Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Discover the joy of making your own Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken at home! This beloved dish balances sweet and savory flavors, combining crispy chicken with a rich sauce and toasted sesame seeds. With easy-to-follow steps, you can customize ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Perfect for any occasion, impress your family and friends with this homemade delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe is simple and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite takeout.
• Healthy Ingredients: You can control the quality of ingredients, making it a healthier option compared to traditional takeout.
• Customizable Options: Adjust the sauce or add veggies to cater to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this crunchy, flavorful chicken, ensuring seconds will be requested!

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of sauces without lumps.
• Frying pan: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly crispy chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced

For Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

How to Make Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures they get crispy when fried.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure there is enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan generously.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches.
2. Fry until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Pour the sauce over the fried chicken in the frying pan.
2. Cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer your Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken to a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before enjoying!

How to Serve Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Serving your homemade Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is a delightful experience. This dish can be presented in various ways, ensuring it fits perfectly into any dining setting. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Plate It Up

• Use large plates to showcase the chicken pieces, allowing the vibrant sauce and sesame seeds to shine.

Family Style

• Serve in a large bowl at the center of the table, letting family and friends help themselves for a communal feel.

With Rice

• Pair with fluffy steamed rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Jasmine rice works particularly well for an authentic touch.

Garnish with Greens

• Top with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added flavor.

Add Crunch

• Serve alongside crispy wontons or spring rolls for a delightful texture contrast.

Pair with Sauce

• Offer extra sesame sauce on the side for those who enjoy a more intense flavor experience.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Perfecting your Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to achieve that restaurant-quality taste at home.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh chicken thighs for juiciness; they stay tender compared to breasts.

• Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances flavor and tenderness.

• Double Fry for Crispiness: Fry the chicken twice for extra crispiness. The first fry cooks through, while the second adds that signature crunch.

• Use Toasted Sesame Oil: Incorporate toasted sesame oil in your sauce for richer flavor. It has a deeper nutty aroma than regular oil.

• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on sesame seeds! They add both flavor and visual appeal, making your dish look as good as it tastes.

• Experiment with Heat: If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for an exciting kick.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken can enhance the meal experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments that complement this flavorful dish beautifully.

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice, fried rice adds heartiness and flavor, often mixed with vegetables and egg.

2. Steamed Broccoli: This simple vegetable side provides a nice crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.

3. Egg Rolls: Crispy on the outside and filled with savory goodness, egg rolls make a great starter or side.

4. Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad tossed in sesame dressing offers a refreshing contrast to hot chicken.

5. Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in vinegar provide a light, zesty counterbalance.

6. Hot & Sour Soup: A warm bowl of this flavorful soup rounds out your meal beautifully with its unique taste profile.

7. Sweet Corn Soup: Creamy yet light, sweet corn soup adds sweetness that complements sesame chicken well.

8. Mandu (Korean Dumplings): These dumplings can be steamed or fried, offering another layer of texture to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your own Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Opting for chicken breast instead of thighs can lead to dry results. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat.

• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can result in bland flavors. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its taste.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long makes it tough and chewy. Aim for golden brown and crispy without overdoing it; about 5-7 minutes should suffice.

• Neglecting the sauce balance: Using too much or too little sauce can ruin the dish. Follow the recipe closely and taste as you go to achieve that perfect sweet and savory balance.

• Forgetting to toast sesame seeds: Not toasting sesame seeds means missing out on their nutty flavor. Lightly toast them in a dry pan until golden before adding them to your dish.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze the sesame chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It will stay fresh for about 2-3 months.

Reheating Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil and stir-fry until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?

Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds.

Can I make Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken healthier?

Yes! You can use less sugar in the sauce or substitute with healthier alternatives. Baking or air frying the chicken instead of deep frying also makes it lighter.

What can I serve with Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with noodles for a hearty meal.

How do I customize my Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?

You can add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers into the dish for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or sugar used in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to tailor flavors to your liking. Experiment with different vegetables or adjust sweetness levels for a personalized touch! Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious homemade meals any night of the week!