Are you searching for a quick and easy way to cook chicken differently? I have an answer for you. I will share an easy Chinese-style braised sesame oil chicken in this article.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, sesame and ginger are highly beneficial for new mothers who have recently given birth. These ingredients are believed to aid in post-delivery recovery. As a result, it is a classic Chinese confinement dish for new moms.

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and takes less than half an hour. It tastes amazing with steamed rice and is liked by the whole family, including kids, due to its universal flavor. It’s no wonder it has become a staple dish in many Chinese households, not just for recovering after childbirth.

This dish shares some similarities with another Taiwanese dish named “three-cup chicken.” Both dishes use plenty of sesame oil, but “three-cup chicken” also includes basil, giving it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from sesame oil chicken, which contains a generous amount of ginger.

Below is a detailed explanation of preparing braised chicken with sesame oil and ginger.

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1. The key ingredients

You likely have most of your needs if you have these three ingredients in your kitchen. Other ingredients are common in your kitchen pantry.

a. Sesame oil

It has a distinct taste and a strong earthy flavor commonly used in various Asian cuisines. This dish requires a significant amount of sesame oil, which is used for cooking and adds a delicious umami flavor to the chicken. Don’t be surprised that this recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of sesame oil to cook one pound of chicken, which is essential to achieve the desired taste. As a result, the recipe doesn’t require additional vegetable oil to cook.

I use black sesame oil (toasted sesame oil) in the recipe with a stronger flavor. It is made with toasted sesame seeds. 

b. Chicken

For best results, I recommended using bone-in and skin-on chicken when braising. The reason behind this is that the bone enhances the flavor of the chicken during the braising process. This is similar to boiling chicken carcasses in water to make stock. However, if you prefer boneless chicken, I suggest adding some chicken broth (store-bought or homemade) instead of water while braising to enhance its flavor.

Although the chicken will absorb the flavor of the sesame oil and seasoning during the braising process, it’s still best to marinate the chicken before cooking. Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, ground white pepper, and salt to the chicken and let it marinate for at least 2 hours before braising. By doing this, the chicken will be much more flavorful and delicious.

You may ask your chicken vendor to cut a whole chicken into large pieces. However, it’s best to use chicken thighs when braising chicken, as they are more tender and flavorful than skinless chicken breasts due to their higher fat content. They are also less likely to become tough even if overcooked. 

c. Ginger

The third essential ingredient for this recipe is ginger. Cut the ginger into fine julienne and fry it with sesame oil until it turns crispy and brown. This step helps infuse the ginger’s flavor into the sesame oil, which the chicken will absorb well during braising.

2. The seasonings used apart from sesame oil

The purpose of the seasonings used in this recipe is to act as supporting ingredients that highlight the flavor of sesame oil. 

• The main seasoning ingredient is light soy sauce, which provides the flavor. However, you can add dark soy sauce if you prefer a darker color. 
• Oyster sauce is optional but can be included in the recipe. 
• Chinese rice wine goes well with sesame oil and ginger. Adding rice wine at the final cooking stage helps to ensure that its flavor is retained during braising. 
• To balance the dish’s saltiness, add some brown sugar. However, if you use oyster sauce containing sugar, you can omit the additional sugar.

3. What other ingredients are required besides chicken?

You only need chicken and nothing else for a basic version of sesame oil chicken. However, to add some variation to this sesame oil chicken recipe, consider adding black fungus (木耳/wood ear fungus), goji berries, and mushrooms. Dry shitake mushrooms or canned button mushrooms are good options. 

To garnish, you can add green onions cut into short sections. Alternatively, pluck some fresh coriander leaves and place them on top as a garnish.

4. The complete cooking process of sesame oil chicken

Here’s a detailed explanation of how to prepare sesame oil chicken:

1. Heat the quantity of sesame oil in a wok as stated in the recipe.
2. Once the heat reaches medium, add the fine strips of ginger and fry.
3. Add the marinated chicken once the ginger changes color and becomes slightly crispy.
4. Continue to fry the chicken over medium-high heat until both sides turn golden brown.
5. Mix all the liquid seasonings except the rice wine in a small bowl, then add to the chicken.
6. Simultaneously, add water and mix well with the ingredients.
7. Cover the wok and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
8. Remove the lid once the water in the wok has reduced and the chicken has cooked through.
9. Thicken the sauce by adding the cornstarch slurry until it reaches the desired consistency.
10. Add the rice wine.
11. Taste the chicken before removing it from the wok to ensure all the flavors are well-balanced.
12. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with green onions. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for additional sesame flavor.

The sesame oil chicken tastes even better the next day after the flavor of the sesame oil and the seasonings are fully absorbed by the chicken. As such, you can cook this chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4  days. 

5. