Crispy Sesame Chicken Better Than Takeout

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Ditch the Takeout!

Fancy a sesame chicken recipe that's actually better than takeout? Honestly, who doesn't love that sweet and savory sesame chicken flavour? This recipe nails it.

It’s way quicker than waiting for delivery. Plus, you know exactly what's going in it.

Brief Overview: From China to Your Kitchen

Sesame chicken , while popular in American Chinese restaurants, has roots in classic Asian cooking. This easy sesame chicken recipe takes about an hour.

That includes marinating time. It yields enough for four people. Perfect with rice, obviously!

Main Benefits: Healthier and Happier

This homemade sesame chicken is packed with protein and flavour. You can control the amount of sugar and sodium, making it healthier than sesame chicken takeout .

This easy sesame chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. It's sure to be a crowd pleaser. The best part? You'll feel like a total rockstar chef!

Unleash the Crispy Magic

I was honestly a bit nervous the first time I tried a crispy sesame chicken recipe . I’m so glad I did.

Prep Like a Pro

I have had my own issues with not letting the chicken marinade for long enough. Just plan ahead. Let that chicken hang out in the fridge. It will pay off, I promise!

What You'll Need to Sizzle

Let's gather up everything, shall we? For the sesame chicken sauce recipe , you will need: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil.

Also, ginger, garlic, and chicken broth. For the chicken, grab your thighs, egg, and flour and cornstarch! I always keep sesame chicken with rice in mind!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you'll need for the sesame chicken recipe . Don't worry, it's easier than ordering sesame chicken takeout ! I promise.

We're making this homemade sesame chicken , and you'll feel like a proper chef.

Main Ingredients

First up, the main event. Get ready for some flavour! This easy sesame chicken recipe uses simple ingredients.

• Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken thighs, cubed. I always go for thighs, they stay juicy!
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper This is optional, but it gives a lovely zing!
• Chicken Coating:
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60g) cornstarch This is key for a crispy sesame chicken recipe .
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Sesame Chicken Sauce Recipe:
  • ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• Garnish:
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Seasoning Notes

Seriously, don't skip the ginger and garlic! They add so much depth. The sesame oil in the sesame chicken sauce recipe is also super important; it gives that classic asian sesame chicken recipe taste.

If you're out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. But honestly, get the rice vinegar! It makes a difference.

We are aiming for a sweet and savory sesame chicken .

Equipment Needed

Okay, nothing too fancy here! You'll need:

• A big bowl for mixing.
• A plate or dish for coating the chicken.
• A skillet or wok. I prefer a wok for my sesame chicken stir fry !
• A whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

That's it! Let's get cooking and you'll be serving up sesame chicken with rice in no time! It’s so good, better than anything you'd get from your local takeaway joint.

Cooking Method: Sesame Chicken - Crispy Perfection!

Honestly, who doesn't love sesame chicken takeout ? But let’s be real, sometimes you just want something fresher, right? I'm gonna show you how to nail this classic, making it even better than your local Chinese.

Think crispy sesame chicken recipe magic happening in your own kitchen. You know, that sweet and savory sesame chicken that's just perfect .

Prep Steps: The Key to Awesome

First things first: mise en place. Sounds fancy, but it just means get everything ready! Chop your 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken thighs.

Whisk together your marinade ingredients in that large bowl: 1 large egg , 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 1 tablespoon rice vinegar , 1 teaspoon ginger , 1 clove garlic , and a dash of white pepper if you’re feeling fancy.

Now, the best part: let that chicken soak in that marinade for at least 30 minutes or even 2 hours .

This adds extra tenderness and flavor. Time saving tip: Prep the sauce ingredients while the chicken marinates. Easy peasy! Remember: Always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken.

Stay safe!

step-by-step: From Raw to Righteous

1. Mix 1/2 cup flour , 1/2 cup cornstarch , 1 teaspoon baking powder , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in that shallow dish to create the coating.
2. Dredge each chicken piece in the coating. Shake off the extra.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Careful with that hot oil!
4. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4- 5 minutes per batch. It should hit a temp of 165° F ( 74° C) inside.
5. Drain on a wire rack.
6. Now, in another pan, whisk together your sauce ingredients and bring to simmer over medium heat for 2- 3 minutes until thick. This will be your sesame chicken sauce recipe .
7. Add the crispy chicken to the sticky sauce and toss it all together!
8. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions .

Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Status

Want that crispy sesame chicken recipe perfection? Don't overcrowd the pan when frying! This ensures even cooking and max crispiness.

A common mistake is adding all the chicken at once and so not achieving the right texture. Also, toast those sesame seeds! It wakes up the flavour.

This easy sesame chicken recipe is a winner, served with sesame chicken with rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

So forget sesame chicken stir fry and enjoy this better homemade sesame chicken . You can adjust the honey in the sauce to your liking.

A dash of red pepper flakes can add some heat to make a chinese sesame chicken recipe more like a proper asian sesame chicken recipe but I skip that.

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this banging sesame chicken recipe ? Ace! But before you get your pinny on, let's chat about some insider tips.

Making homemade sesame chicken is easier than you think!

Serving it Up Like a Pro

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think you're not fancy? Bollocks! Even a simple plate can look posh. I like to plate up my sweet and savory sesame chicken with a neat pile of sesame chicken with rice .

Then, sprinkle loads of toasted sesame seeds on top. A few sliced green onions give it a pop of colour.

Complementary Sides or Beverages: Honestly, a crisp lager goes down a treat with this. Or, for something non-boozy, a classic iced tea is spot on.

As for sides, simple is best: steamed broccoli, or a crunchy slaw works a treat. And never forget that a sesame chicken stir fry goes well with noodles.

Keeping It Fresh

Refrigeration Guidelines: So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that sesame chicken takeout wannabe in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, no probs.

Just make sure it's properly chilled before you store it.

Freezing Options (if applicable): Listen, I wouldn't recommend freezing the cooked chicken with the sauce. The chicken can get a bit soggy.

However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. The sesame chicken sauce recipe can also be frozen on its own.

Reheating Instructions: Reheating is easy peasy. Microwave it for a few minutes. You can reheat it in a pan on the hob, too.

A dash of water can help loosen the sesame chicken sauce recipe back up. You get that same crispy sesame chicken recipe in the first try.

Making it Your Own

Dietary Adaptations: Fancy a low-carb version? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. For a gluten-free take, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Boom!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In summer, throw in some fresh bell peppers to your asian sesame chicken recipe . Winter? A bit of butternut squash adds a cozy touch.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving is roughly 450-550 calories. You're also getting around 35-45g of protein. Obviously, it is an estimate.

Key Health Benefits: This easy sesame chicken recipe gives you a good whack of protein. Sesame seeds also have calcium.

And let's be honest, a happy belly is good for your mental health, eh?

Right, now you're all clued up! Don't be scared to experiment, have a laugh, and get stuck in. I bet you'll smash it.

Now, go make that chinese sesame chicken recipe your own!