Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken, a dish that perfectly combines juicy chicken, crunchy textures, and a savory sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant. This mouthwatering recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare at home, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The key to achieving that perfect crunch lies in the double frying technique, ensuring each piece is coated in a delectable sauce while maintaining its crispiness. delicious honey garlic tofu By following this straightforward recipe, you can replicate restaurant-quality sesame chicken right in your kitchen. Packed with flavor and satisfaction, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So why settle for takeout when you can make this delightful meal from scratch? With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a plateful of sesame chicken that rivals any takeout order.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
- Honey or Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances out the savory flavors in the sauce
- Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity that brightens up the dish without overpowering it
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve maximum crispiness during frying.
Step 2: Marinate
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey or sugar, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour together. Remove chicken from marinade and coat each piece evenly with the flour mixture; this will create that desirable crispy texture when fried.
Step 4: Heat Oil
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking; this helps achieve that golden brown crust on your chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan over low heat, combine leftover marinade (make sure it’s boiled first) with additional soy sauce and honey if desired. Once heated through, drizzle over fried chicken pieces before serving.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Crispier Texture: For an extra crunch, consider double frying your chicken for added crispiness
How to Serve Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken
This Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor. Prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to two months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also heat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed evenly.
Suggestions for Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor in your Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken. Avoid using stale spices or old chicken, as they can detract from the dish’s overall taste. Fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions will elevate your dish significantly. Opt for high-quality sesame oil to enhance the nuttiness. When you choose fresh vegetables, they will add a vibrant crunch that complements the crispy chicken beautifully. Always inspect your ingredients before starting the cooking process to ensure they are at their peak freshness.
Don’t Skimp on Marination
Marinating your chicken is vital for infusing flavor into your Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken. A common mistake is to rush this step or omit it entirely. Ideally, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight if time allows. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Skipping this step makes it difficult to achieve that authentic taste reminiscent of takeout restaurants. Plan ahead and allow ample marination time for maximum flavor impact.
Maintain Oil Temperature
Maintaining the right oil temperature during frying is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness in your Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken. If the oil is too hot, the outside will cook too quickly while leaving the inside raw; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Using a thermometer to check the oil temperature ensures even frying—ideally between 350°F and 375°F. Fry in small batches to prevent lowering the oil temperature and ensure each piece achieves an ideal crispy texture. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Shrimp Alfredo recipe.
Choose a Proper Coating
The coating you use can make or break your Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken. A common mistake is using flour alone without adding cornstarch or breadcrumbs, which can lead to a soggy finish rather than a crunchy one. For optimal results, consider combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch in a 1: 1 ratio. Mexican street corn pasta salad This mixture creates a light and airy coating that crisps up beautifully when fried. Experimenting with different coatings can help you find your perfect balance of crunchiness and flavor.
FAQs
What is Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?
Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is a popular dish characterized by its crunchy exterior and sweet-and-savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Often served over rice or alongside vegetables, this dish captures the essence of classic Chinese takeout cuisine. The chicken pieces are usually battered and fried until golden brown before being tossed in the flavorful sauce. This combination creates an irresistible texture and taste that appeals to many palates.
How do I store leftover Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?
To store leftover Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken properly, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It’s best consumed within three days for optimal freshness and flavor. When reheating, consider using an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave to retain its crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread out the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm throughout. This method helps revive that delightful crunch.
Can I make Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken healthier?
Yes! You can make healthier versions of Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken by opting for baking instead of frying or using skinless chicken breast instead of thighs for less fat content. Additionally, you can reduce sugar levels in your sauce or use low-sodium soy sauce to lower sodium intake without sacrificing flavor. Incorporating more vegetables into your dish can also increase nutritional value while maintaining satisfaction with every bite.
What side dishes pair well with Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?
Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Classic choices include steamed jasmine rice or fried rice as they soak up the savory sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, consider serving it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers tossed in sesame oil for added flavor harmony. crunchy cucumber salad Additionally, spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad provide refreshing contrasts to balance this rich dish.
Conclusion for Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken
In summary, creating deliciously crispy Chinese takeout sesame chicken involves using fresh ingredients, allowing proper marination time, maintaining ideal oil temperatures during frying, and selecting suitable coatings for optimal texture. Avoiding common pitfalls like rushing these steps will yield mouthwatering results reminiscent of your favorite takeout joint right at home! For those looking for healthier alternatives or tips on storing leftovers effectively, remember that slight adjustments can enhance both nutrition and satisfaction without compromising taste. creamy ricotta chicken pasta Enjoy perfecting this beloved recipe!
Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor the delightful crunch and savory goodness of Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken. This easy recipe combines tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter, all tossed in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish brings the authentic flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that pleases the entire family.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the skillet)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, honey, and rice vinegar. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Coat each marinated chicken piece evenly with the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Combine leftover marinade in a saucepan; boil before drizzling over fried chicken.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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