Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is a beloved dish that brings the taste of Asian cuisine into your home kitchen. With its crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce, this recipe makes for a satisfying meal that can easily be prepared any night of the week. Whether you’re craving comfort food or planning a dinner party, this sesame chicken recipe delivers flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 38 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Making your own Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken at home is not only rewarding, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. This recipe captures the essence of the takeout favorite with a fraction of the calories and sodium found in many restaurant versions. The combination of crispy fried chicken and a glossy sesame sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners while being impressive enough for entertaining guests.

How to Make Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Preparation

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Set this mixture aside. In another bowl, beat the egg and set it aside.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then, coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

Step 3: Frying the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Making the Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a simmer over low heat and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Combining Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken to the saucepan, tossing gently to coat the pieces evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute or two until the chicken is hot and fully coated.

Step 6: Garnishing

Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

How to Serve Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

This delicious sesame chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or fried rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into the grains. You could also serve it alongside a fresh vegetable stir-fry or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing balance. For an authentic touch, consider serving it with a side of chow mein or egg rolls.

How to Store Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If your chicken has lost its crispness, you can briefly re-fry in a pan to regain that delightful crunch.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

• Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying by testing it with a small piece of chicken; it should sizzle immediately upon contact.
• If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Personalize the sauce by adding a touch of sriracha for heat or additional honey for sweetness.
• Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch, so be sure to use fresh ones for the best flavor and texture.

Delicious Variations

• Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to create a seafood or vegetarian version of this dish.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the stir-fry for additional nutrition and color.
• Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute cornstarch for flour in the breading.

• How spicy is this dish?
  This dish is not spicy, but you can easily add chili paste or flakes to the sauce if you prefer some heat.

• What sides go well with this dish?
  Steamed rice, fried rice, and sautéed vegetables are excellent pairings.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?
  The chicken can be breaded a few hours ahead of time. However, it’s best to fry and sauce it just before serving for maximum freshness.

• Is sesame oil necessary?
  While it adds a distinct flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand; just use more vegetable oil.

Conclusion

Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is a delightful recipe that combines crisp chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a standout dish at any table. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed, and your taste buds will thank you!

Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A beloved dish that brings the taste of Asian cuisine into your home with crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 egg
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside. Beat the egg in another bowl.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute until heated through.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

Pairs well with steamed white rice or a fresh vegetable stir-fry. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg