Chinese sesame chicken is a popular dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds. This dish is often served in Chinese restaurants, but it’s also easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. The crispy texture of the chicken and the rich flavor of the sauce make sesame chicken a favorite for many. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Chinese sesame chicken.
What Is Chinese Sesame Chicken?
Chinese sesame chicken is a dish consisting of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and other seasonings. The chicken is often garnished with toasted sesame seeds, adding an extra layer of crunch and flavor. The combination of the crispy chicken and the flavorful sauce makes it a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients for Chinese Sesame Chicken
To make Chinese sesame chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for easy preparation. Chicken breasts are often used, but thighs offer a juicier result.
Eggs: Used to coat the chicken and help the batter stick during frying.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the batter that coats the chicken for a crispy exterior.
Cornstarch: Helps make the batter crispier when fried.
Sesame Oil: Adds a distinct flavor to the sauce and helps enhance the sesame aroma.
Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami to the sauce.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce and balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity to the sauce, balancing the flavors.
Garlic: Gives the sauce an aromatic depth of flavor.
Ginger: Adds a bit of spice and freshness to the sauce.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Used to garnish the dish, providing crunch and flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese Sesame Chicken
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, follow this step-by-step guide to make Chinese sesame chicken at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, but be sure to remove the skin and bones if using thighs. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better during frying.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash first, ensuring it’s completely coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken aside on a plate.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the process until all the chicken is fried.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until the honey dissolves and the sauce begins to simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the fried chicken in a large bowl. Toss the chicken pieces gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Be sure every piece is covered in the flavorful sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is coated in sauce, transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds and, if desired, chopped green onions. Serve the sesame chicken with steamed rice or your favorite vegetable side dish for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chinese Sesame Chicken
Here are a few tips to make sure your Chinese sesame chicken turns out perfectly:
Double Coat the Chicken: For extra crispiness, coat the chicken pieces twice—first in the egg wash, then in the flour mixture.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to ensure that the chicken fries evenly and stays crispy.
Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and acidity of the sauce by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste.
Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh garlic and ginger give the sauce a much better flavor than powdered versions.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions for Chinese Sesame Chicken
Chinese sesame chicken is best served with a variety of side dishes to complement the rich flavors of the chicken. Here are some great serving suggestions:
Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the dish with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers for a healthy, colorful side.
Soup: Start your meal with a light Chinese soup, such as egg drop soup or hot and sour soup, to balance the richness of the chicken.
Conclusion
Making Chinese sesame chicken at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and crispy dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Follow this step-by-step guide, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of homemade Chinese sesame chicken today!
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