Easy Sesame Chicken: A Flavorful Takeout Favorite Made Simple at Home
Experience the magic of your favorite Chinese restaurant right in your own kitchen with this incredible Easy Sesame Chicken recipe. Designed for speed, packed with flavor, and satisfyingly delicious, this dish is a perfect copycat that’s even better than takeout. Forget the lengthy wait times and high prices; get ready to whip up a fantastic, filling meal in mere minutes!
Why Make Takeout-Style Sesame Chicken at Home?
There’s nothing quite like the savory, sweet, and slightly spicy goodness of Sesame Chicken from your favorite Chinese spot. But what if we told you that achieving that authentic, restaurant-quality flavor is not only possible but incredibly easy to do right in your own home? This recipe is a testament to that. We’ve cracked the code to replicate those beloved takeout flavors, and the best part? It starts with a clever shortcut: pre-cooked popcorn chicken. This ingenious hack dramatically cuts down on preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Imagine a hearty, flavorful meal on your table in under 30 minutes, without the added cost or uncertainty of delivery.
Beyond the convenience, making your own Easy Sesame Chicken offers several advantages. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, high-quality components and adjust seasoning to your preference. Concerned about sodium levels? You can opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Want a little more kick? Amp up the chili paste. This versatility makes homemade Sesame Chicken a fantastic option for families, dietary needs, or simply for those who love to customize their culinary creations. Paired with a simple bowl of fluffy white rice or a side of steamed vegetables, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into a delightful feast, proving that delicious and impressive homemade food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Sesame Chicken
Do I have to use pre-cooked popcorn chicken?
While using pre-cooked popcorn chicken is our secret weapon for making this recipe incredibly quick and easy, it is certainly not a requirement. If you prefer to make your own chicken from scratch, you absolutely can! Simply dice up 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes. For optimal flavor and a light coating, toss the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Then, cook the chicken in about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring until the chicken is just cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, drain the chicken on a paper-towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil before proceeding with the sauce directions. This method will give you a delicious, homemade crispy chicken base, adding a few extra minutes to your prep but offering full control over the chicken preparation.
Is low sodium soy sauce mandatory for this recipe?
We highly recommend using low sodium soy sauce for this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe, especially since many pre-cooked popcorn chicken varieties already contain a significant amount of salt. Using low sodium soy sauce allows you to better control the overall saltiness of the dish, preventing it from becoming overly salty. It’s much easier to add a pinch of salt if needed than to try and reduce the saltiness once it’s in the sauce. However, if you only have regular soy sauce on hand and your popcorn chicken is not heavily seasoned, you can use it. Just be mindful of the salt content and perhaps reduce the amount of soy sauce slightly, tasting as you go. For those making their chicken from scratch, you’ll have more flexibility with regular soy sauce since you control the initial seasoning.
Can I adjust or omit the chili paste?
The chili paste, often Gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a similar Asian chili garlic sauce, is what truly elevates this dish, providing a delightful depth of flavor and a touch of heat that balances the sweetness. We believe it makes the Sesame Chicken shine, adding complexity that transforms it from good to absolutely outstanding. However, we understand that not everyone has the same tolerance for spice, or perhaps you’re cooking for children. You have full control to customize the heat level. You can certainly lower the amount of chili paste you use to reduce the spiciness, or you can omit it entirely if you prefer a completely mild dish. Do keep in mind, though, that removing it will subtly change the overall flavor profile, making it a bit sweeter and less complex. If you omit it, consider adding a tiny pinch of ginger powder or a dash of white pepper for an alternative layer of warmth without the heat.
What are the best ways to serve Easy Sesame Chicken?
Easy Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Our go-to serving suggestion is over a bed of fluffy white rice, which perfectly absorbs the delicious, thick sesame sauce. Jasmine rice or basmati rice are excellent choices for their fragrant aroma and soft texture. For a different texture, consider serving it with some tender rice noodles or even lo mein noodles for an extra “takeout” feel. If you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb option, this chicken is fantastic in crisp lettuce cups, offering a refreshing crunch with every bite. To round out your meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a light Asian slaw. Garnishing with extra green onions and sesame seeds not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor and texture.
How should I store and reheat any leftovers?
Proper storage ensures your Easy Sesame Chicken remains delicious for future enjoyment. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This makes it an excellent meal prep option for lunches throughout the week! For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Simply place the cooled sesame chicken in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight freezer container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, transfer the frozen chicken to the refrigerator overnight to defrost. To reheat, you can use a microwave for quick warming, ensuring it’s heated through evenly. For a slightly crispier texture, especially if the chicken was homemade, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Sesame Chicken
Crafting the perfect Easy Sesame Chicken requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish:
- Light Brown Sugar: This provides the foundational sweetness and a lovely caramel note to our sauce, giving it that authentic takeout richness.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: A crucial component for balance, rice wine vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that cuts through the sweetness and richness, brightening the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: We strongly advocate for low sodium soy sauce. It offers all the umami depth without overwhelming the dish with saltiness, especially since many pre-cooked chicken options are already seasoned. This allows you to precisely control the salt level – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Sesame Oil: This isn’t just any oil; a small amount of dark sesame oil imparts that distinctive, nutty, and aromatic flavor that is quintessential to Asian cuisine, especially sesame chicken. If you’re not a fan of its strong flavor, a neutral oil can be used, but you’ll miss a key authentic note.
