Crispy sesame chicken is a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors in a way that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re indulging in it at a restaurant or preparing it at home, this dish always delivers an irresistible taste. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes crispy sesame chicken so popular, the ingredients that go into making it, and how to prepare it perfectly. You’ll also find variations to cater to different dietary preferences, and we’ll explore ways to serve it for a well-rounded meal. Let’s get started!

Introduction to Crispy Sesame Chicken

What is Crispy Sesame Chicken?

Crispy sesame chicken is a beloved dish that has made its way into many kitchens worldwide, especially in Chinese cuisine. This dish features golden, crispy chicken chunks smothered in a delicious sesame sauce. The sauce is a blend of sweet and savory flavors, with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil as the key components. The crunchy texture of the chicken contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.

While crispy sesame chicken is often served in Chinese restaurants, it has also become a favorite for home cooks looking to recreate a restaurant-quality dish in their own kitchens. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that can easily be adjusted to your taste preferences.

Why is Crispy Sesame Chicken So Popular?

There’s no denying the universal appeal of crispy sesame chicken. For one, it strikes a perfect balance between crispy and tender, with the batter coating the chicken perfectly. The sauce, with its sweet undertones and umami-packed flavor, adds just the right amount of zing to every bite. Plus, sesame seeds sprinkle on top not only enhance the flavor but also provide an extra crunch.

It’s no surprise that crispy sesame chicken is a staple in many take-out orders, and it’s also a favorite in family dinners. The combination of ease of preparation and mouthwatering taste makes it an ideal choice whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a delicious meal after a long day.

Ingredients and Preparation

Essential Ingredients

To make crispy sesame chicken, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These are the building blocks that come together to create a dish that’s both savory and sweet. Let’s break it down:

Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are often preferred because they stay juicier and tender when fried, but chicken breasts work just as well. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a nice, easy-to-eat texture.
Batter: The magic of crispy chicken lies in the batter. Mix cornstarch, flour, and egg whites together to coat the chicken. This combo gives the chicken its light and crispy outer layer.
Sesame Sauce: The sauce is what really makes this dish stand out. It combines soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. These ingredients come together to give the dish a sweet and savory flavor with just the right amount of kick.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on top to add extra crunch and a nutty flavor. They also make the dish look more appetizing.

These simple ingredients are easy to find and come together in a way that will make your taste buds dance.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now, let’s move on to how to make this dish. It’s actually pretty simple, and you’ll love how it turns out!

Marinating the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken for about 15 minutes. You don’t need anything fancy—just a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This step helps infuse the chicken with flavor before frying.
Preparing the Batter: While the chicken is marinating, mix cornstarch, flour, and egg whites in a bowl. You’ll want the batter to be thick enough to coat the chicken, but not too thick that it’ll be hard to fry. The key is to get that perfect crispiness!
Frying the Chicken: Heat up oil in a pan or wok. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the chicken pieces into the oil, making sure they don’t stick together. Fry them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. This is where the magic happens—the batter becomes crispy and light, creating that perfect crunch.
Making the Sesame Sauce: In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir and cook on medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly. This will be the sauce that coats your crispy chicken.
Assembling the Dish: Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, it’s time to put everything together. Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the sesame sauce. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top to add that final touch of crunch and flavor.

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a crispy sesame chicken dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. Plus, you can always adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences!

Variations and Substitutions

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a lighter version of crispy sesame chicken, there are a few easy swaps you can make. Here are some ideas to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor:

Air Frying or Baking: Instead of deep frying, try air frying or baking the chicken. These methods use less oil, but still give the chicken a crispy texture. Air frying is especially great for keeping the chicken light and crunchy.
Sweetener Swap: You can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to cut down on calories. If you want a healthier alternative to honey, try maple syrup or agave syrup.

These small changes will help make the dish a bit lighter while still being delicious. It’s a great option if you’re looking to enjoy the flavors without all the extra fat.

