Welcome to the ultimate sesame chicken recipe. It turns ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 35 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want a flavourful meal that’s easy to make.
Imagine crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet-savoury sauce. They’re sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. The sesame chicken recipe I’m about to share will become your new go-to meal for satisfying weeknight dinners or impressive weekend gatherings.
In just five straightforward steps, you’ll master the art of creating a delectable chicken sesame seeds dish. It will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned kitchen pro, this recipe promises foolproof deliciousness with minimal effort.
Packed with 25g of protein per serving and ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s nutritionally balanced and incredibly convenient. Get ready to elevate your home cooking game!
Table of Contents
The Magic of Chicken and Sesame: A Flavorful Pairing
Discover the amazing connection between chicken and sesame. It turns a simple sesame chicken dish into a feast for the taste buds! This duo brings together perfect flavours and textures, making your cooking as good as a restaurant’s.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are tiny but mighty, full of health benefits. They add a nutritional boost to your crispy sesame chicken. This makes your dish not only tasty but also very healthy.
- Rich in protein and healthy fats
- Abundant in essential minerals like calcium and zinc
- Loaded with powerful antioxidants
- Supports heart and bone health
Why Chicken Loves Sesame
The combination of sesame sticky chicken is perfect. Chicken’s mild taste pairs well with the nutty flavour of toasted sesame seeds. This mix is a delight for your taste buds.
| Chicken Type | Sesame Compatibility | Flavour Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Excellent | Rich, Juicy |
| Chicken Breasts | Good | Lean, Mild |
Preparing Your Ingredients
Getting your ingredients ready is essential for a great sesame chicken dish. Use fresh ingredients, toast your sesame seeds, and make sure your chicken is at room temperature. This will help you achieve the best results.
Pro tip: Toasting sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes intensifies their nutty flavour!
Now you’re all set to start a culinary adventure. You’ll turn simple ingredients into a truly special meal!
Step 1: Choose the Right Chicken
Choosing the right chicken is key to making delicious sticky chicken with sesame seeds. Whether you’re making crispy chicken with sesame seeds or a classic sticky chicken and rice, the chicken you pick is important!
Types of Chicken for Cooking
When making your sesame chicken, you have two main choices:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and full of protein
- Chicken Thighs: More flavourful and tender
“The secret to perfect chicken is in the selection and preparation.” – Professional Chef
Tips for Selecting Quality Chicken
Choosing the right chicken is essential for a tasty meal. Here are my top tips:
- Go for boneless, skinless cuts for easier prep
- Look for fresh, pink meat with no discolouration
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking
| Chicken Cut | Calories per 100g | Protein Content |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 165 kcal | 31g |
| Chicken Thigh | 209 kcal | 26g |
Pro tip: For the ultimate crispy chicken with sesame seeds, use 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Remember, consistent piece size guarantees perfect cooking every time!
Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Turning regular chicken into a mouthwatering crunchy sesame chicken starts with a great marinade. The secret is to mix flavours that will excite your taste buds!
Essential Marinade Components
Making the perfect marinade for your chinese sesame chicken is key. Here’s what you need:
- Fat: Sesame oil (4 tablespoons)
- Salt: Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup)
- Acid: Rice wine or rice vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Flavour Enhancers: Garlic, ginger, honey
Marinating Time Matters
How long you marinate your chicken is important. Here’s a quick guide:
- Minimum marinating time: 30 minutes
- Optimal marinating time: 1-4 hours
- Maximum marinating time:
- Chicken breasts: Up to 12 hours
- Chicken thighs: Up to 24 hours
Pro tip: Never marinate chicken for more than 24 hours, as the acid can break down the protein and alter the texture.
Marinade Preparation Secrets
For the best flavour, mix your marinade well. Use chicken breast or thigh cut into 1-inch pieces for even coating. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
With these tips, you’re set to make a chicken dish that will wow everyone!
Step 3: The Perfect Crunch: Coating Options
Want that perfect crunch in your sesame chicken? The secret is in the coating. Whether you’re making Asian chicken sesame style or trying new things, this guide will make your kitchen crispy.
Sesame Seed Coating Techniques
For a great sesame seed chicken coating, you need precision and creativity. Here are some top tips for that golden, crispy look:
- Mix 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs before coating
- Press the sesame seed mixture firmly onto the chicken
Alternative Coating Options
Not all coatings are the same! For variety, try these tasty alternatives:
| Coating Type | Ingredients | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Cornstarch Coating | Cornstarch, salt, white pepper | Ultra-crispy and light |
| Almond Flour Coating | Almond flour, sesame seeds | Gluten-free, nutty flavour |
| Panko Breadcrumb Mix | Panko, sesame seeds, herbs | Classic crispy texture |
Pro tip: For extra crunch, chill your coated chicken for 30 minutes before cooking. It helps the coating stick better and gets even crisper!
