The Best Sesame Chicken

Craving that irresistible combination of crispy chicken, sweet and savory sauce, and a nutty sesame aroma? Look no further than Sesame Chicken, a takeout classic that can be easily recreated in your own kitchen!

A Nostalgic Favorite:

The author shares a personal connection to this dish, highlighting its popularity alongside other Chinese takeout favorites.

Key Features of Sesame Chicken:

• Crispy Chicken: Perfectly fried chicken pieces form the base of this dish, offering a delightful textural contrast with the sauce.
• Sweet and Savory Sauce: A delectable honey sesame sauce, with a touch of sour and spice, coats the chicken, creating an explosion of flavor.
• Nutty Sesame Aroma: Sesame seeds add a distinctive nutty fragrance and subtle textural element to the dish.

Beyond the Takeout Counter:

This recipe empowers you to create restaurant-quality Sesame Chicken at home:

• Dad’s Secret Tips: Learn valuable techniques for achieving crispy chicken without sacrificing its juiciness.
• Homemade Advantage: This recipe boasts of surpassing the quality you might find at restaurants, offering a more satisfying and potentially healthier version.

A Family Favorite:

Sesame Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for families who enjoy Asian-inspired meals:

• A Regular on the Menu: The author incorporates Sesame Chicken into their regular meal rotation, highlighting its versatility and family-friendly appeal.
• Unbeatable Sauce: The “delicious sauce just can’t be beat,” making this dish a favorite among family members.

A Takeout Staple, Recreated:

Sesame Chicken is a ubiquitous presence on Chinese takeout menus, featuring:

• Crispy, Battered Chicken: Bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in batter and fried until golden brown.
• Flavorful Sauce: A sweet and savory sauce, often featuring soy sauce, oyster sauce, a sweetener, and a touch of spice, coats the chicken for a flavor explosion.

The Secret to the Sauce:

While variations exist, there are some common threads in the sesame chicken sauce:

• Umami Base: Soy sauce and oyster sauce provide a savory depth of umami flavor.
• Sweetness: Honey or sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• A Touch of Spice: Fresh or dried chili peppers add a subtle kick, depending on the recipe.

Homemade is Best:

This recipe positions itself as a superior alternative to takeout versions:

• Copycat Perfection: This recipe aims to replicate the classic “honey sesame chicken” found at popular restaurants, but with potentially fresher ingredients and more control over flavor.
• Family-Approved: The author’s kids agree that this homemade version surpasses what they’ve had at restaurants.

Ready to Make Restaurant-Quality Sesame Chicken at Home? Here’s the Recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (or chili paste)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted white sesame seeds
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, whisk together the cornstarch.

3. Breading the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring even coverage.

4. Heating the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

5. Frying the Chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, carefully fry the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

6. Making the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sriracha, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl

Final Thoughts:

Sesame Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. This recipe offers a fun way to recreate a takeout favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen. With its crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and delightful sesame aroma, this homemade version is sure to become a new favorite!