Crispy Sesame Chicken with Fried Rice: A Homemade Delight Recipe

Crispy sesame chicken brings a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Savor an Asian-inspired classic that combines tender meat with a golden, crackling exterior.

Fragrant rice complements the star of this dish, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Marinating the chicken ensures deep, rich flavor that penetrates every morsel.

Authentic spices and a quick stir-frying method guarantee a meal that looks impressive and tastes extraordinary.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making this irresistible dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice So Addictive

• Speedy Satisfaction: Dive into a complete meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combo: This recipe offers a delightful balance of crispy chicken and flavorful fried rice that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
• Customizable Cuisine: Easily adapt the dish by swapping vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or using gluten-free alternatives to suit individual dietary needs and preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality Magic: Create a takeout-style meal at home that rivals professional chefs, giving you the satisfaction of restaurant-level cooking without the hefty price tag or delivery wait.

What You’ll Need for Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice

• Chicken: Protein that forms the main star of the dish with a crispy, flavorful coating.
• Rice: The base grain that provides a delicious foundation for the entire meal.
• Eggs: Adds protein and helps bind the chicken coating and fried rice.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a robust and savory flavor profile for the chicken.
• Tamari, Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, umami depth to both the rice and sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.

• Cornflour: Helps create a crispy chicken coating and thickens the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and creating the sauce base.
• Frozen Vegetables: Adds color, nutrition, and texture to the fried rice.
• Sesame Seeds, Spring Onion: Provides a fresh garnish and additional flavor complexity.
• Butter: Helps to cook the fried rice and adds richness.

How to Make Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Fried Rice

Grab a large pan and melt butter over high heat. Toss in frozen vegetables and whisk eggs directly into the pan.

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, breaking eggs into delicious chunks. Mix in rice and tamari, stirring thoroughly until everything is heated and combined.

Set the rice aside for later.

Step 2: Create Crispy Chicken Coating

• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cornflour

Drop chicken pieces into the mixture and toss until every inch is perfectly coated.

Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, aiming for a golden, crunchy exterior. Transfer chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Craft the Irresistible Sesame Sauce

In a separate pan, warm olive oil and sauté garlic until wonderfully fragrant. Pour in tamari, brown sugar, and sesame oil.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes. If needed, adjust consistency with a cornflour mixture.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the crispy chicken to the pan and gently toss until each piece is generously coated with the glossy sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spread fried rice onto plates, crown with saucy sesame chicken, and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Crunchy, Saucy Success with Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice

• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Use day-old rice for perfect fried rice texture, preventing soggy or mushy results.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better sauce adherence.
• Choose low-sodium tamari or soy sauce to control salt levels in the final dish.
• Adjust cornflour quantity in sauce to achieve desired thickness without making it too heavy or runny.

Flavor Twists for Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice

• Spicy Sesame Chicken Remix: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add chili flakes to the chicken coating for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Sesame Tofu Edition: Swap chicken with firm tofu, using the same crispy coating and sesame sauce technique.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, replace cornflour with rice flour for coating, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Asian Fusion Bowl: Transform the dish by adding pickled vegetables, edamame, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo on top of the fried rice and chicken.

Best Pairings for Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice Pairings
• Refreshing Beverage Companion: Pair with a cold, light Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Asahi to cut through the richness of the crispy chicken and complement the savory fried rice.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer with subtle fruity notes that balance the soy sauce and sesame flavors, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Zesty Side Salad Boost: Prepare a quick cucumber and pickled ginger salad with rice vinegar dressing to add brightness and acidity, which helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, crispy chicken.

Keeping Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and fried rice in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap chicken and rice individually in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken and rice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat. Reheat rice in a separate pan, adding a little water to prevent drying. Stir continuously to maintain texture and prevent burning.

Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice Questions, Solved

• What makes the cornflour important in this recipe?

Cornflour helps create a crispy, golden coating on the chicken and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring a crunchy exterior and smooth sauce consistency.

• Can I use regular flour instead of cornflour?

Regular flour won’t provide the same crispiness as cornflour. Cornflour creates a lighter, crunchier texture and helps the chicken become more golden when fried.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The chicken is done when it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The pieces should be evenly cooked and have a crunchy exterior.

• Is it necessary to use both tamari and soy sauce?

You can use either tamari or soy sauce interchangeably.

Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice deliver Asian-inspired comfort straight to your plate, blending crunchy chicken with savory rice. Crisp texture and bold flavors invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic meal.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 egg

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pan and heat butter over high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the fried rice preparation.
2. Introduce frozen vegetables and whisked eggs into the heated pan, stirring and cooking for 1-2 minutes until eggs set and break into small pieces.
3. Incorporate rice and tamari sauce into the vegetable-egg mixture, stirring thoroughly and cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer the completed fried rice to a separate dish.
4. Create a coating mixture in a large bowl by combining egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornflour for the chicken.
5. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the seasoned mixture, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
6. Heat oil in a pan to medium-high temperature and fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, aiming for a golden and crispy exterior.
7. Remove fried chicken and drain excess oil on paper towels to maintain crispiness.
8. In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Add tamari sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the garlic, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and develops a rich consistency.
10. Gently return the crispy chicken to the sauce pan, carefully tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
11. Plate the prepared fried rice as a base, arranging the sauced sesame chicken on top.
12. Finish the dish by garnishing with sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onion for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose high-quality chicken with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to help cornflour adhere better and create crunchier exterior.
• Use day-old cold rice for fried rice to prevent mushy and sticky results, as refrigerated rice has less moisture.
• Control oil temperature between 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown chicken without absorbing excess oil.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornflour for coating.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a lighter version.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or edamame to increase nutritional value in fried rice.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to maintain smooth cooking flow and prevent burning or overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 210mg