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A plate of savory sesame chicken with a glossy sauce and sesame seeds.

Proven way to grow 5 Sesame Chicken recipes

This recipe provides a foundational approach to preparing sesame chicken, allowing for versatile adaptation into five distinct styles. It focuses on achieving crispy chicken coated in a rich, savory sesame sauce, perfect for a customizable meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
Marinade
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Coating
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup flour
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Sesame Sauce
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
For Frying
  • 3 cups vegetable oil or enough to deep fry

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • shallow dish
  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • wire rack
  • saucepan
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and marinate for 15 minutes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper for the coating.
Cooking
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the coating mixture, ensuring they are fully covered, and gently shake off any excess.
  3. Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and drain on a wire rack.
  4. In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water; cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add the fried chicken to the thickened sauce and toss to coat evenly, then garnish with sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions (for 5 variations)
  1. Serve classic sesame chicken with steamed rice and broccoli.
  2. For a spicy version, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
  3. Create a tangy variation by adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce.
  4. Make it a sesame chicken stir-fry by adding bell peppers and snap peas during the last few minutes of sauce cooking.
  5. For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying, then toss with the sauce.

Notes

This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness, spiciness, or tanginess to your preference. Ensure chicken is cooked through before combining with sauce for best results.