Oh, dear friends, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible allure of sesame chicken – that perfect harmony of tender, juicy chicken encased in a wonderfully crispy shell, all coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce that dances on your tongue. It’s a dish that promises comfort and delight, transforming an ordinary weeknight into something truly special with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
I remember countless evenings in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of her simmering sauces would fill the air, a precursor to the heartwarming meals we’d share. While she perfected her savory dishes, I was often by her side, learning the magic of turning simple ingredients into extraordinary flavors. This sesame chicken recipe brings back that same feeling of joy and connection, but with a modern, quicker twist.
This recipe is a true game-changer, not only because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy family dinners, but also because it delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your own home. My top tip? Don’t skip the fresh ginger; it adds a bright, zesty warmth that truly elevates the sauce!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful dish starts with a few simple pantry staples. We’re talking about boneless chicken for that perfect bite, cornstarch and flour for that irresistible crisp, and a magical blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil that truly makes this sesame chicken sing. I always believe that fresh garlic and ginger are the heart of any great sauce, bringing an unparalleled aroma and depth of flavor. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make sesame chicken
Making this sesame chicken is a breeze, I promise! We start by preparing the chicken, then coat it in a light, crispy dredge before air frying it to golden perfection. While our chicken crisps up, we whip together the most incredible savory-sweet sesame sauce. Finally, we toss it all together, ensuring every piece is coated in that glossy, flavorful goodness, ready to be served and enjoyed!
Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch and flour.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the egg.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the whisked egg, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Place coated chicken on a plate, ensuring pieces aren’t touching to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook in 2-3 batches. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Repeat with remaining chicken.
- While the chicken is air frying, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Once all chicken is cooked, transfer the crispy chicken to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Delicious with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This sesame chicken
Making sesame chicken at home should always feel like a joyous journey, not a chore! Over the years, I’ve gathered a few little secrets that ensure every bite is just perfect.
- Perfectly Crispy Chicken: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! Give each piece of chicken room to breathe and crisp up evenly. If you pile them in, they’ll steam instead of fry, and we want that lovely, golden crunch. Cook in batches if necessary.
- The Power of Marinating (Even Briefly): While this is a quick recipe, if you have an extra 10-15 minutes, let your chicken pieces sit in a splash of soy sauce or even just salt and pepper before coating. It truly helps the flavors meld and keeps the chicken incredibly tender.
- My Secret Trick: I always whisk my egg thoroughly until it’s light and frothy before dipping the chicken. This creates a thinner, more even coating that adheres beautifully to the flour mixture, leading to an extra crispy exterior for our sesame chicken.
- Balancing the Sauce: Taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken! Sometimes a tiny pinch more sugar or a dash more rice vinegar can really make it pop. Adjust to your personal preference – that’s the beauty of homemade cooking!
Fun Variations for sesame chicken
One of the things I adore about home cooking is the freedom to play and experiment! This sesame chicken recipe is a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity. My sister, for instance, loves when I add a little heat, while a friend often asks for a touch more sweetness.
Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. You could also drizzle a tiny bit of sriracha or chili garlic sauce over the finished sesame chicken right before serving. It adds a delightful warmth that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Veggie Boost
To make this a more complete meal, consider tossing in some air-fried broccoli florets or snap peas with the chicken in the final coating. They absorb the sauce wonderfully and add a lovely crunch and vibrant color. Bell peppers or sliced carrots would also be delightful additions!
Tangy Twist
If you’re a fan of extra tang, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished dish can really brighten up the flavors. Or, for a different citrus note, a tiny bit of orange zest added to the sauce provides a fragrant, sweet lift that makes this sesame chicken feel even more special.
What to Serve With sesame chicken
When I’m serving up a dish like this delightful sesame chicken, I always think about creating a balanced and comforting meal that brings everyone together at the table. It’s all about those perfect pairings that make every bite sing!
I love serving this sesame chicken with a simple side of steamed white rice; it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a fresher contrast, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is wonderful. My mom always makes sure we have plenty of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans on the side, adding that lovely touch of garden-fresh goodness that brightens the whole plate. Sometimes, if I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll sprinkle some extra toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the top for that restaurant-style flourish and a pop of color!
How to Store sesame chicken
After the joy of a delicious meal, it’s always good to know how to properly store any leftover sesame chicken to enjoy later. We want to keep it tasting just as delightful as it was fresh out of the air fryer!
Fridge Storage
Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover sesame chicken to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure it’s completely cool before sealing the container to prevent any condensation from making the chicken soggy.
Reheating for Best Crispness
To bring back that lovely crispness, my favorite way to reheat sesame chicken is in the air fryer or a conventional oven. Just pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the coating less appealing. A quick reheat brings it back to life, almost like new!
Nutritional Benefits
This sesame chicken offers a wonderful balance of flavor and nutrition, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together for a wholesome meal. With lean chicken as its base, it’s a fantastic source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The touch of fresh ginger and garlic also brings natural antioxidants and flavor, proving that a satisfying treat can be both nourishing and incredibly tasty, hitting all the right notes for a delightful weeknight dinner.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make this sesame chicken with chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well. Simply cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and follow the recipe steps for a delicious sesame chicken meal.
Faq 2
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can shallow-fry the coated chicken pieces in about an inch of oil on the stovetop until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, to achieve a lovely crispness for your sesame chicken.
Faq 3
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you certainly can! The sesame sauce can be whisked together and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes weeknight preparation even quicker when you’re ready to make your sesame chicken.
Faq 4
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this sesame chicken gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, as tamari is a gluten-free alternative, and check all other ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
As we wrap up our culinary journey, I hope this Crispy Weeknight Sesame Chicken inspires you to embrace the simple joys of cooking at home. It’s a dish that truly embodies everything I believe in: delicious flavors, easy preparation, and the warmth of a homemade meal shared with loved ones. Remember, every time you step into your kitchen, you’re not just making food – you’re creating memories, one sweet (or in this case, savory-sweet!) recipe at a time. Happy cooking, dear friends!