The sizzle of golden chicken frying in a hot pan and the irresistible aroma of sesame and garlic wafting through the kitchen can turn any ordinary evening into a celebration of flavors. I found this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe during one of my “what’s for dinner?” moments, and it quickly became a staple in my home. With a blend of soy sauce and crisp tempura batter, each bite bursts with flavor and warmth that makes you feel like you’re dining out, even when you’re just at home in your sweats.
This dish strikes the perfect balance for anyone tired of generic takeout—it’s a delightful twist that feels gourmet yet comes together in no time. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day, Easy Sesame Chicken caters to the cravings for something both comforting and scrumptious. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bring that restaurant experience into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sesame Chicken?
Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal prep and uses straightforward ingredients, making it accessible for all home cooks.
Flavor Explosion: A combination of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of garlic offers a mouthwatering experience that will make your taste buds dance.
Crispy Texture: The crispy tempura coating creates a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the tender chicken inside.
Versatile Dish: Whether served over rice, noodles, or on its own, this dish adapts effortlessly, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Quick to Prepare: This meal can be whipped up in a flash, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a favorite among family and friends, ensuring that everyone at your table will be asking for seconds! Discover more quick weeknight dinners!
Easy Sesame Chicken Ingredients
For the Sauce
- Soy sauce – adds depth and a savory umami flavor to the dish.
- Rice vinegar – balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
- Brown sugar – provides sweetness that enhances the sauce’s richness.
- Corn starch – thickens the sauce for a perfect glaze.
- Water – helps to dissolve ingredients and create the right consistency.
- Sesame oil – infuses a nutty aroma that complements the chicken.
- Sesame seeds – add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
For the Tempura Batter
- Cornstarch – gives the batter a crispy texture when fried.
- Flour – helps bind the ingredients for a smooth coating.
- Egg whites – provide structure and create a light, airy batter.
- Cold seltzer water – keeps the batter light and adds extra crispiness.
For the Chicken
- Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless – chosen for their juiciness and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil – essential for deep frying, ensuring a perfect golden-brown finish.
- Crushed red pepper – adds just a hint of spice for warmth and flavor.
- Minced garlic – brings aromatic goodness that elevates the dish.
With these ingredients at hand, you’ll be on your way to creating mouthwatering Easy Sesame Chicken that will have everyone asking for your recipe!
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
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Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, corn starch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Whisk well until the sugar dissolves, creating a glossy sauce.
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Prepare Batter: In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch, flour, and egg whites. Gradually incorporate the cold seltzer water, whisking until the batter is smooth and slightly frothy.
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Heat Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep frying pan to cover the bottom by at least an inch. Heat over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F, perfect for frying.
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Coat Chicken: Dip the chicken chunks in the tempura batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place them in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
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Fry Chicken: Fry the chicken for about 4-6 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté Aromatics: In another pan, heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Combine and Heat: Add the fried chicken to the pan with garlic and spice. Pour in the prepared sesame chicken sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, tossing to coat everything evenly.
Optional: Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Easy Sesame Chicken?
Picture a delightful weeknight dinner where each element beautifully complements the savory notes of the chicken, creating a meal that comforts the soul.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the delicious sauce, balancing the dish with a subtle fragrance that elevates every bite. It’s a classic choice that brings simplicity to the table.
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Garlic Bok Choy: This sautéed green veggie adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color, brightening the plate while offering a nutrient-rich side that harmonizes with the sesame sauce.
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Crispy Egg Rolls: These crunchy bites offer a satisfying texture contrast and are perfect for a fun finger-food experience. Pair with sweet and sour dipping sauce for an extra pop of flavor.
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Asian Slaw: A colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a tangy sesame dressing adds freshness and crispness, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken.
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Brown Rice Noodles: Delicate yet springy, these noodles can be served alongside or under the chicken. They absorb the sauce beautifully, giving a comforting nod to your favorite takeout.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing side that cools the palate, this salad adds a burst of zest and crunch that lifts the flavors of the sesame chicken.
