Can you really make sesame chicken at home that’s better than takeout? This quick and easy recipe uses toasted sesame oil and crispy breadcrumbs to create a weeknight dinner favorite, perfect for a homemade family meal, try the simple pan-frying method and save this idea

Crispy Sesame Chicken Better Than Takeout

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a dish that’s not only crispy on the outside but also tender and juicy on the inside, bursting with the nutty flavor of sesame and the savory goodness of chicken. This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is a game-changer, offering a culinary experience that rivals your favorite takeout but with the satisfaction of being homemade. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Using everyday ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creativity lies in its simplicity, allowing you to experiment with various flavors and textures to make it your own.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the savory taste of chicken, the crunch of sesame seeds, and the subtle sweetness of the sauce, all made with ingredients that are easily found in most grocery stores.
Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to prepare, making this dish accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the dish presents beautifully and tastes complex, making it an impressive option for entertaining guests or satisfying your family’s cravings.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sesame oil, sesame seeds, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. For the chicken coating, you’ll need all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and eggs. Practical substitutions can be made for sesame oil with avocado oil or for soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. The sesame seeds can be toasted lightly in a pan before use to enhance their flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to adjust the level of spiciness or sweetness to your taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the garlic and ginger finely, and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Beat the eggs in another bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, then coat each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, followed by dipping in the beaten eggs, and finally rolling in sesame seeds to coat.
Step 3: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add a few pieces of the coated chicken (do not overcrowd) and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Step 4: For the final touches, place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and scallions, accompanied by your choice of steamed vegetables or rice.

Handy Tips

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve the perfect crisp. Too low, and the chicken will absorb too much oil; too high, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy or undercooked chicken.
For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken pieces in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially during the frying process. The ideal temperature for frying the chicken is between 350°F and 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the heat by dropping a small piece of the coating into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the sesame seed coating and the crispy exterior achieved through frying. To enhance the crunch, make sure the sesame seeds are freshly toasted, and the oil is at the right temperature for frying. Additionally, not overcooking the chicken helps retain its juiciness, providing a nice contrast to the crunchy outside.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the perfect frying temperature, reducing the risk of undercooked or overcooked chicken.
For easier cleanup, line your work surface with parchment paper before coating the chicken, and use a tray or plate with parchment paper to hold the coated chicken pieces before frying.
Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture, such as paprika or dried herbs, to give the chicken an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Tips

Leftover crispy sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
For longer storage, the chicken can be frozen after frying, placed in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and reheated in the oven when needed.
The best containers for storing are those that are airtight and can prevent moisture from affecting the crunch of the sesame coating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish can be beautifully presented as a gift, especially for occasions like birthdays or holidays. Consider packaging the crispy sesame chicken in decorative containers or bags, accompanied by a side of steamed rice or vegetables, and a sauce for dipping. Add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a small plant on the side, making it a thoughtful and delicious gift for anyone.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Add some heat with red pepper flakes, or a smoky flavor with smoked paprika.
Creative toppings: Serve the chicken with a variety of toppings such as diced scallions, toasted almonds, or pickled ginger for added texture and flavor.
Ingredient swaps: Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or swap the sesame seeds with chopped nuts for a different crunch.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the chicken becomes too greasy, it may be due to the oil not being hot enough. If it’s too dry, it could be overcooked.
Ingredient replacements: Always consider the flavor profile and texture when substituting ingredients. For example, replacing sesame oil with olive oil will change the flavor significantly.
Over/undercooking signs: The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Undercooked chicken will feel soft and squishy, while overcooked chicken will be hard and dry.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the crispy sesame chicken after it’s been fried. Simply place the pieces in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and reheat in the oven when needed.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari and ensuring the other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd. Just be sure to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, adjusting the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a dish to impress your guests, this crispy sesame chicken is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the process of cooking a meal that’s not only better than takeout but also made with love and care, right in your own kitchen.

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