P.F. Chang’s Sesame Chicken Recipe

There’s something so, so good about P.F. Chang’s Sesame Chicken that always makes me eat more than I should!

The secret is in the deliciously sweet and savory sesame sauce that coats every bite of the crispy chicken.

I always use tempura chicken breast, which delivers such a memorable crunch and texture.

My favorite part of this recipe is how the sauce complements the chicken with just the right amount of flavor.

Don’t forget to add steamed broccoli and bell peppers for a colorful plate that not only tastes good but looks inviting too!

How to Make P.F. Chang’s Sesame Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 2 tbsp Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Chili Paste
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Canola Oil
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Mix the chicken pieces with cornstarch in a bowl, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.

Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2:

In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, sugar, vinegar, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, and garlic.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3:

Heat enough frying oil in a pan to cover the chicken pieces, until it reaches 375 degrees F.

Fry the chicken in batches until they turn golden brown.

Drain on paper towels.

Step 4:

In a large skillet or wok, add canola oil and a drizzle of sesame oil over high heat.

Once hot, add fried chicken and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5:

Pour a bit of sesame sauce over the chicken in the skillet, tossing to coat well.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Adjusting Spice Level

If you enjoy more heat, consider adding extra chili paste to ramp up the spice level to your liking.

Splendid for those who savor a kick!

Choosing the Right Oil

Using an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil is ideal for frying.

This ensures your chicken crisps without burning.

Alternative to Deep Frying

For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400 degrees F until crisp, turning once.

It makes for less oil usage while keeping it delicious!

Perfecting the Sauce

Balancing flavors is key here.

Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sugar, soy sauce, or vinegar if necessary to suit your preference.

Simpler Cleanup

To ease cleanup, line baking trays and splatter zones with foil.

This little trick saves time and keeps your kitchen tidy after cooking.

What to Serve with P.F. Chang’s Sesame Chicken

Roasted Broccoli

You can’t go wrong with roasted broccoli to add a nutritious aspect to your meal.

It’s easy to prepare and complements the savory sesame chicken with its crisp, slightly charred taste.

Season it with a bit of lemon zest or garlic to add more flavor.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables like broccoli or snow peas bring a refreshing contrast to your plate.

They offer a light, crunchy element that balances well with the richness of the sesame chicken.

Adding these to your meal creates a nice variety in textures and flavors.

Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with sesame chicken.

They offer a crispy texture and savory filling that mesh nicely with the sweet and savory flavors of the main dish.

They’re a great option if you’re looking for something traditional.

Cauliflower Rice

For a low-carb alternative, try serving cauliflower rice.

It’s a neat way to provide a rice-like texture without the added carbohydrates.

Feel free to add a bit of soy sauce or sesame oil to keep the flavor profile consistent.

Mango Salsa

Add something unexpected with a spicy mango salsa on the side.

This is a bold, zesty option that offers a contrasting sweet and spicy profile.

It adds a bright, vibrant touch to your sesame chicken meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Alternatives

You can swap out the chicken with shrimp or tofu if you prefer a different protein.

Shrimp adds a seafood twist, while tofu makes it a fantastic vegetarian option.

Just adjust the cooking times slightly to match the protein you choose.

Spice Level

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili paste.

You can experiment by adding crushed red pepper flakes or even fresh chilies.

If you’d rather a milder flavor, simply reduce these spicy ingredients.

Sauce Adjustments

Soy sauce can be substituted with low-sodium versions to reduce saltiness.

Add a touch of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter profile.

Try adding a dash of lime juice for a hint of acidity.

Vegetable Additions

Feel free to include more vegetables like snow peas or baby corn for more variety.

These can be added during the cooking stage to bring extra crunch and nutrients.

You can also use seasonal vegetables that you have on hand.

Coating Options

If you’re out of cornstarch, you may use potato starch or all-purpose flour for the coating.

Each will offer a slightly different texture, so it’s a fun way to experiment with the dish’s crunchiness.

Exploring these alternatives can be quite exciting!

How to Store Leftover Sesame Chicken

Make sure your leftover sesame chicken is stored safely so you can enjoy it again later!

Cool Down

You want to let the sesame chicken cool to room temperature before packing it away.

This prevents the growth of any harmful bacteria and keeps the texture better for reheating.

Use Airtight Containers

Store your sesame chicken in airtight containers to maintain its flavor and freshness.

These containers are perfect for preventing any outside odors from mingling with your leftovers.

Fridge or Freezer

If you’re planning to eat the chicken within a few days, the fridge is your go-to.

For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option and helps retain the taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Marinade

Don’t skip marinating the chicken. It’s essential for tenderness and flavor. A simple 20 minutes in the fridge can make a big difference for your sesame chicken.

Overcrowding the Pan

Avoid overcrowding your frying pan when cooking the chicken pieces. Crowding can lower the oil’s temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy bites.

Sauce Consistency

Watch the sauce closely and avoid letting it get too thick. If it boils for too long, it could become overly sticky and lose its rich, savory quality.