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Mango Lassi: For a thirst-quenching drink, this creamy yogurt-based beverage cuts through the savory richness, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
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Sesame Seed Cookies: End your meal with these sweet, nutty bites that echo the essence of sesame throughout your dining experience, leaving everyone satisfied and happy.
Expert Tips for Easy Sesame Chicken
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Batter Consistency: Make sure the tempura batter is smooth but not too runny; it should coat the chicken nicely for that crispy crunch.
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Oil Temperature: Proper oil temperature is key; too low, and the chicken will absorb oil, making it greasy. A ideal frying temperature is about 350°F.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches! Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy Easy Sesame Chicken.
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Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken sit on paper towels briefly, ensuring excess oil is absorbed for a lighter, crisper bite.
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Sauce Timing: Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to keep it crispy; if it sits too long, the coating can become soggy.
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Customization: Feel free to adjust the spice by adding more or less crushed red pepper for a heat level that matches your taste.
Easy Sesame Chicken Variations
Feel free to mix and match these delightful twists and substitutions to make this dish your own!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to create a suitable batter and sauce for gluten-sensitive friends. It’s just as delicious!
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced fresh jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a flavorful heat that elevates every bite. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Honey Garlic: Swap brown sugar with honey to create a sweet and sticky version that pairs perfectly with the savory elements. It’s a comforting combination!
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Veggie Delight: For a meatless option, substitute chicken with crispy tofu or a mix of vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. A plant-based feast awaits!
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Crunchy Coating: Add crushed peanuts or panko breadcrumbs to the batter before frying for an extra layer of texture. This twist adds an irresistible crunch!
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Citrus Zing: Incorporate a tablespoon of fresh orange or lemon juice into the sauce for a zesty touch that brightens the flavors. Citrus lovers will rejoice!
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Sweet & Savory: Mix in pineapple chunks into the sauté step for a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. It’s a tropical paradise on your plate!
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Sesame Flavor Boost: Swap out regular sesame oil for toasted sesame oil to enhance the nutty flavor in your dish. You’ll fall in love with the deeper aroma!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Sesame Chicken preparations are a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can prepare the sauce and tempura batter up to 24 hours in advance by whisking together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, corn starch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Store these components in airtight containers in the refrigerator to preserve their flavors. Additionally, you can cut the chicken into chunks and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When it’s time to cook, just dip the marinated chicken in the batter, fry it until golden, and toss in the sautéed garlic and sesame chicken sauce for that delicious finish. This way, you’ll achieve quick, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, perfect for anytime cravings!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Sesame Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Easy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s cooled before sealing.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat, until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Sauce Storage: Keep any extra sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week and drizzle over freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. They remain tender and moist during the frying process, making them a fantastic choice for Easy Sesame Chicken.
How long can I store leftover Easy Sesame Chicken in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure the chicken has cooled down before sealing to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Can I freeze Easy Sesame Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the chicken to cool completely and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for about 2 months. For best results, make sure to separate any sauce you have before freezing.
How do I reheat frozen Easy Sesame Chicken?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking tray and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the coating soggy.
Can I make this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe allergen-friendly?
Certainly! If you have allergies, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos can also work as a soy sauce alternative. For egg sensitivities, you might use a plant-based egg replacer or skip the egg whites entirely in the batter, though the texture may be slightly different.
What if the tempura batter is too thick or too thin?
If your tempura batter is too thick, gradually add more cold seltzer water until you achieve a smoother consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, mix in a little more cornstarch and flour to thicken it up. The ideal batter should coat the chicken evenly without being runny.
Savory Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, corn starch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Whisk well until the sugar dissolves.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch, flour, and egg whites. Gradually incorporate the cold seltzer water, whisking until smooth.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan to cover the bottom by at least an inch. Heat over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F.
- Dip the chicken chunks in the tempura batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place them in the hot oil.
- Fry the chicken for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, sautéing for 1 minute.
- Add the fried chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, tossing to coat.