Sesame Chicken Recipe (No Fry Method)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbboneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 3 tbspcornstarch
- 2 tbspwater
- 1egg
- 1 tbspavocado oil or olive oil
- ¼ ccoconut aminos
- 3 tbsppure honey
- 2 tbspwater
- 1 tbsprice vinegar
- 1 tbsptoasted sesame oil
- 2 tspcornstarch
- 1 tspgarlic powder
or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tspground ginger
or 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 tspsesame seeds
Directions
- 1
Cut the chicken into about 1-inch pieces, making them as uniform in size as possible (this helps the chicken cook evenly in the skillet). Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, and the egg. The mixture will look like a pastry batter. Add the chicken pieces to the batter and stir until well coated.
- 3
In a very large nonstick or enamel-coated cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat the 1 tablespoon oil. When the oil is hot, swirl the skillet to distribute the oil all around. (NOTE: If you don’t have a very large skillet, cook the chicken in two batches.)
- 4
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in an even layer, spacing the chicken pieces out as much as possible. (NOTE: It’s OK if the batter causes some of the chicken to stick together. You will break up the pieces when you flip them over.) Cook the chicken, undisturbed, until golden brown on the bottom, 5 to 6 minutes.
- 5
Then, using a silicone flipper, turn the chicken over and use the edge of the flipper to break the pieces up, being careful to break off as little of the crispy crust as possible. Distribute the chicken again in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed on the other side until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes.
- 6
Meanwhile, in a large glass measure or medium bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients (coconut aminos through sesame seeds) until well combined.
- 7
When the chicken is done cooking, remove the pieces to a paper-towel-lined plate or baking sheet and set aside.
- 8
To the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the sauce and heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to simmer and thicken, 1 to 2 minutes.
- 9
Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and quickly toss just until coated in the sauce.
- 10
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the chicken over rice and garnished with sliced scallions and additional sesame seeds, if desired.
- 11
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Sesame Chicken Recipe (No Fry Method)
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Based on 13 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible sweet and savory sesame chicken but want to skip the deep-fry mess? This incredible no-fry stovetop recipe delivers all the crispy, saucy goodness you love in just 30 minutes, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
What makes this recipe a game-changer is its clever "no-fry" approach, yielding deliciously coated chicken pieces with a satisfying texture without excessive oil. The combination of cornstarch and egg creates a light, crisp exterior, perfectly complementing the rich, balanced sauce featuring coconut aminos and honey. This method results in truly delicious, high-protein sesame chicken, making it a fantastic solution for busy evenings.
You'll be treated to tender, juicy chicken pieces, each lovingly coated in a vibrant, sweet and savory sauce that strikes the perfect balance between salty, umami, and a hint of tang. The clever cornstarch and egg coating ensures a delightful light crispness on the chicken exterior, contrasting beautifully with the sticky, flavorful glaze. This delicious sauce is infused with the subtle warmth of ginger and garlic, and a nutty finish from toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds. This simple stovetop method ensures a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal that tastes indulgent but is surprisingly easy to achieve, making it a perfect flavorful addition to your weeknight rotation.
Feel free to swap between boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs based on your preference for a leaner or richer texture. For the aromatics, you can use either garlic powder and ground ginger or fresh minced garlic and ginger for a more vibrant flavor. When cooking, the recipe suggests using either avocado oil or olive oil, giving you flexibility based on what you have on hand.
This Sesame Chicken is the ideal flavorful weeknight dinner, perfect for family meals or a cozy night in. Serve it alongside steamed rice and your favorite cooked vegetables to complete a wholesome and satisfying plate.