Savor the Delight: Homemade Sesame Chicken

Imagine biting into crispy, golden-brown pieces of chicken glazed with a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce, each morsel bursting with the rich flavors of sesame and soy. This Sesame Chicken recipe brings the magic of your favorite takeout to your kitchen, making it an instant family favorite. Follow this recipe, and prepare to impress with your culinary prowess.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large wok or skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Extra toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
   • Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat with the cornstarch mixture. Ensure each piece is fully covered for maximum crispiness.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
   • Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
   • Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the sauce until evenly coated.
   • Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delectable Sesame Chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. A side of egg rolls or a crisp Asian slaw would also complement the savory and sweet flavors beautifully. You’ll find yourself relishing the process as much as the end result, crafting a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Your family will delight in the rich flavors and textures, and you’ll enjoy every moment of bringing this dish to life.