Discover a delicious homemade sesame chicken recipe with crispy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce that’s perfect for any night in!

Here are some compelling reasons to make sesame chicken at home rather than opting for takeout:

1. Healthier Ingredients: When you cook at home, you have full control over the ingredients. You can use fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and healthier oils, making it a more nutritious option compared to many restaurant versions, which may be loaded with excess sodium, sugar, or unhealthy fats.
2. Customization: Cooking at home allows you to tailor the dish to your personal taste. Want it spicier? Add more ginger or chili flakes. Prefer it sweeter? Adjust the honey or maple syrup. You can also add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli or snap peas, to enhance the dish.
3. Cost-Effective: Preparing sesame chicken at home is often more economical than ordering takeout. The cost of ingredients can serve multiple meals, making it a budget-friendly option compared to the price of a single restaurant meal.
4. Freshness: Homemade meals typically taste fresher than takeout, as you can use fresh produce and cook the chicken to your desired level of doneness, ensuring it’s juicy and tender.
5. Fun and Engaging: Cooking can be a fun activity, whether you’re trying a new recipe or enjoying time with family and friends. It’s a great way to unwind and unleash your creativity in the kitchen.
6. Portion Control: When you make your own sesame chicken, you can control the portion sizes, which can help with managing your diet or serving the right amount for your family.
7. Satisfaction: There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes from cooking a delicious meal from scratch. Enjoying a dish you made yourself can be incredibly rewarding!

Overall, making sesame chicken at home can be a healthier, more satisfying, and fun alternative to ordering from a restaurant!

Here’s What You Need for Homemade Sesame Chicken

• Chicken Breasts
• Green Bell Pepper
• Green Onion
• Corn Starch (for coating) or Arrowroot Starch
• Avocado Oil (for frying)
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• ½ tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Ketchup
• ½ tbsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1-2 tbsp Honey (to taste)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
• ¼ tsp White Pepper

Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking for a smoother experience!

Here are some alternatives you can use in the sesame chicken recipe:

Chicken Alternatives:

• Chicken Thighs: For a juicier and more flavorful option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan version, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture, then cube and follow the same marinating and cooking process.
• Shrimp: You can also use shrimp for a seafood twist. Just adjust the cooking time since shrimp cooks faster.

Vegetable Alternatives:

• Bell Peppers: Any color of bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange) can be used.
• Broccoli: Add broccoli florets for added crunch and nutrition.
• Snap Peas or Snow Peas: These add a nice snap and sweetness.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned carrots can add color and sweetness.

Oil Alternatives:

• Canola Oil: A neutral oil that works well for frying.
• Peanut Oil: Adds a nutty flavor and is great for high-heat cooking.

Marinade Alternatives:

• Egg Substitute: If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a few tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.
• Soy Sauce Alternatives: Use tamari, liquid aminos or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

Sauce Alternatives:

• Sweeteners: Instead of honey or maple syrup, you can use agave syrup, brown sugar, or stevia.
• Vinegar Options: Substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed.
• Garlic and Ginger: You can use garlic powder and ground ginger as substitutes if you don’t have fresh ones on hand (though fresh is always best for flavor).

Spice Alternatives:

• White Pepper: If you don’t have white pepper, black pepper can be used, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
• Chili Flakes: For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and what you have on hand! Cooking is all about creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect sesame chicken at home:

Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken

1. Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, but if you have time, marinating for several hours or overnight will deepen the flavor even more.
2. Use the Right Oil: Avocado oil is great for frying due to its high smoke point, but you can also use peanut oil for added flavor. Just be mindful of allergies!
3. Keep Chicken Dry: Before coating the chicken in corn starch, ensure it’s as dry as possible. Pat it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy coating.
4. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy chicken instead of crispy bites.
5. Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken or corn starch into it; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
6. Don’t Skip the Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish. Make sure to mince the garlic and grate the ginger finely for maximum flavor release.
7. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangier flavor, increase the rice vinegar.
8. Thickening the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of corn starch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
9. Finish with a Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for added flavor.
10. Garnish Creatively: Fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or even chopped cilantro can make for beautiful garnishes that add color and freshness to the dish.
11. Serve Immediately: Sesame chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.
12. Pair Wisely: Serve your sesame chicken with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, and consider a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious sesame chicken that rivals your favorite takeout! Enjoy cooking!

FAQs About Homemade Sesame Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat. They’re juicier and add a bit more flavor. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces, and everything else stays the same.

2. What can I substitute for avocado oil?
You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. I just like avocado oil because it’s healthy and has a mild flavor.

3. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Also, check that your corn starch is certified gluten-free, as some brands might have cross-contamination.

4. Can I make this sesame chicken without frying?
Yes, you can bake or air fry the chicken! If you bake it, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lay the corn starch-coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re crispy. If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

5. Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time (even overnight for extra flavor). You can also make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, everything comes together quickly.

6. Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce?
For sure! If you want it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. To make it spicier, you can add a little sriracha, chili flakes, or even some gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a kick!

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a pan to crisp the chicken back up or just microwave it (though it won’t be as crispy).

8. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! You can throw in whatever veggies you like—broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots work great. Just adjust the cooking time for each veggie so they don’t overcook.

9. What can I serve with sesame chicken?
This sesame chicken is perfect with steamed white or brown rice, but you can also serve it over noodles. You could add a side of stir-fried veggies or a light cucumber salad to make it a full meal.

These FAQs should help answer any questions that come up while making this recipe!

Sesame Chicken

A delicious homemade sesame chicken recipe with crispy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce that's perfect for any night in and better than takeout!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• 2 Chicken Breasts
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 1 Green Onion green and white part
• 1/2 cup or more Corn Starch or Arrowroot Powder
• 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
• Optional: coconut rice and sesame seeds
• Marinade:
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos
• 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup
• Sweet and Sour Sauce:
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos
• 1-2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1/2 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1-2 tbsp Honey
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tsp Fresh Ginger
• 1/4 tsp White Pepper

Instructions

 

• First, slice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sesame oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Then throw the raw chicken in and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes (or as long as you can if you’re pressed for time).
• Once the chicken is marinated, dredge the chicken pieces in corn starch (or arrowroot powder) to get that crispy outer layer. This step is what will remind you of that chicken you get in the restaurant!
• Next you will heat avocado oil in a pan on medium high heat. Not a ton but enough to shallow fry the chicken pieces. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches. It should take about 3-4 minutes per side to get golden brown and crispy. I personally love to use a wok here but you can use a deep pan if not. Set the chicken aside on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
• Next you will dice the green bell pepper and green onion. In the same pan (leave a little oil in there), toss in the veggies and sauté for a few minutes until they soften up a bit.
• In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and white pepper. You can taste the sauce here and adjust the sweetness if you want it sweeter (add more honey), or kick it up with a little more white pepper.
• Add the fried chicken back into the pan with the veggies, then pour the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of extra green onions or sesame seeds if you have them. Serve it over rice or noodles and you’re good to go! I personally love to make coconut rice with this dish!

Keyword chicken, sesame chicken