Sesame Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
444 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian
Sesame Chicken
Description
Sesame Chicken includes bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated briefly to infuse ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The chicken is coated in cornstarch which forms a crispy crust when shallow fried or air fried. The sauce brings together honey for sweetness, sesame oil for nuttiness, rice vinegar for acidity, and chicken broth to create a flavorful glaze after cooking. The garlic and ginger enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
The cooking method can be either shallow frying in oil or air frying, each producing a golden-brown exterior with a tender center. The garlic and ginger used in both marinade and sauce add depth to the flavor without overpowering the dish. The dish is commonly paired with plain rice to balance the robust sauce and provide a satisfying meal.
Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds adds a fresh crunch and visual appeal to the finished dish. The recipe notes that nutrition estimates are based on the air frying method which provides a lighter cooking option. Adjusting sesame oil quantity in the sauce can alter the intensity of sesame flavor to personal preference.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (increase to 2 tablespoon for a stronger sesame flavor or as desired)
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
- 2 teaspoon ginger (finely minced or grated, or 1 teaspoon dried ginger)
Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken thigh cut into bite sized pieces, boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon ginger (finely minced or grated, or 1 teaspoon dried ginger)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
- 1 cup cornstarch (or flour)
- 1 - 2 cups neutral cooking oil of choice for frying (ex. canola oil, vegetable, or other light oil of choice, generic cooking oil
Garnish (Optional)
- green onion (finely diced)
- sesame seeds
Accompaniments
- rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir until evenly combined and set aside.
- Marinate the chicken with the garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Marinate 5 - 15 minutes.
- In a deep bowl add the cornstarch. Add the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- PAN FRIED COOKING METHODIn a large frying pan or deep pot, heat enough oil to shallow fry the chicken. You only need enough oil to come about 2”-3” inches up the sides of the pan so the chicken is submerged. Place a paper towel on a plate to drain the chicken once fried. Shake off the excess cornstarch from the chicken pieces and fry in batches until golden brown, approximately 3 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.AIR FRIED COOKING METHODPreheat air fryer to 400°F. Working in batches, shake of excess cornstarch from pieces of chicken and add in a single layer to the air fryer. Spray with cooking spray. Cook for 3 minutes then flip and cook another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
- In another large frying pan (or use the same pan but remove oil and clean pan) bring the sauce to a simmer. Once simmering add in the cooked chicken.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. The sauce will thicken as the chicken is tossed in the sauce.
- Serve with the optional garnishes and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 5 minutes but no more than 15 minutes to keep the meat tender.
- Shake off excess cornstarch before cooking to avoid clumping in the oil or air fryer basket.
- If frying, maintain oil temperature for even browning and crispness.
- The air fryer method is a lower-fat alternative that still produces golden chicken.
- Use green onions and sesame seeds as garnish to add texture and flavor contrast.
- Enjoy the dish served over rice to balance the sweet and savory sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 444 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 444kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 162mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 1271mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 505mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 42IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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