Sesame Chicken: Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe You’ll Love

Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce: just the name alone conjures up images of glistening, perfectly coated chicken pieces, doesn’t it? I know I’m not alone in craving that sweet and savory flavor combination that makes this dish so incredibly addictive. Forget takeout tonight, because I’m going to show you how to create restaurant-quality sesame chicken right in your own kitchen!

While its exact origins are debated, sesame chicken, in its modern form, is largely considered an American Chinese invention. It draws inspiration from traditional Chinese cooking techniques and flavors, but has been adapted to suit Western palates. The use of sesame seeds, however, has a long and rich history in Asian cuisine, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. These tiny seeds add a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish.

What is it about this dish that makes it so universally loved? Well, for starters, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. The sticky Asian sauce clings beautifully to the crispy chicken, ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a flavorful appetizer. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, meaning you can enjoy this delectable treat whenever the craving strikes. So, let’s get cooking and create some amazing sesame chicken with sticky Asian sauce!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Sticky Asian Sesame Sauce:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Optional:
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Steamed broccoli, for serving

Preparing the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken Pieces: First, make sure your chicken thighs are cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. This will ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the flour mixture adhere better and promotes crispier chicken.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. The cornstarch helps create a light and crispy coating, while the baking powder adds a bit of lift.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and water. The egg wash helps the dry ingredients stick to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the flour adheres well. Shake off any excess flour. This double coating method ensures a super crispy exterior.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or pot to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
2. Fry the Chicken in Batches: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

Making the Sticky Asian Sesame Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar. The combination of these ingredients creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan. These aromatics add depth and complexity to the sauce.
3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This slurry will help thicken the sauce. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
4. Cook the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If you want a spicier sauce, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more honey for sweetness, rice vinegar for tanginess, or soy sauce for saltiness.

Assembling the Sesame Chicken

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sticky Asian sesame sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is glistening with that delicious sauce!
2. Heat Through: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is nicely glazed.
3. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the sesame chicken immediately over cooked white rice or with steamed broccoli. The contrast of the crispy chicken with the fluffy rice and tender broccoli is simply divine!

Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the best results.
• Use a Thermometer: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) and that the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your personal preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. If you like it tangier, add more rice vinegar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before adding the chicken.
• Crispy Chicken Secret: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry it. After the first frying, let the chicken cool slightly, then fry it again for another 1-2 minutes.

Variations

• Sesame Chicken with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to the sauce, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Sesame Chicken with Noodles: Serve the sesame chicken over your favorite noodles, such as lo mein or udon noodles.
• Healthier Sesame Chicken: Bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier option. Toss the chicken with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with cooked white rice or brown rice.
• Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or other vegetables.
• Serve with egg rolls or spring rolls.
• Serve as an appetizer or main course.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This sesame chicken with sticky Asian sauce recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the satisfying crunch of the perfectly coated chicken to the explosion of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors from that incredible sauce, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag or the hassle of takeout. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the results are simply divine.

But don’t just take my word for it! The real magic happens when you bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen. Imagine the aroma filling your home as the chicken sizzles and the sauce simmers, coating every piece in its glossy, flavorful embrace. Picture the smiles around your dinner table as everyone digs in, savoring each and every bite. That’s the power of a truly great recipe, and I’m confident this sesame chicken with sticky Asian sauce will deliver that and more.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the sauce to soak in and create the perfect complement to the crispy chicken. But you could also try it with brown rice for a healthier option, or even quinoa for a protein-packed meal. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works wonders.

And don’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Want to add some extra veggies? Toss in some steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. Looking for a bit more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or a drizzle of sriracha at the end. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* Sesame Chicken Bowls: Layer rice, sesame chicken, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of sesame oil in a bowl for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a light and refreshing appetizer or snack.
* Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry: Add the cooked chicken to your favorite stir-fry recipe for an extra boost of flavor and protein.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I’ve poured my heart into creating a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, and I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, and let’s spread the love for this amazing sesame chicken with sticky Asian sauce! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your creations!