The absolute best crispy sesame chicken with tzatziki sauce

This easy crispy sesame chicken recipe is a delicious twist on the classic fried chicken, with a crispy sesame crust that adds a burst of flavor to each bite. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.

As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting dishes to try and this crispy sesame chicken recipe caught my eye – it promised a unique combination of textures and flavors that I couldn’t resist.

I fell in love with this dish not just because of its taste, but also because of how easy it is to make. So whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a new addition to your recipe repertoire or a beginner wanting to impress your loved ones, this sesame crusted chicken is the perfect choice.

What drew me to this easy sesame chicken was its combination of textures and flavors. The crispy outer coating from the mixture of flour, bread crumbs, and sesame seeds gives each bite a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken inside.

How to make crispy sesame chicken

Ingredients you need

For the chicken:

• Eggs – these will help bind the coating to the chicken and add a slight richness to the dish.
• Chicken breast cut into strips or chicken tenders – this is what gives our dish its protein. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Flour – this helps create a crispy outer coating on the chicken.
• Bread crumbs – for extra crunch and texture in every bite.
• Salt and pepper – to season your chicken before coating it.
• Sesame seeds – these are what give our sesame chicken its signature flavor!

For the tzatziki sauce

• Greek yogurt – this tangy ingredient makes up the base of our sauce and adds creaminess without being too heavy.
• Cucumbers – they provide a refreshing and cooling element to our sauce.
• Fresh dill – this herb adds a bright and herby flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic – for a punch of savory flavor.
• Fresh mint (optional) – if you have it on hand, adding some fresh mint can take your tzatziki sauce to the next level!
• Salt to taste – season your sauce according to your preference.
• Olive oil – this adds a subtle richness and depth to the sauce.

Substitutes

You can use panko bread crumbs instead of traditional bread crumbs for an extra crispy coating. If you want to make this dish gluten-free, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls – for coating the chicken and making the tzatziki sauce.
• Whisk – to beat the eggs and create a smooth batter for the chicken.
• Grater – to grate the cucumber for the tzatziki sauce.

Instructions to prepare the chicken

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on how to make this easy sesame chicken!

Preparations

1. In a bowl, beat the eggs. Add flour and mix well until no lumps remain. Add salt and pepper. The consistency should be similar to sour cream – thick but still runny enough to coat the chicken.
3. Cut chicken into strips or use pre-cut chicken tenders.

Cooking

1. Dip the chicken strips into the egg and flour mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs and sesame seeds.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the coated chicken strips to the pan.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Use paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Instructions to make the tzatziki sauce:

1. Grate the cucumber using a grater or food processor.
2. Chop the fresh dill and mint
3. In a mixing bowl, mix cucumber, dill and mint
4. Smash garlic and add to all ingredients
5. Add yogurt, salt and olive oil and mix to combine.
6. Serve alongside the crispy sesame chicken for dipping.

Tip

For an extra crispy coating, refrigerate the coated chicken for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the breading adhere better and create a crispier crust.

For an extra flavorful twist on this dish, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic before coating it in the egg and flour mixture. This will not only infuse more flavor into the chicken but also help to tenderize it.

Recipe Variations

• If you want to add a little kick of heat, you can mix some hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the egg mixture before coating the chicken.
• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes instead of frying it.

What to serve with crispy sesame chicken

As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I have found that this dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options to consider:

• Serve over a bed of rice with steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
• Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.
• For a lighter option, serve the chicken on top of a salad with some extra sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
• Potatoes or sweet potatoes make great side dishes for this sesame chicken. You can either roast, mash, or fry them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! You can use any cut of chicken you prefer for this recipe. Just make sure you cut them into smaller pieces for easier cooking, even coating and crispy texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best to serve this sesame chicken fresh and hot, you can prepare the coated chicken strips ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?

Greek yogurt is preferred because of its thick and creamy texture, but you can use regular yogurt if that’s what you have on hand. Just drain any excess liquid from the yogurt using a cheesecloth or paper towel before mixing in the other ingredients.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To ensure that your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Storing and reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

For longer storage, you can also freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating as instructed above.

More chicken recipes you’ll enjoy

• Lemon chicken orzo salad
• Creamy skillet chicken with mushrooms
• Baked orange chicken drums
• Chicken vegetable egg soup
• Chicken chili with sweet potatoes
• Buttermilk fried chicken
• Garlic butter chicken
• Thai chicken curry

More sauce ideas you will love

• Mushroom sour cream sauce
• Cranberry orange sauce
• Chimichurri sauce recipe
• Yogurt mustard sauce

Crispy sesame chicken is a delicious and simple dish that makes for a great weeknight meal or appetizer for parties and gatherings. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!