Easy Sesame Chicken
Are you craving a delicious, flavorful meal that you can whip up in no time? Look no further than this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe! It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a touch of nuttiness from the sesame seeds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress both your taste buds and your dinner guests. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering dish!
The Secret Sauce
At the heart of this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe lies the secret sauce. It’s a tantalizing blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, which infuses the chicken with a burst of flavor. Just imagine the savory soy sauce dancing with the sweetness of honey, while the garlic and ginger add a delightful kick. It’s like a symphony of flavors in your mouth!
A Perfectly Crispy Coating
Now, let’s talk about that crispy coating on the chicken. It’s what sets this dish apart and gives it that satisfying crunch with every bite. Think of it as a suit of armor for the tender chicken pieces. Just like a knight in shining armor, this coating protects the succulent chicken from drying out while adding a delightful texture.
The Magic of Cornstarch
The secret behind the crispy coating is cornstarch. It’s like a secret weapon that transforms the chicken into a golden, crispy masterpiece. When combined with the soy sauce, the cornstarch forms a thin barrier around each piece of chicken, sealing in the juices and creating that irresistible crunch.
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Now that you know the secrets behind this delectable dish, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Easy Sesame Chicken. First, you’ll start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and infuse it with deliciousness.
Next, you’ll coat the marinated chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and spices. This is where the magic happens and the chicken gets its crispy coating. Once coated, you’ll fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The result is a plate full of tender chicken with a heavenly crunch.
Finally, it’s time to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Not only do they add a beautiful visual touch, but they also enhance the flavor with their nutty aroma. It’s like the finishing touch that takes this dish from great to extraordinary.
A Crowd-Pleaser With Versatility
Easy Sesame Chicken is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a versatile dish. You can serve it as a main course with a side of steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal. Or, you can slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering. The possibilities are endless!
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, give this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe a try. With its flavorful sauce, crispy coating, and nutty sesame seeds, it’s a dish that will leave you craving for more. Bon app√©tit!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Of course! Chicken thighs can be a great alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They have a higher fat content, which can result in juicier and more flavorful chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute to make this dish gluten-free. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as cornstarch and spices, are also gluten-free.
3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, to this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe. Just stir-fry them along with the chicken for a complete and nutritious meal.
4. How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or additional sauce.
5. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier version of Easy Sesame Chicken, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
6. Can I use sesame oil instead of sesame seeds?
Sesame oil can be a great substitute for sesame seeds if you don’t have any on hand. Just drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the finished dish for that nutty flavor.
7. Can I make this recipe in advance?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. Keep the marinated chicken in the refrigerator and fry it just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.
8. Can I freeze Easy Sesame Chicken?
It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked Easy Sesame Chicken, as the crispy coating may become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the uncooked marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before frying.
Easy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 4 boneless , skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of chile-garlic sauce (such as Sriracha®)
- 2 cloves of garlic , chopped
- 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger root
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds (divided)
- 2 green onions , chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and toss it in the mixture to coat it.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches in the skillet, turning occasionally, until it is lightly browned. This should take about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chile-garlic sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and toss it to coat the chicken.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This should take about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken.
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