Name: Crispy Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup rice vinegar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ⅓ cup water; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; ½ tablespoon sesame seeds; ½ cup cornstarch; ½ cup flour; 2 egg whites; ½ cup cold seltzer water; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; Vegetable oil for deep frying

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This Crispy Sesame Chicken combines tender, golden-battered chicken bites with a luscious, sweet-and-savory sesame sauce. The perfect harmony of flavors, from the nutty aroma of sesame oil to the gentle heat of crushed red pepper, makes it irresistible.

Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout meal or indulging in a homemade treat, this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or family dinners. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and delicious experience that beats the takeout box every time.

Full Recipe:

¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
⅓ cup water
2 teaspoons sesame oil
½ tablespoon sesame seeds

Tempura Batter Ingredients

½ cup cornstarch
½ cup flour
2 egg whites
½ cup cold seltzer water

Chicken Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Directions:

Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
Make the Tempura Batter: Combine cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water. Mix until just combined. A slightly lumpy batter is fine.
Prepare the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add crushed red pepper and minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Dip chicken pieces in the batter, then fry in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Toss and Serve: In the wok or skillet with the garlic, add the prepared sauce and fried chicken. Toss to coat and allow the sauce to thicken slightly (about 1–2 minutes).
Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best results.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 361 kcal per serving Servings: 4

Exploring the Delight of Crispy Sesame Chicken

When it comes to indulging in comfort food, Crispy Sesame Chicken has secured its place as a favorite in homes and restaurants alike. This classic dish combines the perfect balance of crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sesame glaze that clings to every tender piece. It’s a culinary masterpiece that transcends cultural boundaries, offering flavors that are rich, complex, and utterly satisfying.

The Allure of Crispy Sesame Chicken

Crispy Sesame Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The golden-battered chicken pieces are the star of the show, offering a delightful crunch with each bite. The sesame glaze, infused with a harmonious blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil, adds layers of flavor that elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. The gentle heat of crushed red pepper and the aromatic essence of garlic further enhance its profile, making it a go-to choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Why Make Sesame Chicken at Home?

One of the greatest benefits of preparing Sesame Chicken at home is the control it gives you over the ingredients. From choosing high-quality chicken to customizing the sauce to suit your preferences, the possibilities are endless. Homemade Sesame Chicken is also a healthier alternative to takeout, as you can use fresher ingredients, adjust the sweetness or spice, and avoid excessive amounts of oil or preservatives. Beyond the nutritional advantages, there’s immense satisfaction in creating a dish from scratch, knowing you’ve crafted something delicious with your own hands.

A Fusion of Cultures and Flavors

Crispy Sesame Chicken is a prime example of Chinese-American cuisine, a fusion that originated in the mid-20th century when Chinese immigrants adapted traditional recipes to suit American palates. The dish draws inspiration from Asian flavors, particularly the use of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, while incorporating the Western love for crispy, fried foods. This blend of cultures has resulted in a dish that feels familiar yet exciting, offering a unique dining experience that appeals to people from all walks of life.

The Key to Achieving Crisp Perfection

The hallmark of any great Sesame Chicken recipe is achieving the perfect crispy coating. This is accomplished with a tempura-style batter made with a combination of cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water. The carbonation in the seltzer water creates a light and airy texture, ensuring the chicken stays crispy even after being coated in the sesame glaze. Cooking at the right oil temperature is also crucial; too low, and the chicken will absorb excess oil, making it greasy. Too high, and the batter will burn before the chicken is cooked through.

Balancing Sweet and Savory

One of the defining characteristics of Sesame Chicken is its sweet and savory sauce. The sweetness from the brown sugar is balanced perfectly with the umami flavors of soy sauce and the tanginess of rice vinegar. Sesame oil, with its distinctive nuttiness, adds depth, while a pinch of crushed red pepper introduces a subtle heat that keeps the dish from being overly sweet. This delicate balance of flavors is what makes Sesame Chicken so addictive and universally loved.

Versatility in Serving

Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains for added flavor. For a lighter option, it can be served with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Noodles, whether lo mein or rice noodles, are another excellent accompaniment, providing a hearty and satisfying base for the dish. For a more casual meal, Sesame Chicken can even be served as an appetizer or party snack, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

Leftover Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, the oven or stovetop is recommended to maintain the chicken’s crispiness. Microwaving, while convenient, may result in a softer texture. Adding a splash of water to the sauce before reheating can help restore its consistency. For longer storage, Sesame Chicken can be frozen for up to three months, though it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.

Popular Variations

One of the joys of cooking is experimenting with variations to make a dish your own. For a healthier twist, Sesame Chicken can be baked instead of fried. Dredge the chicken in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then spray with a light coating of oil and bake until crispy. For those who prefer a sweeter profile, honey can replace brown sugar, resulting in a honey sesame glaze that is rich and sticky. Stir-frying the chicken without breading is another option, ideal for a lighter meal that highlights the flavors of fresh vegetables and a thicker, more concentrated sauce.

Cultural Significance of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds, though small, carry a rich cultural and culinary significance. In Asian cuisine, they are often associated with prosperity and good fortune, making Sesame Chicken a popular dish for celebrations and gatherings. Beyond their symbolism, sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and delightful crunch, enhancing both the taste and presentation of the dish. Toasting the seeds before using them as a garnish can further amplify their aroma and flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or satisfying a craving for takeout-style food, Sesame Chicken fits the bill. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleaser, while its relatively simple preparation ensures it can be made without much fuss. The dish also scales well, making it easy to double or triple the recipe for larger groups.

The Role of Aromatics in Flavor

Aromatics like garlic and crushed red pepper play a crucial role in building the flavor of Sesame Chicken. Garlic, when sautéed in sesame oil, releases a rich, savory aroma that serves as the foundation for the dish. Crushed red pepper adds a gentle heat, balancing the sweetness of the sauce and enhancing its complexity. These simple yet powerful ingredients showcase how attention to detail can elevate a dish to new heights.

A Timeless Favorite

Crispy Sesame Chicken has stood the test of time as a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine. Its ability to blend bold flavors with comforting textures makes it a meal that appeals to all ages. Whether it’s enjoyed in the cozy setting of a family kitchen or served as a takeout favorite, Sesame Chicken continues to bring people together, one crispy bite at a time.

Conclusion

Crispy Sesame Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and cultural fusion. From its crispy, golden-battered chicken to its sweet and savory sesame glaze, every element of this dish is designed to delight the senses. By making it at home, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes, enjoy fresher and healthier ingredients, and experience the joy of creating something truly delicious. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, Sesame Chicken is a dish worth mastering—a timeless favorite that will never go out of style.

Crispy Sesame Chicken