Crispy Sesame Chicken Delight
This luscious Sesame Chicken recipes brings the flavors of an Imperial Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen! Tender strips of boneless chicken breast are marinated, coated in a light cornstarch batter, and fried to crispy perfection. Tossed in a rich and tangy sesame sauce infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and a hint of spices, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfect served over a fluffy bed of rice or atop a crisp lettuce leaf, it’s a favorite for families and gatherings alike. For those who enjoy a little more flavor, feel free to adjust the chili oil to your desired spice level. Enjoy this truly delightful dish with loved ones!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (cut into 1/2 inch strips)
cornstarch
5 tablespoons (for coating chicken)
salt
1 pinch (for soaking chicken)
water
6 tablespoons (for soaking chicken)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for coating chicken)
minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon (fresh, for aromatics)
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon (fresh, for aromatics)
chili oil
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
roasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (for garnish)
oil
for frying (enough for deep frying)
chicken broth
8 tablespoons (for sauce)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
sugar
4 tablespoons (for sauce)
white vinegar
4 tablespoons (for sauce)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for thickening sauce)
oyster sauce
1/2 teaspoon (for sauce)
Instructions
1
Start by roasting the sesame seeds: Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, cornstarch, and oyster sauce. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
3
Cut the chicken breast halves into uniform 1/2-inch strips and place them in a bowl. Add water and a pinch of salt, allowing the chicken to soak for about 15 minutes without draining.
4
After soaking, sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken, mixing well to coat each piece evenly.
5
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the chicken and blend until the mixture is smooth, ensuring the chicken strips are well coated.
6
Heat a generous amount of oil in a wok over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken strips in batches, frying until they are crisp and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the wok and let it drain on paper towels.
7
In the same wok, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and chili oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
8
Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
9
Return the fried chicken to the wok, gently mixing until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
10
Finally, sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving.
11
Serve hot on a bed of fresh lettuce or over steamed rice for the perfect meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Sesame Chicken Delight?
It is a Chinese restaurant-style dish featuring tender chicken breast strips coated in a light cornstarch batter, fried until crispy, and tossed in a tangy ginger and garlic sesame sauce.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut into 1/2-inch strips.
How do I make the sesame chicken sauce?
Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, cornstarch, and oyster sauce in a small bowl until well mixed.
How do I roast sesame seeds?
Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
How long should I soak the chicken?
The chicken strips should be soaked in water and a pinch of salt for about 15 minutes.
Should I drain the water after soaking the chicken?
No, the instructions specify to add the cornstarch to the chicken after soaking without draining the water.
How much cornstarch is needed for coating the chicken?
You will need 5 tablespoons of cornstarch to coat the chicken pieces evenly.
What is the secret to the crispy texture?
The secret is coating the chicken in cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil before frying in batches until golden brown.
Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Yes, you can feel free to adjust the amount of chili oil to achieve your desired spice level.
What aromatics are used in the stir-fry?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of fresh minced ginger and fresh minced garlic.
How do I thicken the sesame sauce?
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok with the aromatics and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
What should I serve with Crispy Sesame Chicken Delight?
It is perfect when served over a fluffy bed of rice or atop a crisp lettuce leaf.
How much chili oil does the recipe suggest?
The recipe recommends starting with 1/2 teaspoon of chili oil.
What kind of vinegar is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of white vinegar for a tangy flavor profile.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly coated in sauce?
Return the fried chicken to the wok once the sauce has thickened and gently mix until every piece is coated.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a favorite for families and gatherings due to its classic flavors and crispy texture.
When should I add the sesame seeds?
Sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving.
How much sugar is in the sesame sauce?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of sugar to balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
Do I need a wok to make this recipe?
While a wok is recommended for frying and stir-frying, a large deep skillet can also be used.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients used to make the chicken, the coating, and the sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies chicken breast, you can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
How much oyster sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of oyster sauce for the sauce mixture.
What is the purpose of adding oil to the chicken before frying?
Adding 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the cornstarch-coated chicken helps the mixture become smooth and ensures even frying.
How do I prevent the chicken from being greasy?
After frying the chicken strips until they are golden brown, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a hint of spice from the chili oil, but it can be adjusted to your preference.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 8 tablespoons of chicken broth for the base of the sauce.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is considered an easy recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors to a home kitchen.
How should I stir-fry the ginger and garlic?
Stir-fry them in 1 teaspoon of oil for about 30 seconds or until they become fragrant.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The sauce mixture includes 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
What should the final appearance of the chicken be?
The chicken should be crisp, golden brown, and evenly glazed in a rich, glossy sesame sauce.