- Cooked Popcorn Chicken: The ultimate time-saver! Whether you bake it, air fry it, or pan-fry it, having this ready to go significantly speeds up the entire cooking process. Ensure it’s cooked to a crispy golden brown before adding it to the sauce.
- Water: Used for creating a cornstarch slurry, which is essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Cornstarch: The magic ingredient for thickening. It transforms our liquid sauce into a luxurious, clingy glaze that coats every piece of chicken beautifully.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable oil is perfect for sautéing the aromatics without imparting any unwanted flavors.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Both the white and green parts are used. The white parts are sautéed to build a fragrant base, while the green parts serve as a fresh, crisp garnish, adding a pop of color and mild oniony flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is indispensable for its pungent aroma and robust flavor, contributing deeply to the savory foundation of the sauce.
- Chili Paste (Gochujang): This is where the dish gets its gentle warmth and complex depth. Gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, offers a unique sweet, savory, and spicy profile. You can adjust the quantity based on your preferred heat level. If Gochujang is hard to find, Sriracha or another Asian chili garlic sauce can be a good substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Sesame Seeds: Primarily for garnish, sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal, reinforcing the “sesame” in Sesame Chicken. Toasted sesame seeds offer an even deeper flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Creating this delicious Easy Sesame Chicken is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:
Prepare the Chicken: If you are starting with frozen popcorn chicken, begin by cooking it according to the package instructions. This usually involves baking it in the oven or air fryer until it’s golden brown and crispy. Ensure it’s thoroughly cooked before moving on to the next steps. For homemade chicken (as described in the FAQ), ensure it’s cooked through and drained.
Crispy cooked popcorn chicken on a baking sheet, ready for the sauce. Whisk the Main Sauce Base: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the light brown sugar and rice wine vinegar. Stir them together until they are well mixed. To help the sugar dissolve completely, microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the liquid becomes clear and the sugar is fully melted. Once dissolved, stir in the low sodium soy sauce and aromatic sesame oil until everything is smoothly combined. This forms the flavorful core of your sesame sauce.
The perfectly blended sweet and savory sauce base in a bowl. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until no lumps remain. This cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening your sauce to a beautiful, glossy consistency. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
Sauté Aromatics: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the vegetable oil. Immediately add the white parts of the thinly sliced green onions, minced garlic, and chili paste to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, allowing the aromatics to become fragrant and slightly softened, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Aromatics like scallions, garlic, and chili paste sizzling in a hot skillet. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce base from step 2 into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Stir everything together. As soon as the sauce begins to gently bubble around the edges, give your cornstarch slurry (from step 3) a quick whisk again to ensure it’s well mixed, then slowly pour it into the bubbling sauce while continuously stirring. Continue stirring for about 30 seconds to 1 minute as the sauce rapidly thickens to a glossy, beautiful glaze.
The sesame sauce bubbling and thickening to a perfect consistency in the skillet. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce has achieved that desirable thick, shiny consistency – which usually takes about 30 seconds after adding the cornstarch slurry – add your fully cooked popcorn chicken (or homemade chicken) directly into the skillet. Gently toss the chicken pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the luscious sesame sauce. Work quickly to coat all pieces evenly.
Crispy chicken pieces being generously coated with the thick, savory sesame sauce. Garnish and Serve: Immediately transfer the sesame chicken to serving plates. Garnish generously with the reserved green parts of the scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for both visual appeal and an added burst of fresh flavor and crunch. Serve this delectable dish hot, preferably over steamed white rice or your favorite noodles, and enjoy your homemade takeout masterpiece!
The finished Easy Sesame Chicken, glistening in the skillet with a wooden spatula.
Enjoy every savory, sweet, and perfectly balanced bite!
Explore More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes
If you loved this Easy Sesame Chicken and are eager to try more homemade Asian-inspired dishes, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of recipes that bring the vibrant flavors of your favorite restaurants straight to your table. From classic stir-fries to comforting casseroles, there’s something for every craving. Expand your culinary repertoire and impress your family and friends with these fantastic recipes:
- Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Asian Lemon Chicken
- Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
- Easy Glazed Chicken Bites
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Easy General Tso’s Chicken
- Asian Slaw
- Hibachi Chicken
- Hibachi Steak
- Hibachi Fried Rice
- Hibachi Vegetables
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Honey Mustard Chicken
Easy Sesame Chicken Full Recipe
This super simple recipe for Easy Sesame Chicken is fast, filling, delicious, and an amazing restaurant-style copycat that you’ll want to make again and again!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For assembly:
- 1 pound cooked popcorn chicken (or homemade chicken, see FAQ)
- 1 Tablespoon water
- ½ Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (white part and green part separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (such as Gochujang, adjust to taste)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- If using frozen popcorn chicken, cook it according to package directions until crispy.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and rice wine vinegar. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring, until sugar is dissolved and liquid is clear. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, then sauté the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and chili paste for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Once it begins to bubble, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 30 seconds.
- Add the cooked chicken to the thickened sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a homemade chicken option, dice 1 pound chicken breast/thighs into 1-inch cubes. Toss with ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Cook in ½ inch vegetable oil over medium heat until 165°F internal temperature. Drain and proceed with sauce steps.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or skillet.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste or omit it entirely based on your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
Estimated values per serving:
- Calories: 366 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 23g
- Sodium: 663mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
Nutritional Disclaimer
This information is an estimate and should not be considered professional nutritional advice. Nutritional values can vary significantly based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional data are important to you, we recommend using your preferred online nutritional calculator with the specific ingredients you use.
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