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Easy Sesame Chicken

As the seasons shift and the air turns crisp, my heart longs for those comforting dishes that remind me of home. Nothing beats the cozy feeling of sinking into a chair after a long day, relishing the warmth of a flavorful meal. Today, I want to share with you one of my fast favorites—Easy Sesame Chicken. This dish echoes with the memories of family dinners where laughter mingled with the delightful aroma of sesame-infused chicken drifting through the air. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner when you want something warm and inviting on the table. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good sesame chicken; it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Customization Friendly: Make it your own with various sauces, vegetables, or spice levels.
Healthy Ingredients: With boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you’re treating your body kindly while enjoying a delicious meal.
Comfort Food: It’s warm, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying, perfect for cozy nights in.

What You’ll Need

To make this delightful Easy Sesame Chicken, gather the following simple ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon Kosher salt (if using fine salt, use a little less)
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
½ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon neutral oil (any oil will do)
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
½ cup ketchup
½ cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon light sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional for a deeper color)
1 stalk green onion (cut into thin slices, greens and whites separated)
Oil (as needed for cooking and frying)

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken

Now, let’s make this scrumptious sesame chicken together! Follow these easy steps to achieve crispy, golden goodness.

Marinate the chicken thighs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, ¼ cup water, baking soda, and salt. Mix vigorously until the water is mostly absorbed. Once the chicken has absorbed the water, add the eggs and mix well. Following that, add the cornstarch and combine until no dry cornstarch remains. Finally, add the oil and mix until the chicken is well-coated.
Heat the oil: In a wok or tall pan, pour in about 2–3 inches of oil and heat until it reaches 375°F.
Prepare the sauce: While the oil heats, whisk together the ketchup, ½ cup water, sugar, vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl or large measuring cup. Set this aside; you can even prepare it in advance!
Fry the chicken: When the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the hot oil one at a time, ensuring there’s an even layer—avoid overcrowding the pan! Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to help separate any stuck pieces. After, remove the chicken and let it drain for 2 to 3 minutes.
Double fry for perfection: Ensure the oil is back up to 375°F and fry the chicken pieces again for another 5 to 6 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, drain on paper towels or a rack.
Make the sauce: In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Sauté the white parts of the sliced green onions for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant. Give your sauce a final stir and pour it into the wok. Increase the heat to medium-high, letting it bubble and thicken. Stir frequently for even texture.
Toss the chicken and serve: Once the sauce has thickened and appears glossy, add in the fried chicken pieces, tossing everything together until well-coated.
Garnish and enjoy: Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken immediately over white rice or fried rice. Top it off with toasted sesame seeds and green onion greens for an extra touch of flavor.

Variations & Creative Twists

There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing this dish! Here are a few creative ideas to make it yours:

Add Vegetables: Toss in some colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to add crunch and nutrients.
Sauce Alternatives: Swap out ketchup for a sweet chili sauce for a zesty twist or a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
Spice Things Up: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a touch of Sriracha into the sauce.
Nuts and Seeds: For added texture, toss in some crushed peanuts or additional toasted sesame seeds as a topping.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before for deeper flavor.
Substitutions: If you’re short on cornstarch, arrowroot powder works well too.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispy chicken!
Frying Tips: Always ensure the oil is at the right temperature for that perfect crunch; too low will result in soggy chicken.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 28g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 800mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Just fry when ready to serve.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breast meat, and try different dipping sauces.

How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

How long does it last?
Stored properly, the leftovers should be enjoyed within 3 days for best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, ideal for gathering the family around the table. With its crispy chicken and sweet-tangy sauce, this dish is bound to warm your heart and fill your belly. Save this Easy Sesame Chicken to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!