Dietary Modifications

For those with dietary needs, crispy sesame chicken can be easily modified. Here’s how you can adjust the recipe:

Gluten-Free Options: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply replace the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. You can also swap regular soy sauce for tamari sauce, which is gluten-free.
Vegetarian Version: If you prefer plant-based meals, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Both tofu and tempeh soak up the sesame sauce well, and they provide a hearty texture. Just make sure to press the tofu before cooking to get rid of excess water.

These alternatives let you enjoy crispy sesame chicken no matter your dietary preferences or restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Accompaniments

To make your crispy sesame chicken a complete meal, there are a few classic sides that pair perfectly with it:

Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of white or brown rice is the perfect side. It soaks up the sauce and balances out the crispy chicken.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some healthy veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Stir-fry them with a bit of garlic and soy sauce for extra flavor. The fresh crunch complements the soft, savory chicken.

These sides are easy to make and complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Pairings

If you’re looking for something a little different, here are some unique side ideas to elevate your meal:

Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, quinoa or cauliflower rice makes a great substitute for regular rice. Both are nutritious and provide a nice, mild base for the chicken.
Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad can balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Toss cucumber slices with a bit of vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a simple, tasty dish.

These creative pairings add variety to your meal and give you a chance to try something new. Whether you go classic or get a bit adventurous, your crispy sesame chicken will be the star of the meal.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

Now, let’s talk about the nutrition. Crispy sesame chicken is a tasty dish, but it’s important to keep track of the calories.

A typical serving of crispy sesame chicken has around 300-400 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on how much oil is used for frying and the type of sweetener in the sauce. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can air fry the chicken or use a sugar substitute.

For comparison, this dish is often lower in calories than many other popular Chinese takeout options, like orange chicken or General Tso’s chicken. Those dishes are usually heavier on sauce and sugar, which adds extra calories.

Health Considerations

While crispy sesame chicken is delicious, it’s important to think about its nutritional content.

Sodium: Soy sauce can be high in sodium. To lower the sodium content, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
Balance: To make the dish healthier, pair it with vegetables like broccoli or a fresh salad. This will help add fiber and vitamins to your meal, making it more balanced.

By making a few adjustments, you can enjoy the flavor of crispy sesame chicken while keeping things on the healthier side.

FAQs

Common Questions About Crispy Sesame Chicken

Let’s answer some common questions about crispy sesame chicken.

Can I make Crispy Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance. Just fry the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day. When ready to serve, heat them together for a quick meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy sesame chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the chicken crispy.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They may not be as juicy as thighs, but they will still work well. Just make sure not to overcook them.
Is this dish spicy?
Traditional crispy sesame chicken isn’t very spicy. If you want a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add more ginger, garlic, or chili oil to the sauce if you like a spicier kick. Adjust it to suit your taste!

These quick answers should help you enjoy making and serving crispy sesame chicken with ease.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts

Crispy sesame chicken is a dish that packs a lot of flavor and texture. It’s crispy, sweet, and savory all in one. Whether you enjoy it at a restaurant or make it at home, this dish never disappoints.

It’s easy to prepare, and you can adjust it to fit your preferences. From healthier swaps to different ways of serving it, there are plenty of options to make this dish your own.

So, why not give it a try? Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, crispy sesame chicken is sure to be a hit.

Crispy Sesame Chicken

Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crunchy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze, topped with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. This restaurant-style dish is perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 egg white
4 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Oil for frying
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1/4 cup water
1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Batter: Combine egg white, cornstarch, and flour. Coat the marinated chicken pieces evenly.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot.

Notes

1️⃣ Crispy Perfection: Ensure the oil is hot (around 175°C/350°F) before frying the chicken. This prevents the batter from absorbing excess oil and keeps the chicken crispy.

2️⃣ Sauce Timing: Add the fried chicken to the sauce just before serving to maintain its crunch. Over-soaking in the sauce can make the coating soggy.

3️⃣ Balanced Flavors: Taste the sauce before combining it with the chicken. Adjust sweetness (honey), saltiness (soy sauce), or tanginess (rice vinegar) to suit your preference.

Prep Time: 10 MIN
Cook Time: 20 MIN