Crispy Sesame Chicken Delight

$To make Crispy Sesame Chicken, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a hint of heat) - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - ½ cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Vegetable oil (for frying) You will need the following tools: - A large skillet for frying - Three shallow bowls for dredging - A medium mixing bowl for the coating - A small saucepan for the glaze - A paper towel-lined plate for draining Serve your Crispy Sesame Chicken on a large white platter. Drizzle some extra honey soy glaze on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and makes it look great. Pair it with steamed broccoli or fluffy rice for a full meal. Enjoy your delicious dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium bowl. In it, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Stir these dry ingredients until they blend well. This coating gives the chicken its tasty crunch. Now, set up three bowls. In the first, pour the flour mix. In the second, add 2 large beaten eggs. In the third, place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Take a piece of chicken, dredge it in the flour mix, and shake off any extra. Then, dip it into the eggs, letting the excess drip off. Lastly, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick well. Next, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, move the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil. In a small saucepan, mix ½ cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar over medium heat. Stir until the mixture warms and smooths out. After that, add 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This glaze adds a sweet and savory touch to your chicken. Finally, take a large mixing bowl and toss the crispy chicken pieces in the honey soy glaze until they are well coated. You can save some glaze for drizzling later. Plate the glazed chicken on a serving platter and garnish it with sliced green onions. This adds a nice, fresh touch. Enjoy your crispy sesame chicken! To get that perfect crunch, follow these tips: - Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. - Heat the Oil: Ensure the oil is hot before adding chicken. This helps to seal in moisture. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches. Crowding can lower the oil's temperature and make the chicken soggy. - Press the Breading: After coating the chicken, gently press the breadcrumbs into the meat. This helps them stick better and stay crispy. You can swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs: - Chicken: Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. - Flour: Almond flour works well for a gluten-free option. - Honey: Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweet taste. - Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. - Vegetable Oil: Use canola or peanut oil for frying as well. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for: - Skipping the Drying Step: Pat dry the chicken before breading. This helps the coating stick. - Not Heating Oil Enough: If the oil isn’t hot, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. - Frying Too Long: Keep an eye on the time. Overcooking will dry out the chicken. - Skipping the Glaze: Don’t skip the glaze! It adds flavor and a shiny finish. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. Tip Title: Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier texture, consider double-dipping the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and breadcrumbs. Tip Title: Let it Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes on a paper towel-lined plate to allow excess oil to drain and maintain its crispiness. Tip Title: Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey, or even incorporating a splash of chili sauce for a spicy kick. {{image_4}} To make a spicy sesame chicken, add heat to your dish. Simply mix in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the flour coating. This gives each bite a nice kick. You can also add some Sriracha or chili oil to the honey glaze for extra flavor. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Serve it with a cooling dipping sauce, like yogurt or sour cream, to balance the spice. Want a healthier twist? You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. After coating the chicken with flour, eggs, and panko, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray a bit of oil over the top to help it crisp up. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This method reduces oil and calories while keeping the chicken crunchy. Pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal. If you prefer a meat-free meal, try using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Follow the same coating and cooking steps. For tempeh, steam it first for better texture before coating. You can also use cauliflower florets for a fun veggie option. The glaze will enhance the flavor, making it a tasty dish for everyone. To keep your leftover crispy sesame chicken fresh, allow it to cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until it's hot and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but it may lose some crispiness. If you decide to freeze your chicken, make sure it’s cold first. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps save space and keeps them fresh. Use them within three months for the best taste. To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve Crispy Sesame Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are my top picks: - Steamed broccoli - Fluffy white rice - Fried rice - Stir-fried vegetables - A fresh garden salad These sides balance the chicken well and add color to your plate. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Check the soy sauce label for gluten-free options. These swaps keep the dish crispy and tasty. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken should also look golden brown. If it is still pink inside, cook it a bit longer. Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great option. They stay juicy and tender. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts. Follow the same cooking steps, and you will enjoy a delicious meal. This blog post covered the key points for making Crispy Sesame Chicken. We discussed the necessary ingredients, tools, and serving ideas. I shared a clear step-by-step method to create a tasty dish. Tips on crispiness and ingredient swaps can help improve your cooking. We also explored various options for different diets. Lastly, proper storage and reheating will keep your meal fresh. Experiment with these ideas, and enjoy making this dish your own!$

Crispy Sesame Chicken Delight

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze, garnished with fresh green onions.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a hint of heat)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
½ cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
as needed amount vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until well combined.
In a separate shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs. In another bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Now you have three bowls: one with the flour mixture, one with the eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated while shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good adhesion for maximum crispiness.
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn a rich golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is warmed and smooth. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes after adding sesame seeds, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, carefully toss the crispy chicken pieces in the honey soy glaze until they are fully coated. If you like, reserve some glaze for drizzling when serving.
Plate the glazed chicken on a serving platter, garnishing it with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

For an elegant display, serve the chicken on a large white platter and drizzle the remaining honey soy glaze artistically over the top. Pair this dish with steamed broccoli or a side of fluffy rice.

Keyword chicken, crispy, glaze, sesame