The Best Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Have you ever craved a crispy sesame chicken that breaks through ordinary dinner monotony?

Weeknight meals deserve something spectacular and surprisingly simple.

My kitchen experiments led me to this magical combination of golden-brown crunch and sticky-sweet glaze.

Chicken pieces dance with toasted sesame seeds, creating an irresistible texture that makes everyone lean forward.

You can master this restaurant-style dish without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender meat that will make you feel like a culinary genius.

Jump into this recipe and surprise yourself with how quickly restaurant-quality magic happens right in your kitchen.

Crispy Sesame Chicken – What Makes It So Addictive

• Unleash Crispy Texture: Dive into a culinary adventure with a perfectly crispy exterior that provides a satisfying crunch in every single bite.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Create restaurant-quality sesame chicken at home with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that anyone can master.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a delectable meal that combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes, appealing to both kids and adults with its irresistible taste profile.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customize this dish by serving with different sides like rice or noodles, making it adaptable for various dining preferences and meal occasions.

Crispy Sesame Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat perfect for crispy coating.

• Cornstarch, Flour: Light and crispy base for coating chicken.
• Egg Whites: Helps create a fluffy and airy tempura batter.
• Cold Seltzer Water: Adds lightness and crispiness to the batter.

• Soy Sauce: Provides rich umami flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and depth.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty and aromatic essence.
• Water: Helps create smooth sauce consistency.
• Garlic: Provides pungent and aromatic base.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds mild heat and spiciness.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying chicken.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Fresh and mild onion flavor.

• Steamed Rice, Fried Rice, Noodles: Classic accompaniments.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli or snap peas for additional nutrition.

Cooking Instructions for Crispy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a bowl until completely smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes until it reaches a glossy, rich consistency.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Light and Airy Batter

• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour

In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until they become frothy and light.

Gradually fold in cold seltzer water to the dry ingredients, mixing gently to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.

Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Prepare and Fry the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.

• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.

Carefully dip each chicken piece into the prepared tempura batter, allowing excess to drip off.

Gently lower the battered chicken into the hot oil, frying in small batches to ensure even cooking.

Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy.

Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Develop Final Sauce Coating

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Cook for 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Pour in the prepared sesame chicken sauce and stir to combine.

Quickly add the crispy fried chicken, tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Present

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions.

Tips for Crisp, Flavorful Sesame Chicken

• Mix tempura batter ingredients gently to maintain a light, airy texture that creates crispy, delicate chicken coating.
• Keep oil steady at 350°F for perfect golden-brown chicken without burning or becoming greasy.
• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before marinating and frying to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent water interference.
• Cook chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which leads to uneven cooking.
• Toast sesame seeds before garnishing to release their nutty essence and enhance the overall aromatic profile of the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Sesame Chicken

• Store leftover crispy sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the container with a tight lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Restore the chicken's crispiness by preheating the oven to 375°F. Spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• For a quick reheat, place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 1-2 minutes. Note that microwaving may soften the crispy coating, so oven reheating is preferred.
• Keep the remaining sauce separately in a sealed container. Warm the sauce gently in a small pan before combining with reheated chicken to maintain its original flavor and consistency.

Pairing Ideas for Crispy Sesame Chicken

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Match the crispy sesame chicken with a chilled Japanese sake to complement its rich, savory profile and cut through the oil's richness.
• Wine Selection Strategy: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling from Germany to balance the dish's spicy red pepper notes and enhance the sesame's nutty undertones.
• Vegetable Harmony Technique: Serve alongside roasted bok choy or garlic-sautéed green beans to add fresh, light contrast against the chicken's deep-fried texture.
• Beverage Contrast Method: Opt for a cold Asian-style lager like Sapporo or Tsingtao, which provides a crisp, clean finish that refreshes the palate between bites of the spicy, crunchy chicken.

Sesame Chicken Flavor Twists

• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Replace flour and cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly coating that maintains crispiness while reducing carbohydrates.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture and taste.
• Baked Lighter Version: Instead of deep-frying, coat chicken pieces with panko breadcrumbs and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, achieving similar crispness with reduced oil content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using the same tempura batter and sesame sauce technique for a plant-based protein option that delivers comparable flavor and crunch.

FAQs

• What makes the tempura batter unique?

The tempura batter uses cold seltzer water, which helps create a lighter, crispier texture by introducing air bubbles and preventing gluten development when mixed minimally.

• Why is it important to fry chicken in small batches?

Frying in small batches prevents overcrowding, which maintains oil temperature and ensures each chicken piece gets evenly crispy and golden brown without becoming soggy.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy after coating with sauce?

Toss the fried chicken in the sauce quickly and serve immediately to maintain the crispy texture and prevent the batter from becoming soft and soggy.

• Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes in both the marinade and when sautéing the garlic.

Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy sesame chicken delivers a mouthwatering blend of golden-brown crunch and Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palates. Delicate chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar

Thickening Agents:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful sauce by whisking soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a bowl until completely smooth.
2. Transfer the sauce mixture to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and transforms into a glossy, rich consistency (approximately 3-5 minutes).
3. Remove sauce from heat and set aside to cool slightly while preparing other components.
4. Create the tempura batter by combining cornstarch and flour in a medium mixing bowl.
5. Whip egg whites until they become frothy and light, introducing an airy texture to the batter.
6. Gradually fold cold seltzer water into the dry ingredients, mixing gently to maintain the batter’s delicate structure without overmixing.
7. Prepare chicken thighs by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
8. Massage chicken pieces with sesame oil and red pepper flakes, allowing the meat to absorb these aromatic seasonings for a few minutes.
9. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to precisely 350°F, creating the optimal temperature for crispy, golden-brown chicken.
10. Carefully dip each chicken piece into the tempura batter, ensuring complete and even coating.
11. Gently lower battered chicken into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
12. Fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reach perfect crispiness.
13. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
14. In a large skillet, warm sesame oil and quickly sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
15. Pour prepared sesame chicken sauce into the skillet, creating a glossy coating.
16. Toss crispy chicken pieces in the sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly and evenly glazed.
17. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
18. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Pat chicken completely dry before marinating to achieve maximum tempura batter adherence and prevent soggy texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality sesame oil for enhanced authentic flavor and aromatic depth.
• Control oil temperature precisely at 350°F to prevent burning and maintain perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Cold seltzer water creates lighter, airier tempura batter by introducing extra carbonation and reducing gluten development.
• Allow excess oil to drain thoroughly after frying to maintain crispy exterior and prevent greasiness.
• Fresh garlic and high-quality red pepper flakes significantly elevate the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg