Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious and crispy chicken dish that’s easy to make at home, look no further than this Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe! Bursting with flavor and topped with a sweet and savory sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or entertaining guests over the weekend. The combination of crispy chicken and a tasty sesame sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why Make This Recipe

There are several reasons to try this Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious! The crispy coating, combined with the sweet and tangy sauce, makes for a mouthwatering combination. Secondly, making this dish at home is straightforward, and you get to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier version compared to takeout. Finally, this recipe allows for customization; you can adjust the level of sweetness or spice to suit your preferences.

How to Make Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken

Creating delicious Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken involves a few simple steps. Follow along with this guide to ensure perfect results!

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable)
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Directions

Prepare Coating: In a medium to large-sized shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then into the flour mixture. Place the coated chicken pieces on a large plate and repeat until all pieces are coated.
Heat Oil: In a deep pot, add about 3-3.5 inches of oil and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fry Chicken: Once the oil is heated, fry the chicken in batches, adding about 8 pieces at a time. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Sauté Garlic: In a large pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the sauce mixture to the pan and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until thickened. Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even a side of sautéed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some spring rolls. Presentation is key, so arrange the chicken attractively on a serving platter and garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Store Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, ensure that the chicken is heated thoroughly to maintain its flavor and texture. For best results, reheat in an oven to help retain some crispness.

Tips to Make Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying; if it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
For extra crunch, double coat the chicken pieces by repeating the egg and flour/cornstarch dipping process.
Adjust the sweetness of your sauce according to your taste by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar.

Variations

If you’re looking to add more flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce and sesame oil before coating them. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier result and work well with this recipe.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives to cornstarch.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep; simply store individual portions in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken! It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.