Sesame Chicken and a Delicious Sesame Chicken Sauce
Indulge in the savory goodness of homemade Sesame Chicken with a delectable Sesame Chicken Sauce. The sesame chicken sauce is the main component of sesame chicken. This is typically a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds. It’s thickened with a cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the fried chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
For Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
Coat the Chicken
- In three separate bowls, place the flour in one, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in the third, Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they’re coated evenly.
- Place the coated chicken on a plate.
Fry the Chicken
- In a large, deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Sesame Chicken Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and toasted sesame seeds, Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once it’s simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Continue to simmer and stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the sesame chicken sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly with the sauce.
Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions and more toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve the Sesame Chicken hot with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.
Tips and Tricks
For Sesame Chicken
Cut the Chicken Evenly: Ensure that you cut the chicken pieces into uniform sizes.
Properly Coat the Chicken: When breading the chicken, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
Check Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C).
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a drop in oil temperature.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the cooked chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
For Sesame Chicken Sauce
Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the sauce enhances their flavor. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden and fragrant.
Simmer for Thickness: When thickening the sauce with the cornstarch slurry, bring it to a simmer and stir continuously.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more honey for a sweeter flavor or reduce it for a less sweet sauce.
Balancing Flavors: If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a bit more rice vinegar. For more umami, increase the soy sauce. Balancing the flavors to your liking is key.
Double the Sauce: If you like your Sesame Chicken extra saucy, you can double the sauce recipe. It’s always a good idea to have extra sauce for drizzling or dipping.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce should have a thick, but pourable consistency. If it gets too thick, you can thin it with a little water or chicken broth.
Some Common Mistakes to Avoid
For Sesame Chicken
Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to fry in batches, leaving enough space between the pieces.
Inconsistent Chicken Size: Cutting the chicken into uneven pieces can result in some overcooking and others undercooking. Try to maintain uniform piece sizes for even frying.
Not Patting the Chicken Dry: Before breading the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can cause the breading to become soggy.
Oil Temperature: Frying the chicken in oil that is not hot enough can result in a greasy and less crispy texture. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the recommended temperature.
Skipping the Breading Steps: Properly coat the chicken with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Skipping any of these steps can result in an uneven and less crispy coating.
For Sesame Chicken Sauce
Not Toasting Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds enhances their flavor. Skipping this step can lead to a less aromatic sauce.
Not Simmering the Sauce: To thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry, it’s essential to bring it to a simmer. Adding the slurry to cold sauce may result in a lumpy or uneven consistency.
Over-Thickening the Sauce: Adding too much cornstarch slurry can make the sauce overly thick. It’s better to start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
Neglecting Taste Testing: Before pouring the sauce over the chicken, taste it to ensure it has the right balance of flavors. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess as needed.
Not Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, don’t be afraid to add a little water or chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
Rushing the Cooking Process: Take your time when cooking the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts for Sesame Chicken (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 milligrams
Nutrition Facts for Sesame Chicken Sauce (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 60-80 calories
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Fat: Approximately 2-3 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 0 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 400-500 milligrams
These nutrition facts are rough estimates and can vary based on factors like portion size, specific ingredients, and preparation methods. To get precise nutritional information, it’s best to calculate it based on the exact products and quantities you use when making the dish.
