meat: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Produce: Fresh ginger, Garlic, Green onions
- Dairy & Eggs: 1 large egg
- Pantry: Cornstarch, All-purpose flour, Vegetable oil, Honey, Soy sauce, Ketchup, Brown sugar, Rice vinegar, Toasted sesame oil, Toasted sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Small saucepan
Variations & Serving Ideas
This dish shines when presented over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or even a vibrant vegetable stir-fry. To balance the sweetness of the glaze, serve it alongside some garlic-sauteed bok choy or crisp steamed broccoli. If you have leftovers, they keep well in an airtight container for up to three days. To revive that signature crunch, we recommend reheating the chicken in an air fryer or oven rather than the microwave. Top it off with an extra sprinkle of toasted seeds and fresh scallions for a professional look.
Easy Sesame Chicken Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken Recipe Healthy
Bring the classic flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant home with this crispy, sweet, and incredibly simple sesame chicken.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth; set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the beaten egg until well coated.
- In another bowl or a large zip-top bag, combine the cornstarch and flour. Add the egg-coated chicken and shake or stir until every piece is thoroughly breaded.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a separate large skillet or cleaned wok, pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the sauce begins to thicken slightly (about 2-3 minutes), add the fried chicken pieces and toss quickly to coat everything in the glossy glaze.
- Remove from heat immediately, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve warm.
We can’t wait to see your results, so please leave a comment or share your experience with us!
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