Name: Better Than Takeout Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced

Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal but don’t want to settle for takeout? Look no further! This Better Than Takeout Sesame Chicken recipe is packed with flavor and offers a wonderful alternative to ordering from your favorite restaurant. With its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, this homemade dish is sure to win over your taste buds. Not only does it taste better than takeout, but it’s also made fresh with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family.

The star of this dish is the tender chicken that gets beautifully crispy when fried, creating a perfect texture contrast with the rich sauce. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together—just 35 minutes from start to finish! Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this sesame chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice, making it a fulfilling meal that is easy to whip up anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Better Than Takeout Sesame Chicken

Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Enjoy the same great taste as your favorite takeout, but even better!
Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re serving.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and sauce according to your preference, and feel free to add vegetables!

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing your bite-sized chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss thoroughly until each piece is well-coated. This coating is essential for achieving that delightful crunch when fried.

Step 2: Egg Bath

Next, take the coated chicken pieces and dip each one into the beaten eggs. This step ensures that the cornstarch clings well to the chicken, resulting in an extra crispy exterior once cooked. Make sure each piece is fully enveloped in the egg mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Fry them in batches if necessary, avoiding overcrowding to maintain high oil temperature. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. After frying, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the chicken is frying, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This concoction forms the foundation of your sauce, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the sauce ingredients are combined, pour the mixture into the same skillet used for frying the chicken. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken pieces into the skillet with the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Serve the sesame chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions over a bed of steamed rice. Enjoy!

Variations

Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Spices: Incorporate red pepper flakes or chili sauce for a kick of heat.

Cooking Notes

For an even crispier chicken, let the coated pieces sit for a few minutes before frying.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to maintain crispiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat leftovers in the oven to keep the chicken crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant pairing.
Complement with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added texture and taste.

Tips

Experiment with low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier alternative.
Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
Make it a complete meal by serving with a fresh salad on the side.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by reducing the honey or brown sugar to your liking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It is best to use fresh chicken for even cooking and best texture. If you must use frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before coating.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For best results, consume the sesame chicken immediately after cooking. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with more vegetable oil, though the flavor will differ slightly. Consider enhancing other flavors to compensate.

Is this dish spicy?

This sesame chicken is not spicy in its original form. However, you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you desire a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Better Than Takeout Sesame Chicken recipe is not only a delicious meal option, but it’s also versatile and easy to customize. With its crispy texture and delightful sweet and savory sauce, it truly stands out in the realm of homemade comfort food. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!