There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken that you’ve taken the time to craft yourself. With every mouthful, you’ll experience the contrast of a perfectly crunchy exterior giving way to tender, juicy chicken. Savor the Crunch of Perfectly Fried Chicken Coated in a Sweet and Savory Sauce! This intermediate-level recipe guides you through a quick 30-minute prep, a 20-minute cook time, and a 10-minute rest, delivering a dish that’s both accessible and impressive. You’ll find yourself whisking together soy, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then letting the flavors permeate the chicken as it marinates. The result is a texture play that makes each bite a small celebration of home cooking.
Experience the burst of flavors as crispy chicken meets a luscious sesame sauce—think golden-hued glaze flecked with toasted sesame seeds and bright green onions. Whether you’re planning this for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, it serves up roughly 450 calories per portion without skimping on taste. As you gather your ingredients and ready your wok or deep pan, get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible notes of garlic, honeyed soy, and toasted sesame. Trust me, once you give this a try, it’ll quickly become one of those easy recipe staples you turn to again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY ASIAN SESAME CHICKEN
To make this dish shine, each component brings its own magic—from tender protein to crunchy coating and glossy sauce. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each plays a starring role:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Provides lean, juicy protein that crisps up beautifully. Cutting into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and lets the savory sauce coat every morsel.
- Soy sauce (for marinade)
Infuses deep umami and saltiness right at the start, ensuring each piece of chicken carries that classic savory backbone.
- Rice vinegar (for marinade)
Adds a gentle tang that balances the soy’s saltiness and brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame oil (for marinade)
Contributes a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the marinade and complements the final sauce.
- Egg
Creates a sticky layer for the cornstarch to adhere to, resulting in that crave-worthy crunch.
- Cornstarch
Forms the golden, crispy shell around each chicken piece, sealing in juices and adding irresistible texture.
- Vegetable oil
The frying medium that brings everything together, delivering even heat for a uniformly crisp finish.
- Soy sauce (for sauce)
Deepens the glaze’s savory notes and harmonizes with the honey for that signature sweet-and-savory balance.
- Honey
Sweetens the sauce while helping it caramelize into a glossy coating that clings to every bite.
- Hoisin sauce
Adds complexity with its subtle sweetness, garlic undertones, and mild spice.
- Rice vinegar (for sauce)
Rounds out the sauce with a hint of acidity, cutting through the richness.
- Garlic
Delivers pungent aroma and flavor, infusing the sauce with depth and warmth.
- Sesame oil (for sauce)
Enhances the sauce’s nuttiness, tying back to the marinade and toasted seeds.
- Cornstarch-water mixture
Thickens the sauce into a silky glaze that perfectly envelops each crispy piece.
- Sesame seeds, toasted
Adds a final crunchy accent and visual appeal, reinforcing the sesame theme.
- Green onions
Offer a fresh, oniony pop of color and flavor for a bright finish.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY ASIAN SESAME CHICKEN
Let’s dive into the heart of the process. This step-by-step guide takes you from marinating to garnishing in a seamless flow, ensuring each technique is clear and every flavor harmonious.
1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor. This allows the chicken to soak up those savory, tangy notes before cooking.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about an inch, ensuring even, bubble-filled frying.
3. Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. This two-layer approach locks in moisture and sets you up for maximum crispiness.
4. Fry the chicken pieces in small batches until golden brown and crispy—about 4–5 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain consistent oil temperature. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat until heated through and aromas bloom.
6. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another minute or two, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
7. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well-coated, ensuring every piece is generously glazed.
8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving, adding color and a final layer of texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY ASIAN SESAME CHICKEN
When it comes to enjoying this dish, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re plating for a casual family dinner or impressing guests, these serving ideas will complement the rich flavors and crunchy texture of your Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken. With a few simple extras, you can create balanced meals that highlight the chicken’s sweet-savory profile and make every bite feel like a restaurant-quality treat. Let these suggestions guide you in choosing starches, sides, and garnishes that harmonize with the sauce’s honeyed glaze, the nutty sesame notes, and the bright punch of green onions.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up extra sauce. Press the rice gently into the plate to form a nest of tender grains beneath the crispy chicken.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. Toss them in the same wok with a splash of soy and sesame oil for an easy veggie side that mirrors the chicken’s flavors.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or Thai basil for herbal brightness. Chop leaves just before serving to preserve their vivid color and aroma, layering on top of the sauced chicken.
- Offer a small dish of chili-garlic sauce or sriracha for those who love an extra kick. The spicy-sweet contrast amps up the flavor profile, making each bite even more addictive.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY ASIAN SESAME CHICKEN
Storing your leftovers properly ensures that the next meal tastes just as delightful as the first. Whether you plan to refrigerate, freeze, or simply keep the components separate, these tips will help maintain the chicken’s crispiness and the sauce’s glossy finish. By paying attention to temperature, container type, and reheating methods, you’ll avoid soggy textures and preserve those signature flavors.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring. Seal tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Chilling prevents condensation, which can soften the crust.
- Freeze for longer storage: Place cooled, sauced chicken in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Lay flat to freeze in a single layer, then stack. Keeps well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Separate sauce for crispiness: If you know you’ll have leftovers, store the sauce and chicken separately. Keep the sauce in a small jar and the chicken in a shallow container. Combine and reheat gently when ready to eat.
- Reheat with care: To restore crunch, use an oven or air fryer set to 350°F (175°C). Warm the chicken in a single layer for 5–8 minutes, then add sauce at the end or toss briefly to recoat.
CONCLUSION
Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken is a true testament to how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can yield spectacular results. From the initial marinade that infuses bold flavors, through the double-layer coating of egg and cornstarch, to the final glossy sesame glaze, every step is designed to deliver that perfect balance of crunch and succulence. As you tuck into each piece, you’ll appreciate how the honey, soy, and hoisin harmonize with the tang of rice vinegar and the warmth of garlic and sesame. This intermediate-level recipe slots seamlessly into lunch or dinner plans and offers a satisfying 30-minute prep, 20-minute cook time, and a brief 10-minute rest for plating. At around 450 calories per serving, it’s a delicious treat that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it on your device for future reference. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address common questions and troubleshooting tips—perfect for ensuring your chicken turns out crispy every time. If you decide to give this one-pan wonder a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment, share your tweaks, or ask any questions that pop up in the kitchen. Your feedback and stories make cooking even more fun, so don’t be a stranger—let me know how your Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken journey goes!
Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken
Description
Experience the burst of flavors as crispy chicken meets a luscious sesame sauce. This dish is all about that satisfying crunch and delightful sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
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Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat with cornstarch.
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Fry the chicken pieces in small batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
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In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
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Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
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Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
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Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Note
- For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken by frying a second time in the oil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce by altering the amount of honey and soy sauce to suit your taste.
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce.
