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Awesome Sesame Chicken: A Taste of Takeout, Made at Home

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted authentic sesame chicken. It was a cold, rainy night, and I was a broke college student craving something comforting and flavorful. That first bite – the crispy, slightly sweet coating giving way to tender chicken, all bathed in a savory, nutty sauce – was pure magic. From that moment on, I was hooked, and I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect bite in my own kitchen ever since. This recipe, honed and perfected over the years, brings that cherished memory to life.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Yield: Varies based on chicken size
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

3 whole boneless chicken breasts

For the Marinade:

2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon cooking wine or 1 tablespoon dry sherry
3-5 drops sesame oil
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1⁄2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

1 cup water
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 green onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
3 1⁄2 – 4 cups peanut oil (for frying)

Equipment Needed

Cutting board
Knife
Mixing bowls
Small pot
Deep-frying pot or Dutch oven
Slotted spoon or spider
Paper towels
Large platter

Instructions

Begin by prepping the chicken. Cut the boneless chicken breasts into small, approximately 1-inch cubes. Uniform size is key for even cooking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: light soy sauce, cooking wine (or dry sherry), sesame oil, flour, cornstarch, water, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor. The longer the marinating time, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients except the green onion: water, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, vegetable oil, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth to avoid any lumps.
Pour the prepared sauce into a small pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and keep the sauce warm while you deep-fry the chicken. This step ensures the sauce is ready to coat the chicken as soon as it’s cooked.
Now, it’s time to heat the oil for deep-frying. Pour peanut oil into a deep-frying pot or Dutch oven, filling it to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Using a thermometer is highly recommended to ensure optimal frying temperature.
Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot oil a few pieces at a time, sliding them in gently to avoid splashing. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Deep-fry the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per batch. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Repeat the deep-frying process with the remainder of the chicken, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.
Just before you are finished deep-frying the last batch of chicken, bring the sauce back up to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Stir in the thinly sliced green onion into the boiling sauce. The green onion adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Place the deep-fried chicken on a large platter.
Pour the hot sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the sauced chicken for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve immediately over rice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier texture, try double frying the chicken. Fry it once at a slightly lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) for a few minutes, then remove and let it rest for a few minutes before frying it again at the higher temperature (350-375°F/175-190°C) until golden brown.
Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Tailor the sauce to your preference by adjusting the amount of brown sugar for sweetness and adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the boiling sauce. Cook for a minute or two until thickened.
Marinate Longer: For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Vegetable Variety: Consider adding other vegetables to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or broccoli florets, for added nutrition and texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Awesome Sesame Chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. Garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave the chicken, but it will lose some of its crispiness. For best results, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid freezing the cooked chicken, as the texture will change significantly upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	784 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	361 g	46%
Total Fat	40.2 g	61%
Saturated Fat	9.6 g	47%
Cholesterol	186.1 mg	62%
Sodium	1705 mg	71%
Total Carbohydrate	36.8 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	2.3 g	9%
Sugars	16 g	64%
Protein	65.5 g	131%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken: Substitute the flour in the marinade with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Healthier Option: Bake the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Coat the marinated chicken in panko breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and cooked through.
Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Honey Sesame Chicken: Replace some of the brown sugar in the sauce with honey for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will result in a more flavorful and juicy dish. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cutting them into cubes.

Q: How do I know when the oil is hot enough for deep-frying?
A: The best way is to use a thermometer and ensure the oil reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before adding the green onions.

Q: My sauce is too runny. How can I thicken it?
A: Whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the boiling sauce. Cook for a minute or two until thickened.

Q: Can I freeze leftover sesame chicken?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the chicken may change upon thawing, becoming somewhat soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of cooking.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a truly awesome sesame chicken recipe that rivals your favorite takeout! Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; the steps are straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Feel free to experiment with the variations and make it your own. And, most importantly, share your delicious creation with friends and family – they’ll thank you for it! Consider pairing this flavorful chicken with steamed broccoli or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Awesome Sesame Chicken Recipe