Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken brings the restaurant-quality flavors of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds, right into your home kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of crunch and flavor, and you can make it in under 30 minutes! With this recipe, you’ll be able to skip the takeout and create a healthier, homemade version of your favorite dish.

ingredients

Chicken breast (or thighs)
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt and pepper
Egg
Soy sauce
Garlic (minced)
Fresh ginger (minced)
Rice vinegar
Honey
Sesame oil
Water
Sesame seeds (toasted)
Green onions (for garnish)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

directions

In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Whisk in the egg and a little water to form a smooth batter.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them in the batter.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and water, stirring to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the fried chicken back into the pan and toss until the chicken is coated with the sauce.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

For extra crunch, double coat the chicken in the batter before frying.
Add some heat by stirring in a little sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different twist.
Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added color and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store the leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken in a pan over medium heat to regain its crispiness. You can also microwave it, though the crispiness will be lost.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe and offer a juicier result.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken pieces and store them separately from the sauce, then combine them just before serving.

What type of soy sauce should I use?
Use light soy sauce for a more balanced flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, you can opt for dark soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe without sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with a neutral oil, though the taste may not be quite the same.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains flour and soy sauce, which both contain gluten. However, you can swap them for gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy homemade dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for takeout. With crispy chicken and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to leave the house.