This Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and crispy. The chicken is coated in a thick sesame-soy glaze that offers a delightful crunch with every bite. Paired with a simple fried rice, this dish is ideal for a quick yet satisfying dinner. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the kind of meal that combines the convenience of takeout with the comfort of homemade food.
Not only is this dish quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy the chicken with rice, noodles, or even add it to a Bahn Mi sandwich for a fun twist. The fried rice is the perfect accompaniment, and the entire meal can be customized to your tastes by adding extra veggies or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Full Recipe:
For the Fried Rice:
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn)
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
For the Chicken:
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced (chicken breast works well too)
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with ¼ cup water
To Serve:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
Directions:
- Fried Rice: Heat butter in a large pan over high heat. Add frozen vegetables and whisked eggs. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the eggs set, breaking them into pieces. Add rice and tamari or soy sauce, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Chicken: In a large bowl, combine egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornflour. Add chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Sauce: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add tamari or soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in the cornflour mixture if needed to adjust consistency.
- Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve: Place the fried rice on plates, top with the crispy sesame chicken, and garnish with sesame seeds and spring onion.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 500 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice has quickly become a go-to meal for busy families who crave the savory taste of takeout but prefer to enjoy it from the comfort of their homes. This simple, yet delicious recipe has taken the internet by storm and is a beloved favorite among food enthusiasts. With its combination of crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a sticky sesame soy sauce and paired with a simple fried rice, it’s easy to see why this dish has gained so much attention. The best part? It can be prepared and served in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is So Popular
What makes this dish stand out is its balance of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken, coated in a thick, glossy sesame soy sauce, offers a rich and savory contrast to the lightness of the fried rice. The rice, enhanced with tamari or soy sauce, provides a comforting base that complements the chicken perfectly. Whether served with steamed vegetables, a side of noodles, or as is, this dish has become a staple in many households. It’s versatile, simple, and most importantly, full of flavor.
Unlike many takeout dishes that are high in fat and sodium, Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is a healthier alternative. The chicken is lightly coated in a mixture of egg, garlic powder, and cornflour, which creates a crispy, golden crust when fried. It’s then tossed in a homemade sauce made from tamari, brown sugar, and sesame oil—creating the perfect sticky glaze that brings out the savory sweetness of the chicken. The fried rice, made with butter, eggs, and frozen vegetables, offers a balanced and nutritious side that can be customized to suit your tastes.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal: Fast, Easy, and Tasty
One of the key reasons this dish has become a fan favorite is its speed and simplicity. After a long day, no one wants to spend hours cooking. Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients, making it an affordable meal that doesn’t sacrifice on taste. All you need is some boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce (or tamari), rice, and a few seasonings to create a satisfying dinner.
This dish has proven to be the perfect comfort food that rivals local takeout restaurants, providing the same delicious flavors without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for one, this meal delivers on both taste and convenience.
How to Customize the Dish for Your Preferences
While the basic recipe is absolutely delicious on its own, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your tastes. For a lighter version, you can swap the fried chicken for grilled chicken or even crispy tofu for a plant-based alternative. The fried rice can be made with any leftover rice you have on hand, and you can easily add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make it more nutrient-dense. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery twist.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or Asian greens like bok choy or gai larn. You can also enjoy it with noodles instead of rice or add a side of crispy spring rolls for a complete meal. This dish is highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ways to Serve Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, making it the ideal dish to serve for different occasions. The classic way to serve it is by pairing the crispy chicken with the fried rice and garnishing with sesame seeds and spring onions. You can also serve it with your favorite stir-fries or sautéed vegetables to add even more flavor and texture.
For a fun twist, consider turning this dish into a Vietnamese-inspired banh mi. Simply place the crispy chicken in a crusty baguette along with mayo, fresh cilantro, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers for a delicious sandwich. If you have leftover fried rice, it can easily be enjoyed the next day as a light lunch or snack, or you can serve it with additional stir-fried veggies for a healthy side.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is that it makes great leftovers. After enjoying your meal, store any remaining chicken and fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken will soften slightly when reheated, but it will still taste just as delicious. To reheat, simply microwave it until warmed through, or reheat it in a pan over medium heat. While the crispy texture of the chicken might soften, the flavors will still be amazing, making it a great meal prep option for busy weekdays.
Conclusion
Crispy Sesame Chicken and Fried Rice is the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. It’s an incredibly easy meal to prepare, taking just under 20 minutes to get from prep to plate. The crispy, golden chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce pairs perfectly with the simple, yet flavorful fried rice. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or planning a family dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The recipe is versatile enough to be customized to your tastes, making it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. Try it today, and you’ll understand why it has become such a viral sensation!