Sesame chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish loved for its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, paired with a satisfyingly crispy texture. Often seen on takeout menus, this dish combines tender chicken with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. The sauce coats crispy pieces of chicken, creating a delightful blend of crunch and flavor in every bite.

Making sesame chicken at home offers many benefits. Not only is it fun and satisfying to prepare your favorite takeout-style dish in your own kitchen, but it’s also more cost-effective. You have full control over the quality of ingredients and can adjust the recipe to your taste. Plus, homemade versions can be healthier, free from excess oils and preservatives typically found in restaurant versions.

The Essential Ingredients for Sesame Chicken 

Sesame Chicken Sauce:

The sauce is what defines sesame chicken, giving it its signature sweet and savory flavor. Key ingredients include:

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces a rich sweetness that caramelizes during cooking.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Used as a garnish, they add a slight crunch and visual appeal.

Tempura Batter:

A light, crispy batter is key to perfect sesame chicken, and tempura-style batter works beautifully. It uses:

• Cornstarch and Flour: This combination creates a crispy, non-greasy coating.
• Egg Whites: These give the batter structure and help it adhere to the chicken.
• Cold Seltzer Water: The carbonation in the seltzer lightens the batter, creating a delicate crunch.

Chicken Thighs:

Chicken thighs are preferred over breasts because of their natural juiciness and richer flavor. Thighs remain tender after frying, unlike breasts, which can dry out.

Spices and Oils:

Sesame oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper elevate the dish, adding a fragrant aroma and a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.

Preparing the Sesame Chicken Sauce 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until the cornstarch dissolves.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens, typically within 3-5 minutes.
3. Once the sauce reaches a glossy, syrup-like consistency, remove it from heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more water to thin it out.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust to your preference. You can add a bit more vinegar for extra tang or more sugar for a sweeter profile.

Achieving the Right Consistency:

The secret to the perfect sauce lies in the balance between the cornstarch and water. If the sauce thickens too much, it won’t coat the chicken properly. If too thin, it won’t cling to the chicken pieces. Continuously stirring while heating ensures an even thickness.

Variations for the Sauce:

• For a spicier kick, add chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Replace brown sugar with honey for a smoother sweetness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to make a healthier version without compromising on flavor.

Storage Tips:

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of water to restore its consistency if it thickens during storage.

The Importance of a Good Tempura Batter 

How to Make the Perfect Tempura Batter:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix ½ cup of cornstarch and ½ cup of flour.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk two egg whites until frothy.
3. Add the egg whites and ½ cup of cold seltzer water into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.

Why Cold Seltzer is Crucial:

Cold seltzer water adds carbonation, which creates air pockets in the batter, making it crispy without being heavy or greasy. The colder the seltzer, the better it prevents gluten development, resulting in a lighter texture.

Tips to Avoid Overmixing:

When mixing, you want to keep the batter slightly lumpy. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, making the batter dense and chewy rather than light and crisp. For the best texture, stir only until the ingredients are combined.

Alternatives:

For those with dietary restrictions:

• Beer batter can be used as an alternative to seltzer, providing extra flavor.
• A gluten-free version can be made using gluten-free flour and cornstarch.

Preparing the Chicken 

Cutting and Marinating Chicken:

Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure even frying. Next, lightly marinate the chicken with 2 teaspoons of sesame oil and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper. The sesame oil adds a fragrant nuttiness, while the red pepper gives the chicken a subtle, spicy kick.

Pre-Frying Steps:

One of the key steps to achieving perfectly crispy chicken is ensuring the pieces are dry before dipping them into the batter. Pat the chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter sticks well and fries up crispy, without steaming inside the oil.

The marination process only needs a few minutes, allowing the flavors of sesame oil and red pepper to soak in. However, you can marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes if you have extra time.

Frying the Chicken to Perfection 

Heating the Oil:

Fill a deep frying pan or wok with vegetable oil to about 3 inches deep and heat it to 350°F. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for even frying. Too hot, and the batter will burn without cooking the chicken; too cold, and the chicken will absorb excess oil, resulting in a soggy texture.

Frying in Batches:

To achieve maximum crispiness, fry the chicken in small batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and prevents the chicken from frying evenly. Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring they don’t touch. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Troubleshooting Common Frying Mistakes:

• If your chicken comes out too oily or soggy, it’s likely because the oil temperature was too low. Use a thermometer to monitor the heat.
• Chicken turning too dark on the outside but remaining raw inside is a sign of too-hot oil. Lower the heat slightly and continue frying.

Healthier Frying Alternatives:

For a lighter version, consider using an air fryer or baking the chicken in an oven. Both methods offer a crispy texture without the added oil. For oven baking, preheat to 400°F and bake the battered chicken on a wire rack for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Bringing It All Together: Final Cooking Steps 

Once the chicken is perfectly fried, the final steps involve incorporating aromatics and the sauce to enhance flavor while preserving crispiness.

Sautéing Aromatics:

In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with deep, aromatic flavors, creating a savory base for the sauce.

Coating the Chicken:

Once the aromatics are fragrant, pour in the prepared sesame chicken sauce. Stir to ensure it heats evenly. Quickly toss the fried chicken into the pan, stirring gently to coat each piece with the sauce. To maintain the crispy texture, avoid leaving the chicken in the sauce for too long. Toss just until each piece is evenly coated.

Optional Garnishes:

Garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of crunch and chopped green onions for freshness. These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but also elevate the dish’s presentation.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas 

Serving the Crispy Sesame Chicken:

Crispy sesame chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce, or fried rice for an added dimension of flavor. For noodle lovers, sesame chicken can also be served over lo mein or udon noodles.

Pairing with Vegetables:

Balance the dish with a side of vibrant vegetables. Stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are excellent options that complement the richness of the chicken. Lightly steamed or stir-fried veggies bring color, texture, and nutritional value to the meal, rounding out the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

1. Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Always fry in small batches for maximum crispiness.
2. Over-mixing the batter: Stirring the batter too much activates the gluten, resulting in a dense and heavy coating. Keep the batter slightly lumpy to ensure lightness.
3. Not drying the chicken thoroughly before frying: If the chicken isn’t properly dried, moisture will interfere with the batter sticking and crisping, leaving you with soggy pieces.
4. Allowing the sauce to sit too long before tossing the chicken: The sauce should be quickly tossed with the fried chicken to maintain its crispy texture. Letting the chicken sit too long in the sauce will make it soggy.

FAQs 

1. Can I make sesame chicken without deep frying?
   • Yes, for a healthier version, you can try oven-baking or using an air fryer. Both methods offer a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   • Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out.
3. What is the best oil for frying sesame chicken?
   • Vegetable oil or peanut oil are ideal choices for frying due to their high smoke points, which ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning the oil.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, rather than microwaving.

Conclusion 

Making crispy sesame chicken at home is a rewarding experience that’s both fun and simple. By following a few key steps, such as preparing the perfect tempura batter and controlling oil temperature during frying, you can achieve restaurant-quality results. Plus, homemade sesame chicken allows for customization—you can adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and even the frying method to suit your preferences.

Not only is it more cost-effective than ordering takeout, but it’s also healthier since you control the ingredients and avoid excess oils and preservatives. Whether serving it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, crispy sesame chicken is a versatile dish that’s sure to impress. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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