Craving a quick and tasty meal? My Savory Sesame Chicken is perfect for you! This easy recipe uses cubed chicken breasts, a rich sauce, and simple garnishes to create a delightful dinner. I’ll walk you through each step, from seasoning to cooking, so you can serve this dish with confidence. Let’s get started on creating a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a deliciously sweet and savory sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Crispy Texture: Using cornstarch and eggs gives the chicken a delightful crispy coating that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even a salad for a versatile meal that can be tailored to your preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
The star of this dish is the cubed chicken breasts. They should be fresh and tender, as they soak up flavors well. The cornstarch gives the chicken a nice crunch. Be sure to coat the chicken evenly for the best texture.
Next, we have the sauce components. Honey adds sweetness. Soy sauce brings saltiness and depth. Rice vinegar adds a tangy kick, while sesame oil gives that nutty flavor. Garlic and ginger add warmth and zest.
For garnishing, I love using sesame seeds for a nice crunch. Green onions add freshness and color. These elements make the dish not just tasty but also pretty on your plate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
Seasoning and Coating Begin by seasoning the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the meat. Next, coat the chicken in cornstarch. Make sure each piece is covered. Shake off any extra cornstarch.
Egg Dipping Process Now, dip each piece of coated chicken into the beaten eggs. This creates a nice layer for frying. The egg helps the cornstarch stick better and gives a crispy texture.
Cooking the Chicken
Frying Technique In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Ensuring Even Cooking Do not overcrowd the skillet, or the chicken won't fry well. Give each piece space to cook evenly. This helps achieve that perfect crunch we all love.
Making the Sauce
Sautéing Aromatics In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the last tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant, not burnt.
Combining Sauce Ingredients In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat the chicken well in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques
Achieving the Perfect Crunch
To get that crunchy texture, use cornstarch. It coats the chicken well. First, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, dredge it in cornstarch. Make sure each piece is fully coated. This will help it crisp up nicely when you fry it. When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches to keep the heat high. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want golden brown chicken, not soggy pieces.
Tips for Even Browning
Even browning matters for both looks and taste. Use medium-high heat for frying. This helps the chicken cook evenly. If you notice some pieces browning faster, adjust their position in the pan. Flip them often to ensure all sides get that nice color. When you finish frying, let the chicken rest on a paper towel. This step removes excess oil and keeps the chicken crispy.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding Extra Spice or Sweetness
If you like a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also increase the honey for more sweetness. Adjusting these flavors makes the dish your own. Remember, start small. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
Don't have soy sauce? Use tamari for a gluten-free option. Need a different sweetener? Maple syrup works well too. You can swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if needed. These changes won’t ruin the dish but will still keep it tasty. Always taste as you go. This way, you can ensure the balance of flavors stays just right.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Crisp Chicken: For an extra crispy coating, let the dredged chicken sit for about 10 minutes before frying. This allows the cornstarch to adhere better.
- Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey gradually, tasting as you go until it reaches your desired sweetness.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas to add color and nutrients to your meal, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
Baking vs. Frying You can bake sesame chicken for a lighter meal. Baking uses less oil and cuts calories. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Coat the chicken with cornstarch and egg as usual. Place the pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy chicken without frying.
Low-Calorie Substitutions To lower calories, swap honey for a sugar-free syrup. Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut sodium. You can also replace vegetable oil with a cooking spray. These changes keep the taste while making it healthier.
Different Flavor Profiles
Asian-inspired Ingredients Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to your chicken. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also mix in some chili paste for heat. These add-ins give your dish a colorful, tasty twist.
Citrus and Spicy Variants For a citrus kick, try adding orange juice or zest to the sauce. This brightens the flavor and adds freshness. If you love spice, mix in some red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your heat level. These options make your sesame chicken unique and exciting.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your sesame chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain flavor and moisture. Make sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing it. Always refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Your leftovers will stay good for up to four days in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat sesame chicken using two main methods: the microwave or the stovetop.
- Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. This keeps it moist.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Sauté the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring until hot. This method helps maintain the chicken's crispy texture.
FAQs
Common Cooking Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat, giving a juicier bite. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so ensure they reach 165°F.
What can I substitute for honey? You can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both give a good sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, try sugar-free syrup.
Serving Suggestions
What to serve with Sesame Chicken? Serve this dish over steamed jasmine rice. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables. For a lighter option, try a fresh salad.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can prep it a day early. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Reheat before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
In this post, we broke down making Sesame Chicken. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to achieve the perfect crunch and add fun flavor twists. Remember, you can make it healthier by baking instead of frying. Finally, proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh. Enjoy a delicious meal with simple methods and variations to fit your taste. The joy of cooking is all about fun and flavor!
