Delicious homemade sesame chicken served with vegetables and sesame seeds

Homemade Sesame Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Sesame Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines crisp chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. Making it at home is not only healthier than takeout but also allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking. The crispy chicken and the rich sauce come together for a tasty meal you can enjoy any night of the week.

How to Make Homemade Sesame Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Directions:

  1. Prep Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
  2. Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss until it is fully coated. This will help create a crispy exterior.
  3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  5. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated.
  8. Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the chicken and toss again.
  9. Cook Briefly: Allow the chicken to cook for another minute or two, ensuring it is evenly coated in the sauce.
  10. Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and additional sesame seeds before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Sesame Chicken

Serve your Homemade Sesame Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or along with a side of stir-fried vegetables. This dish pairs well with simple sides, making it perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

How to Store Homemade Sesame Chicken

To store your leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Homemade Sesame Chicken

  • For extra crunch, you can double-fry the chicken. Fry it once, let it rest, and then fry again for a few minutes.
  • Adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of honey based on your taste.
  • If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken back to the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before starting the recipe.

Is sesame oil necessary?
While sesame oil adds a unique flavor, you can use vegetable oil instead if you don’t have it on hand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.