Crispy Asian-Inspired Chicken Dish

This homemade sesame chicken transforms ordinary chicken into a takeout-quality meal that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. The double-frying technique creates perfectly crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce that clings to every bite.

I first made this recipe when craving Chinese takeout during a snowstorm. My family was so impressed they now request it instead of ordering delivery, even when the weather is fine.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts provide the perfect canvas for our flavorful coating and sauce. Dark meat stays juicier but either works beautifully
• Cornstarch creates that signature light and crispy exterior that stands up to the sauce
• Sesame oil offers that authentic nutty flavor that makes this dish instantly recognizable
• Honey balances the savory elements with natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
• Shaoxing wine adds depth and complexity that differentiates homemade from takeout quality
• Sesame seeds provide visual appeal and textural contrast to each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the batter

Combine cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, white pepper and water until you achieve a smooth paint like consistency. The batter should be thick enough to cling to the chicken but thin enough to create a light coating. This texture ensures maximum crispiness.

Coat the chicken

Gently mix the chicken pieces into the batter ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. Take your time with this step as proper coating is essential for that perfect crispy exterior that will hold up to the sauce later.

First fry

Heat oil to 330 340F and carefully add the battered chicken pieces without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 5 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through with a light golden exterior. This first fry cooks the chicken through while beginning to develop the crispy coating.

Second fry

After draining on a wire rack increase the oil temperature to 375F and fry the chicken again for 30 60 seconds. This crucial second fry creates that shatteringly crisp exterior that remains crunchy even after saucing. This step makes all the difference between good and great sesame chicken.

Create the sauce

Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Pour into a large pan or wok and bring to a boil for 1 2 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely.

Combine and finish

Add the double fried chicken sesame oil and sesame seeds to the thickened sauce. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated in the glossy sauce. The coating will continue to absorb sauce as it sits becoming even more flavorful.

Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice. The contrast of the crispy sauced chicken with plain rice creates the perfect balance in each bite.

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This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners with my grandmother who taught me that double frying is the secret to crispy chicken that stays crunchy even when sauced. She would always taste the sauce before adding the chicken saying a good sesame sauce should make you smile when you taste it on its own.

Sauce Variations

The beauty of making sesame chicken at home is customizing the sauce to your preference. For a spicier version add 1 2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili oil to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a more savory profile reduce the honey and brown sugar by half and add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce. For a citrus twist add the zest of one orange and substitute orange juice for half of the vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

While sesame chicken is best enjoyed immediately after cooking there are several components you can prepare ahead of time. The batter can be mixed without adding the chicken up to one hour in advance keep refrigerated and give it a quick stir before using. The sauce ingredients can be combined and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Chicken can be cut and stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice which helps balance the robust flavors of the dish. For a complete meal add steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar. For an impressive spread serve alongside vegetable spring rolls or a light miso soup as a starter. The leftovers also make exceptional lunch bowls the next day with the addition of fresh vegetables.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this sesame chicken without deep frying?

Yes, you can air-fry the battered chicken pieces at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. While the texture won't be identical to deep-fried, it will still be delicious. Alternatively, you could pan-fry the chicken in about 1/2 inch of oil, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through.

→ What can I substitute for shaoxing wine?

If you don't have shaoxing wine, you can substitute with dry sherry, mirin (reduce the sugar slightly in the sauce), or even a bit of chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar. The wine adds depth of flavor, but the dish will still taste great without it.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken pieces should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Since they're small, they cook relatively quickly. The double-fry method ensures they're fully cooked - they should be golden brown on the outside with no pink in the center when cut into.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be battered and fried a few hours before serving - just keep it warm in a 200°F oven. For best results, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to maintain the crispiness.

→ Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?

Absolutely. You can reduce the honey and brown sugar by up to half for a less sweet version. You might want to add a bit more soy sauce or a touch of chili paste for balance. The beauty of this sauce is it's easy to adjust to your taste preferences before adding the chicken.

→ What vegetables pair well with sesame chicken?

Steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy all complement sesame chicken beautifully. For a complete meal, serve with these vegetables and steamed rice. You could also add vegetables directly to the dish just after tossing the chicken in the sauce.