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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 method to prepare five different variations of sesame chicken, focusing on foundational techniques that can be adapted for various flavor profiles. It emphasizes crispy chicken and a versatile sesame sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Basic Sesame Sauce
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
For Garnish
  • sesame seeds toasted
  • green onions sliced

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Bowls
  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wire rack
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season them with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk the egg; in another bowl, place the cornstarch.
  3. Dip each chicken piece first in the egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring an even layer.
Fry the Chicken
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and drain on a wire rack.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a medium saucepan.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce mixture.
  3. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the thickened sauce and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve immediately with rice or noodles.

Notes

For different variations, consider adding orange zest for an orange sesame chicken, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or broccoli florets for a complete meal. Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent for crispy chicken.