Description
This delicious sesame chicken recipe features crispy chicken strips coated in a savory sauce made with toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and fresh orange juice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound frozen crispy chicken strips (or make chicken from scratch)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 large oranges
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (not lite)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (mixed with 1/4 cup water)
- Cooked rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken from scratch or prepare frozen chicken strips according to package directions. I like air frying them best, which takes about 11 to 12 minutes. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces and add to a large bowl.
- While the chicken cooks, place a medium pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds, then add both sugars and 2 teaspoons of orange zest, if using. Stir to moisten the sugar, then add 1/2 cup fresh orange juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the vinegar and soy sauce and stir to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into the sauce and stir. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more red pepper flakes for heat or a pinch of salt if desired.
- Pour as much sauce as you’d like over the cut-up chicken pieces (you may not want it all depending on how saucy you prefer your meal). Drizzle the remaining 2 teaspoons sesame oil on top of the coated chicken. Gently toss and serve immediately. I like to serve over cooked rice with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
Notes
- Note 1: You can make your own chicken for this recipe if you prefer.
- Note 2: Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Note 3: For serving suggestions, consider garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg