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The Ultimate Guide to Making Sesame Chicken: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory


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  • Author: Emma Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze, perfect for a delicious homemade meal that rivals your favorite takeout.


Ingredients

For the Chicken and Batter:

  • 500g chicken thighs or breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter:
    • In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, egg white, water, and soy sauce until smooth.
    • Toss the chicken pieces in the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  2. Deep Fry the Chicken:
    • Heat oil in a deep pot to 330–340°F (165–170°C).
    • Fry chicken pieces in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  3. Double Fry (Optional):
    • Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken again for 30–60 seconds for extra crispiness.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, white pepper, and Shaoxing wine.
    • Heat over medium, stirring until bubbling. Simmer for 1–2 minutes and finish with sesame oil.
  5. Coat the Chicken:
    • Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and toss again gently.
  6. Serve:
    • Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles

Notes

  • For a healthier option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes after coating with panko breadcrumbs.
  • Substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
  • To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese