Restaurant-quality sesame chicken in your kitchen: the ultimate home chef’s guide

Craving the irresistible flavors of sesame chicken without the hefty price tag? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to make sesame chicken at home, ensuring you enjoy the same mouthwatering dish you’d find at your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Coating:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Make the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Coat and Fry the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the remaining cornstarch and sesame seeds.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat it thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F.
4. Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.

Assemble the Dish

1. Pour the prepared sauce into a large skillet.
2. Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce.
3. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the sesame chicken with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• To ensure crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth.
• If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Teriyaki Sesame Chicken: Substitute teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce in the sauce.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making sesame chicken at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. By following these simple steps and using fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant. So next time you’re craving sesame chicken, don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cut chicken strips for this recipe?
A: Yes, pre-cut chicken strips can be used for convenience. However, it’s important to note that they may not marinate as evenly as larger chicken pieces.

Q: How can I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar in the sauce to your preference. You can also add a little more soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance out the sweetness.

Q: What side dishes pair well with sesame chicken?
A: Sesame chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.