Chinese Sesame Chicken
Chinese Sesame Chicken features tender chicken coated in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce with a hint of sesame, perfect for those craving authentic Asian flavors. It suits both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the skinned chicken in a skillet coated with nonstick spray.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Combine water, soy sauce, ketchup, ground red pepper, crushed garlic, brown sugar, sliced scallions, and apple juice in a bowl.
- Add the mixture to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add the chicken back to the skillet, and cook covered until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, then add to the skillet mixture.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken on a platter.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider frying the chicken pieces instead of browning them in a skillet. You can substitute apple juice with pineapple juice or orange juice for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the amount of ground red pepper. Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sesame chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad, like Chinese Macaroni Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with additional sliced scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating more than necessary to keep the chicken tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Sesame Chicken contains roughly 110 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2104mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of skinned chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook through compared to breast meat.
What can I serve with Chinese Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or fried rice. For a complete meal, add some sautéed greens or a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more ground red pepper or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. If you like heat, consider adding sliced fresh chili peppers during the cooking process for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).