Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is a timeless dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world. With over 20 million views, it’s no surprise that this recipe is a go-to for home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals at home. This dish combines tender, crispy chicken coated in a savory sesame soy sauce, served alongside fragrant fried rice. In just a matter of minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that rivals any takeout order.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its convenience. Unlike ordering from your favorite takeout spot, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier, and more customizable experience. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a craving or simply enjoy a comforting meal, this easy Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice recipe will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why This Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe Works
This recipe is designed for those who want great flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in under 20 minutes? It’s a quick fix for busy nights when you’re craving something crispy, savory, and satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its speed but also in its use of simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. No need for exotic spices or expensive cuts of meat—everything you need is easy to find at your local grocery store.
What really sets this recipe apart is its ability to rival the flavors you would expect from a takeout meal. Crispy Sesame Chicken, with its mouthwatering crispy exterior and perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, combined with flavorful fried rice, brings that same comforting, restaurant-quality experience right to your own kitchen. It’s an all-in-one dish that combines textures and flavors in a way that will leave everyone at the table asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice
Fried Rice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for better texture)
- 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce (for a gluten-free version, choose tamari)
Chicken
- 1 egg (for coating)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp water
To Serve
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
To prepare this Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice Recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- A sharp kitchen knife
- A chopping board
- Shallow bowls for coating the chicken
- A measuring jug for accuracy
- A frying pan or wok for sautéing
- Wooden or silicone-coated spoons to stir the ingredients
- Serving bowls for plating
- Chopsticks for authentic serving
How to Prepare Crispy Sesame Chicken
Fried Rice
- Start by heating the butter in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the frozen vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then stir everything together.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the tamari or soy sauce and stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly coated. Allow it to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the rice get slightly crispy in some spots.
Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, combine the egg, garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, pepper, and cornflour. Stir well to create a smooth batter.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the batter, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy—about 5-6 minutes per batch.
- Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Sauce
- In the same pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute.
- Add the tamari or soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine, letting the sugar dissolve, and the sauce come to a simmer.
- Mix the cornflour with water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the pan to thicken the sauce. Stir well, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan, tossing them in the sauce until they’re fully coated.
Serving Suggestion
- Serve the fried rice in bowls and top with the crispy sesame chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added crunch and color.
Notes
- Oil Suggestion: For frying the chicken, it’s best to use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- Make Ahead: While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the fried rice and sauce in advance for quicker assembly when you’re ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions
- For a different twist, serve the crispy sesame chicken over a bed of noodles instead of rice. The sauce will complement the noodles beautifully.
- Use leftover fried rice as a side dish for other stir-fries or grilled meats to elevate the meal.
- Pair this dish with steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for added freshness and nutrition.
- For an adventurous take, use the crispy chicken in Vietnamese-style banh mi rolls with carrot, cucumber, and cilantro for a delicious fusion experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to crispy chicken?
The key to crispy chicken is coating it in a batter made of cornflour (cornstarch) and egg, which creates a light, crunchy exterior when fried. The oil temperature should also be high enough to cook the chicken quickly, preventing it from becoming greasy.
How do Chinese get their chicken so crispy?
Chinese restaurants often use cornstarch to coat chicken, which helps create a super crispy texture. They also fry the chicken at a high temperature to achieve that perfect crunch.
What ingredient makes chicken skin crispy?
Cornstarch (cornflour) is the secret ingredient that makes chicken skin crispy. It helps absorb moisture and creates a crunchy crust when fried.
Should I use cornstarch or flour for crispy chicken?
Cornstarch is the better option for crispy chicken because it creates a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular flour. It also absorbs moisture more effectively, keeping the chicken crispy.
Do you do egg or flour first for fried chicken?
For the crispiest coating, dip the chicken first into the egg mixture, followed by the flour or cornstarch. This creates a better bond between the chicken and the batter, ensuring a crispier texture.
Conclusion
This Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice Recipe is a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that can rival any takeout meal. With simple ingredients, a few easy steps, and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and crispy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. The recipe allows plenty of room for experimentation—feel free to adjust the sauce, add your favorite vegetables, or even swap the chicken for a different protein. Once you make this dish, it’s sure to become a regular favorite on your dinner table.