Sesame Chicken

Delicious Sesame Chicken with Crispy Coating and Sticky Glaze 🥢🍯✨

1. Introduction

If you love sesame chicken, this recipe for crispy sesame chicken with a sticky, flavorful sesame glaze is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive weekend meal. The secret to achieving that irresistible crispy coating paired with a luscious, sticky glaze makes this dish a must-try for any chicken stir-fry enthusiast. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite ingredients and side dishes.

2. Ingredients for Sesame Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sticky Sesame Glaze

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze

Prepping the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up your breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with sesame seeds. Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Frying the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Preparing the Sesame Glaze

In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. Stir in toasted sesame seeds at the end.

Glazing the Chicken

Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Let them cook together for a minute or two to let the flavors meld and the glaze stick to the chicken.

4. Storage Tips for Leftovers

Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in an oven or air fryer rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy. For example, you can use a compact air fryer to revive the crispiness effortlessly.

5. Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant touch. For a complete meal, consider browsing this spicy sesame-carrot-lentil soup as a side.

6. FAQ: Common Questions About Sesame Chicken

Can I make this sesame chicken recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for a gluten-free crispy sesame chicken.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

Overall, this recipe takes approximately 30-40 minutes from prep to finish, making it ideal for a quick dinner.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will stay juicier and lend a richer flavor to your sesame stir-fry. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Necessary for quick reheating and achieving extra crispiness without extra oil.
• T-fal 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for frying and sautéing the chicken and sauce.
• Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Versatile for preparing different parts of the meal and reheating leftovers with ease.
• Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker: For a cup of coffee to enjoy with your meal.

8. Tips for Perfecting Your Sesame Chicken

• Use fresh sesame seeds for the best flavor and aroma.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get that crunchy coating.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or soy sauce as per your taste preferences.
• Mix the ingredients for the sauce thoroughly to avoid clumps and ensure an even glaze.

9. Conclusion

Enjoy making this delicious sesame chicken with crispy coating and sticky glaze at home! The combination of crispy textures and rich, sweet, and savory flavors makes it a standout dish that everyone will love. Once you master the steps, you can easily customize it with different ingredients or spice levels. Don’t forget to explore other Asian-inspired recipes on our site to elevate your dinner menu even further. Happy cooking!

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