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Crispy Sesame Chicken

Crispy Sesame Chicken
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This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe delivers a golden, crunchy exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside, paired with a sweet and savory sesame sauce. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Versatile and family-friendly, it can be customized for gluten-free, spicy, or vegetable-loaded variations and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch (or tapioca starch for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying, about 2 cups)

Sesame Sauce

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp water

Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well and maximizes crispiness.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Place cornstarch in a separate shallow bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess to create a double coating.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to eliminate excess oil.
  4. Make the Sesame Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
  5. Combine and Serve: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the warm sesame sauce over the chicken and gently toss until evenly coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect crispy texture.

Notes

  • Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crunchier crust.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 340-350°F to prevent sogginess and ensure even cooking.
  • Fry chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature stable and crispy texture.
  • Coat the chicken with sauce just before serving to avoid soggy crust.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of pre-minced or powders for best flavor.
  • Toast sesame seeds to intensify nutty flavor and add crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crispy Sesame Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Gluten-Free Chicken, Fried Chicken, Sesame Sauce

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/crispy-sesame-chicken/