Transform Ordinary Chicken into Extraordinary Sesame Heaven: The Definitive Guide to Breading

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible crunch and savory flavors of sesame chicken? Breading this iconic dish is an art form that requires precision and a few secret techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through every step of the breading process, ensuring that you create restaurant-quality sesame chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gathering the Essential Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will tenderize the chicken and enhance its flavor.

2. Season the chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.

3. Double-coat the chicken: Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the egg and then into the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat this process to create a double coating.

Creating the Perfect Sesame Crust

1. Prepare the sesame seeds: In a shallow dish, spread out the sesame seeds.

2. Coat the chicken with sesame seeds: Dip the double-coated chicken pieces into the sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere them.

Frying the Sesame Chicken

1. Heat the oil: Fill a large skillet or deep fryer with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C).

2. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the sesame-coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Drain the chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.

Serving the Crispy Delight

Serve the crispy sesame chicken immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a sweet and sour sauce or a honey mustard sauce.

Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken

• Use fresh chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken will result in a tender and flavorful dish.
• Double-coat the chicken: This creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that seals in the juices.
• Fry in hot oil: The hot oil will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet: Frying too many pieces of chicken at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
• Season the flour mixture: Seasoning the flour mixture adds flavor to the chicken.

Variations on the Classic

• Spicy sesame chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoned flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Honey sesame chicken: Drizzle honey over the fried chicken and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds for a sweet and savory treat.
• Orange sesame chicken: Add orange zest and orange juice to the buttermilk marinade for a citrusy twist.

FAQs

1. Why does my sesame chicken become soggy?

Overcrowding the skillet or using oil that is not hot enough can cause the chicken to become soggy.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will help tenderize it, but you can marinate it for up to overnight for even better results.

3. Can I use other seeds instead of sesame seeds?

Yes, you can use other seeds such as sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, or flax seeds.

4. What is the best dipping sauce for sesame chicken?

Sweet and sour sauce or honey mustard sauce are classic dipping sauces for sesame chicken.

5. Can I bake the sesame chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the sesame chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Key Points: A Culinary Triumph

Mastering the art of breading sesame chicken is a culinary triumph that will impress your family and friends. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step guide, and embark on a journey that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.