Description
Sesame Chicken brings Chinese takeout flavors straight to your kitchen with crispy, tender chicken coated in a tangy sauce. Perfecting this classic dish takes just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills anyone can master.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasoning:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Dice 1 pound of chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized chunks for consistent cooking.
- Dust chicken pieces thoroughly with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet at medium-high temperature (around 375°F).
- Cook chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and quickly sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon ginger for 30 seconds.
- Pour ½ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil into the skillet.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and develops a glossy consistency.
- Return chicken pieces to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece completely with sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Cook chicken in sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors and maintain heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds before serving immediately.
Notes
- Cornstarch coating is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture, so make sure each chicken piece is completely and evenly covered.
- If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out and create a smoother consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your honey is certified gluten-free.
- When cooking chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 1360 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg