Perfect Sesame Chicken

4.6
(967)

Looking for the best sesame chicken recipe? This is it! You may want to increase the vinegar and chile paste, or lower the amount of sugar. It all depends on how sweet, tangy, or spicy you want the sauce.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
6

Ingredients

Battered Chicken:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

  • 1 dash sesame oil

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed

Sauce:

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon chile paste

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • ½ cup water

Other:

  • 1 quart olive oil for frying

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    An overhead shot of all ingredients for perfect sesame chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Prepare the battered chicken: Sift flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder into a bowl. Pour in low-sodium soy sauce, sherry, 2 tablespoons water, vegetable oil, and dash sesame oil; stir until smooth. Stir in chicken until coated with the batter, then cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

    an overhead shot of chicken in a bowl coated with sesame batter

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Bring chicken broth, sugar, vinegar, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chile paste, and garlic to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Dissolve 1/4 cup cornstarch into 1/2 cup water, and stir into boiling sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens and turns clear, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and keep sauce warm.

    an overhead shot of a saucepan filled with sesame sauce and a spoon with a streak through the sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Heat olive oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  5. Carefully drop in battered chicken pieces, a few at a time, and fry until they turn golden brown and float to the top of the oil, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

    an overhead shot of fried chicken pieces laid out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. To serve, place fried chicken pieces onto a serving platter, and pour the hot sauce overtop. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to garnish.

    looking down at a plate full of sesame chicken with a side of rice
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

507 Calories
29g Fat
50g Carbs
14g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 507
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 43mg 14%
Sodium 714mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 50g 18%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 34g
Protein 14g 28%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 55mg 4%
Iron 2mg 8%
Potassium 145mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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