Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken: A Delicious Homemade Take on a Takeout Favorite

Introduction: Sesame Chicken is a beloved dish known for its delectable combination of sweet and savory flavors, coated on crispy, tender chicken pieces. This homemade version brings all the restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen, allowing you to control the ingredients for a healthier, yet just as satisfying, meal. Perfect for a family dinner or when you’re craving Chinese takeout, this recipe promises to deliver all the flavors you love with a few simple steps.

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (or a pinch of red pepper flakes, optional but recommended for heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or avocado oil)

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce or red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a shallow dish, combine eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, whisking until well mixed. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish.
   • Dip each piece of chicken first in the egg mixture, then dredge in flour, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Set the coated chicken on a clean plate.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat canola or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
4. Add the Sauce:
   • Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Pour the sauce into the empty side and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. For a thicker glaze, continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat.
5. Serve:
   • Spoon the sesame chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Nutritional Information: Approx. 400 kcal per serving. Servings: 4

Conclusion: This Sesame Chicken recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a popular Asian dish from the comfort of your own home. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something quick, satisfying, and a bit indulgent. The crispy chicken coated in a rich, sticky sauce provides a delightful eating experience that rivals your favorite takeout but with the wholesome goodness of homemade cooking.

Cooking Tip: For an extra touch of freshness and color, serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

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