“The key to perfect sesame chicken is all in the coating” – Chef’s Secret
Step 4: Cooking Methods: Frying vs. Baking
When making sesame chicken, knowing the best cooking methods is key. You can choose between frying or baking. Each way has its own benefits for a tasty sesame chicken dish at home.
Let’s look at the two main cooking methods to turn your chicken into a delicious dish!
Pros and Cons of Frying
- Crispy Texture: Deep frying makes the outside very crispy
- Faster cooking time (6-7 minutes)
- Intense flavour development
For frying, use a sesame chicken sauce that goes well with the crispy coating. Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
Baking for Healthier Options
- Less oil used
- Lower calorie dish
- Even cooking
Baking is a healthier choice but doesn’t lose out on taste. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Cooking Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Frying | 350°F (175°C) | 6-7 minutes | 428 kcal |
| Baking | 400°F (200°C) | 20 minutes | 316 kcal |
Recommended Cooking Times
Choose your method, but always cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check and avoid overcooking.
“Cooking is about passion, so it may look slightly temperamental in a way that it’s too assertive to the naked eye.” – Gordon Ramsay
Try both methods to find your favourite way to make the perfect sesame chicken!
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
The final touch to your toasted sesame chicken journey is all about creating a memorable dining experience. Plating isn’t just about taste – it’s an art form that transforms a simple quick sesame chicken recipe into a restaurant-worthy meal!
Let’s explore some delightful ways to serve your sesame seed sauce for chicken that will impress both family and guests.
Perfect Plating Techniques
- Use a white ceramic plate to make the golden sesame chicken pop
- Create height by stacking rice as a base
- Arrange chicken pieces artfully around the plate
- Sprinkle extra sesame seeds for texture
| Side Dish | Complementary Flavour | Nutrition Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Neutral base | Complex carbohydrates |
| Roasted Broccoli | Slight bitterness | High in vitamins |
| Sugar Snap Peas | Sweet crunch | Low-calorie vegetable |
Nutritional Insights
Each serving of our toasted sesame chicken contains 417 calories, providing a balanced meal with 32.5 grams of protein. Pro tip: garnish with finely chopped green onions for an extra flavour dimension!
“Great food is about creating memories on a plate” – Unknown Chef
Storage tip: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavour and food safety.
Top Dishes Featuring Chicken and Sesame
Start a journey through the world of sesame chicken recipes. It spans global cuisines, from Asian traditions to modern fusion. Sesame chicken is loved worldwide, crossing cultural lines.
The secret of sesame chicken is mixing different cooking styles. Let’s look at some amazing variations to spark your cooking.
Asian-Inspired Culinary Delights
Asian cuisines bring unique sesame chicken dishes. Here are some standout ones:
- Japanese Teriyaki Sesame Chicken
- Korean Bibimbap with Sesame-Glazed Chicken
- Singapore Chilli Sesame Chicken
Fusion Flavour Explorations
Creative chefs are making the sticky sesame chicken recipe their own. They add new twists:
| Cuisine | Unique Twist |
|---|---|
| Mexican-Asian Fusion | Sesame Chicken Tacos |
| Mediterranean Blend | Greek Salad with Sesame Chicken |
| Caribbean Inspiration | Jerk Sesame Chicken |
“Cooking is about passion, creativity, and the joy of exploring new flavours!”
These exciting variations keep your sesame chicken recipe fresh. Each dish brings a special taste experience. It’s all about the sesame’s rich flavour and the chicken’s crispiness.
Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- Wok or large frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Primary Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons canola oil for frying
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry for thickening
- Optional Add-Ons:
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes for heat
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat dry.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then coat with panko and sesame seeds, pressing firmly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 6-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a pan, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Toss and Coat: Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated in sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Is sesame chicken sweet or spicy?
Sesame chicken is mostly sweet with a slight savory balance. The sauce typically contains honey or sugar, giving it a caramelized flavor, while soy sauce and garlic add depth. Some recipes include a little heat from chili flakes or sriracha, but it’s generally not very spicy.
When to add sesame seeds to chicken?
Sesame seeds should be added at the end, right before serving. This keeps them crunchy and enhances their nutty flavor. Toasting them beforehand brings out even more aroma and depth.
What does sesame chicken taste like?
Sesame chicken has a rich, slightly sticky glaze with a balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a mild tang. The crispy coating of the chicken absorbs the sauce, making every bite flavorful with hints of garlic and soy.
What to serve sesame chicken with?
Sesame chicken pairs well with white rice, fried rice, or steamed vegetables. It also goes great with noodles, stir-fried greens, or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
Is sesame chicken like orange chicken?
Sesame chicken and orange chicken are similar in texture, but the flavors are different. Orange chicken has a tangy, citrusy kick from orange zest and juice, while sesame chicken leans more toward a nutty, sweet, and savory profile.
What is the taste of sesame?
Sesame has a warm, nutty flavor with a slight earthiness. Toasted sesame seeds bring out a deeper, richer taste, while sesame oil adds a bold, aromatic touch to dishes.