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Savory Easy Sesame Chicken That Beats Takeout Every Time

Savory Easy Sesame Chicken delivers takeout flavors at home in just 35 minutes, perfect for satisfying cravings with a customizable recipe.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: easy chicken recipes, family-friendly recipes, homemade sesame chicken, quick dinner, Savory Easy Sesame Chicken, takeout
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Equipment

  • wok
  • deep pan

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken thighs substitute with chicken breast if desired
  • 1 large egg omit for vegan option

For the Coating

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch arrowroot powder can be used for gluten-free
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free flour blend can be used

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar white sugar can be swapped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or garlic powder substitute
  • 1 teaspoon ginger adjust quantity if using ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar apple cider vinegar can substitute
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil no substitutes recommended

For Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds can be omitted if preferred
  • 2 stalks green onions optional but recommended

Instructions

How to Make Savory Easy Sesame Chicken

  • Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and gently mix them with the beaten egg in a bowl, ensuring every piece is coated.
  • Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and flour. Toss the chicken pieces until they are well coated.
  • Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in small batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined cooling rack.
  • Make the Sauce: In a clean pan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer on medium heat until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Combine Chicken with Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing quickly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Let it simmer for an additional minute.
  • Serve: Transfer the hot sesame chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce. Adjust sweetness and heat according to taste.