Irresistible Sesame Chicken Recipe for Delicious Dinners

Name: Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cubed; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup water; Oil for sautéing; 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish); Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Recipe By:

Cristy Scott

Posted:

July 28, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of sesame chicken wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: crispy, golden-brown pieces of chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sauce, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds that shimmer like tiny diamonds. It’s a dish that dances on your taste buds and warms your heart, making it perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to solo Netflix binges.

Now, let me take you back to my first attempt at making sesame chicken. I was a wide-eyed novice in the kitchen, convinced that if I could tackle this dish, I’d finally earn my culinary badge of honor. Spoiler alert: I didn’t burn anything down! Instead, I created a glorious mess that resulted in a plateful of deliciousness. Let’s dive into this flavor adventure that promises to be as delightful as my early cooking escapades!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This sesame chicken recipe is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights.
The flavor is a delightful balance of sweet and savory that everyone will love.
With its golden hue and crunchy texture, it’s visually appealing enough for special occasions.
Enjoy it over rice or noodles, making it versatile for any meal plan!

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal. Ensure they are fresh and trimmed for the best results.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves; they’ll pack a flavorful punch in the sauce.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best; it allows you to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the saltiness of the soy sauce perfectly.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar brings acidity to cut through the richness.
Sesame Oil: Use toasted sesame oil for an authentic nutty flavor that elevates the dish.

End with: “The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.”

Recipe preparation for Sesame Chicken

How to Make Sesame Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cubing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss in your cubed chicken until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—this is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Sauté Time

Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken (discard any leftover marinade) and sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do it.

Step 4: Create That Delicious Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce (again!), brown sugar, cornstarch (for thickness), minced garlic, and some water. Pour this mixture over your sautéed chicken in the skillet.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it clings affectionately to each piece of chicken.

Step 6: Garnish Like a Pro

Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if you’re feeling fancy).

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Serve this masterpiece over fluffy rice or noodles; trust me—your taste buds will thank you!

And there you have it—your own homemade sesame chicken that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

You Must Know

This delicious sesame chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
The crispy coating and rich sauce make it a hit at any dinner table, and it’s easy to whip up in no time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse maximum flavor. Sear it until golden brown, then prepare your sauce while the chicken cooks. Finally, toss everything together for that mouthwatering sesame chicken experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein twist. Add some heat with red pepper flakes or customize the veggies in your stir-fry to match what you have on hand.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the sauce’s consistency and avoid sogginess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly crispy sesame chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain temperature.
Lastly, let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Sometimes, I remember the first time I made sesame chicken for my friends; they raved about it all night long! Their compliments made me feel like a five-star chef, even though I was just following my own recipe.

FAQs :

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. This dish often includes sesame seeds sprinkled on top for added flavor and texture. It is usually served with steamed rice or fried rice, making it a delicious and satisfying meal option.

How can I make Sesame Chicken healthier?

To make Sesame Chicken healthier, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying it. You can also use whole-grain breadcrumbs for coating and reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce. Adding more vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers can boost the nutritional value while keeping the dish flavorful and colorful.

Can I use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can easily substitute tofu for chicken to create a vegetarian version of Sesame Chicken. Firm or extra-firm tofu works best; simply press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and follow the same cooking process as you would with chicken. The sauce will enhance the flavor, making it an excellent meatless option.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Sesame Chicken?

Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a classic combination. You might also enjoy it with stir-fried vegetables, egg rolls, or even a fresh cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Conclusion for Sesame Chicken :

In summary, Sesame Chicken offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that many enjoy. By utilizing simple ingredients like chicken, sesame seeds, and a savory sauce, you can create this delightful dish at home. Whether you choose to bake or fry the chicken, customizing this recipe allows for endless possibilities. Don’t hesitate to explore healthier options or variations to suit your dietary preferences while enjoying this timeless favorite!

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