Homemade Sesame Chicken: Your Ultimate 20-Minute Takeout Favorite
Craving delicious takeout but short on time? This easy sesame chicken recipe brings your favorite sweet and savory dish home in just 20 minutes, featuring perfectly crispy chicken pieces tossed in an irresistible sauce!
This post is proudly sponsored by CHEF’S CRAFT®, reflecting my honest thoughts and opinions.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of whipping up a beloved takeout meal right in your own kitchen. For busy weeknights, easy Asian recipes are often my top choice, and my family shares my enthusiasm. The sheer joy of getting a flavorful, restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under 20 minutes is truly unmatched. Forget the delivery wait times and high costs; homemade is the way to go!
Chinese takeout has long been a go-to for countless households, primarily because it simplifies dinner decisions. This sesame chicken recipe offers that same level of convenience, but with the added benefits of freshness and control over your ingredients. With a sauce that comes together in mere minutes and the strategic use of pre-breaded, fully-cooked chicken, you can achieve a result that’s not only faster but often tastes even better than what you’d get from a restaurant. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a truly satisfying meal.
What Exactly Is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken is a staple on nearly every Chinese takeout menu and in most Chinese-American restaurants across the United States. It’s a distinctly Americanized dish, albeit inspired by traditional Chinese cooking techniques that involve crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce. While you might not find “Sesame Chicken” in its exact form in mainland China, the concept draws from dishes where fried chicken is glazed with various sweet and savory concoctions.
In the United States, it’s celebrated for its thick, glossy, and undeniably delicious sauce. This sauce often leans towards the sweeter side, thanks to ingredients like brown sugar (or sometimes honey), which provides a delightful caramelization. The star of the dish, of course, is the tender, breaded chicken pieces, which are thoroughly coated in this rich sauce and typically served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that has captured the hearts of many.
The Secret to Speed and Flavor: CHEF’S CRAFT® Gourmet Chicken
My culinary journey recently led me to an amazing discovery in the freezer aisle at Walmart: CHEF’S CRAFT® gourmet chicken. I must confess, I’ve become an enthusiastic fan. If you’re eager to try it for yourself, you can easily locate a store near you using the Store Locator on their website. It’s also readily available at Food Lion and Meijer grocery stores.
Typically, I approach pre-cooked frozen chicken with a fair amount of skepticism; I’m quite particular about the quality and texture of my chicken! However, CHEF’S CRAFT Flame Grilled Chicken Breast Filets and Chunks have genuinely won me over. Their consistency, flavor, and incredible convenience have made them a freezer essential in my home. I always keep a supply on hand, ready to elevate salads, enrich chicken wraps, or even toss into pasta dishes. The chicken is consistently tender, remarkably juicy, and possesses just the right texture—a critical factor for me when it comes to frozen poultry. They truly excel in delivering a premium product.
For this incredibly quick and easy crispy sesame chicken recipe, I specifically chose CHEF’S CRAFT Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks. These chunks are a game-changer; they cook to perfection in under 15 minutes, whether you prefer using an air fryer, microwave, or a conventional oven. The result is consistently crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside, so much so that my family didn’t even realize they were gluten-free. This product not only saves precious cooking time but also provides a fantastic base for a variety of meals, making healthy and delicious eating more accessible than ever.
Crafting the Perfect Sesame Chicken Sauce: Ingredients Breakdown
The magic of sesame chicken truly lies in its sauce – a balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang and spice. This super simple sauce requires minimal effort, combining a few pantry staples that, once mixed, are heated until the cornstarch works its magic, thickening it to a perfect, luscious consistency. Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible glaze:
- Soy Sauce: The foundation of savory umami, essential for any Asian-inspired sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and brightness, cutting through the sweetness and balancing the flavors.
- Sesame Oil: Delivers that signature nutty, aromatic depth that defines sesame chicken.
- Cornstarch: The thickening agent that gives the sauce its desirable glossy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Provides the characteristic sweetness and a hint of molasses for richer flavor and beautiful caramelization.
- Black Pepper: A touch of warmth and subtle spice.
- Garlic Chili Flakes: For a gentle kick and aromatic garlic notes. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
- Water: Helps to thin the sauce to the right consistency before thickening and ensures ingredients blend smoothly.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a sauce that perfectly clings to the crispy chicken, transforming it into a truly memorable dish. The beauty is in its simplicity and the speed with which it comes together.
Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sesame Chicken
Making homemade sesame chicken has never been simpler, especially with our strategic shortcuts! Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious meal that rivals your favorite takeout spot, all in about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cooking your breaded chicken pieces. Whether you opt for an air fryer, microwave, or conventional oven, simply follow the package directions for your chosen method. The goal is to get them wonderfully hot and crispy, ready to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: While the chicken cooks, prepare your sauce. In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic chili flakes, and water. Whisk thoroughly until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it starting to thicken beautifully as the cornstarch activates, creating a glossy, rich consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once your chicken is cooked to perfection and the sauce has thickened, add the hot, crispy chicken pieces directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the sweet and savory glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve your piping hot sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, and consider adding some steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete and nutritious meal. Enjoy your incredibly quick and satisfying homemade takeout!
This sesame chicken recipe truly couldn’t be easier, thanks to the brilliant shortcut of using pre-breaded chicken breast chunks. This simple hack shaves off significant preparation and cooking time, making a weeknight Asian feast entirely feasible. And for those looking to lighten things up, you have the flexibility to make this recipe a little healthier by opting for CHEF’S CRAFT grilled chicken breast chunks instead, offering a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor or convenience!
Seriously, take my word for it: you absolutely need to keep your freezer well-stocked with CHEF’S CRAFT Chicken. It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that has proven to be a true lifesaver on countless busy nights. As someone who is notoriously picky about chicken, I can confidently say that this brand has unequivocally won me over with its consistent quality and delicious taste. It’s a pantry hero you’ll be glad to have on hand for quick, satisfying meals.
Explore More Delicious Asian Dinner Recipes
If you’ve loved this quick and easy sesame chicken, you’re in for a treat! The world of Asian-inspired cuisine offers an incredible array of flavors and dishes, many of which can be adapted for fast and convenient home cooking. Dive into some of our other family-favorite recipes that bring the vibrant tastes of Asia right to your dinner table. From crispy appetizers to hearty main courses, there’s something here to satisfy every craving and make your weeknight meals exciting and effortless.
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Crispy, savory, and healthier thanks to the air fryer.
- Egg Drop Soup: A comforting classic, simple to make and perfect as a starter.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Another takeout favorite, with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Easy Cashew Chicken: A flavorful and satisfying dish packed with tender chicken and crunchy cashews.
- Pork Lo Mein: Delicious stir-fried noodles with savory pork and fresh vegetables.
- Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken: Effortless and incredibly flavorful chicken made in your slow cooker.
These recipes provide fantastic options for expanding your Asian cooking repertoire, proving that delicious and diverse meals can be achieved with ease and speed. Happy cooking!
Easy Sesame Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 pound breaded chicken pieces
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
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Cook CHEF’S CRAFT breaded chicken breast chunks according to the package directions.
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In a liquid measuring cup, mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce, whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
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Pour sauce into a large skillet over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
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Toss cooked chicken with the sauce until evenly coated.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
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Serve over white rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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