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 and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of sweet and savory elements creates a rich flavor profile that rivals your favorite takeout.
• Customizable Ingredients: Tailor the recipe to fit dietary needs or personal preferences by swapping ingredients as needed.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy chicken tossed in a luscious sauce, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Budget-Friendly: Making this dish at home is more economical than ordering from a restaurant, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

Tools and Preparation

To create your own Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken, gather a few essential tools. These will help ensure a smooth cooking process and better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking thermometer
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large frying pan: A wok allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispiness on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce thoroughly.
• Cooking thermometer: Helps ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection without being overdone.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

For Garnish

• Chopped green onions

How to Make Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken in this mixture until evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a wok or large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use enough oil so that it covers about 1/4 inch of the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of chicken), carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece until golden brown, around 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In another mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Once combined, pour this mixture into the same wok used for frying.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Add the fried chicken back into the wok and toss until all pieces are well coated with sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over your dish before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor!

Enjoy your homemade Crispy Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken!

How to Serve Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Serving your homemade Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken can elevate the dining experience. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will enhance the meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve alongside fluffy white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the rich sauce and balances the dish perfectly.

Over Noodles

• Place the sesame chicken over a bed of lo mein or egg noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with sesame chicken for a fun, low-carb option.

As Part of a Platter

• Combine sesame chicken with other dishes like sweet and sour pork and spring rolls for a delightful Asian-inspired platter.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Pair with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas to add freshness and color to your plate.

How to Perfect Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that every bite is as delicious as possible.

• Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying helps achieve that signature crispy texture.

• Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in the sauce according to your taste. A little more can enhance sweetness, while less can make it savory.

• Fry in Batches: Frying the chicken in small batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

• Toast Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds before adding them to your dish enhances their nutty flavor, making your sesame chicken even more aromatic.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Complementing your Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken with side dishes can add variety and balance. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice
   A classic side, fried rice is packed with vegetables and flavor, complementing the chicken beautifully.

2. Egg Rolls
   Crunchy on the outside and filled with savory ingredients, egg rolls are perfect for adding texture to your meal.

3. Hot and Sour Soup
   This soup adds a spicy kick and tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of sesame chicken.

4. Steamed Dumplings
   Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables offer another layer of flavor and are great for dipping in sauce.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables provides freshness and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the sesame chicken.

6. Chow Mein
   Noodles stir-fried with vegetables add heartiness to your meal while soaking up flavors from the sesame sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken can be easy, but some common errors can spoil the dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes for a tastier result.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long makes it dry. Aim for golden-brown and crispy; use a thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked but not overdone.
• Not using enough oil: Using too little oil for frying can prevent that perfect crispiness. Ensure your oil is hot enough and covers the chicken adequately.
• Ignoring sesame seeds: Skipping or underusing sesame seeds removes crucial flavor. Toast them lightly before adding to enhance their nuttiness.
• Rushing the sauce: Quickly throwing together the sauce can lead to imbalanced flavors. Take time to simmer it until thickened and flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps retain crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, around 1-2 minutes total, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken your sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it while simmering. This will create a smooth texture.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for different variations of this recipe.

What should I serve with Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?

Pair it with steamed rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken at home is both satisfying and delicious. Its balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it according to your taste preferences—add more veggies or adjust the sweetness level—and impress your family with this delightful dish!