Introduction
Ever wished you could whip up restaurant-quality crispy sesame chicken at home? This recipe makes that dream a delicious reality! We’re taking simple, everyday ingredients and transforming them into a flavor explosion that the whole family will adore. Get ready for a crispy, savory, and slightly sweet chicken dish that’s easier to make than you think!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it balances three key elements: incredible crispy texture, a mouthwatering sesame-soy glaze, and surprisingly simple steps. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun weekend project, or even impressing guests – without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 🥚 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 🍚 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🥣 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🧅 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 🥢 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 🍯 1/4 cup honey
- 🍶 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 🍚 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 🌶️ 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken: Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels – this is key for extra crispy chicken!
2️⃣ Create the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4️⃣ Sesame Seed Sprinkle: Press the coated chicken pieces into the sesame seeds, making sure they stick nicely.
5️⃣ Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6️⃣ Make the Glaze: While the chicken is frying, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
7️⃣ Glaze the Chicken: Once all the chicken is cooked, return it to the skillet and pour the glaze over it. Toss gently to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly.
8️⃣ Serve: Serve your crispy sesame chicken immediately over rice, with noodles, or as part of a delicious stir-fry!
Handy Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry it. Fry once, let it rest, then fry again for a few minutes until extra crispy.
Heat Control
Maintaining consistent medium-high heat (around 350°F) is crucial. Too low, and the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Too high, and it’ll burn before cooking through. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from the double coating of flour and cornstarch, along with the quick frying process. The sesame seeds add a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-cut chicken tenders instead of cutting your own.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger for an added depth of flavor before coating and frying.
Storage Tips
Store leftover crispy sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Package individual portions of the crispy sesame chicken in attractive boxes or containers, perfect for potlucks or sharing with friends and family.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Sesame: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture.
🌟 Honey-Garlic: Double the honey in the glaze and add 1 clove of minced garlic.
🌟 Sweet Chili: Replace the soy sauce with sweet chili sauce in the glaze.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Chicken: Make sure the chicken is completely dry before coating, and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
- Burnt Chicken: Lower the heat if the chicken is browning too quickly.
- Bland Glaze: Increase the amount of honey or soy sauce to your liking.
FAQ
- Can I bake this chicken instead of frying? Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy, though.
- Can I use different types of chicken? Yes, chicken thighs will also work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- What can I serve this with? Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad are all great options.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Share your creations with us on social media – we’d love to see your amazing results! Happy cooking!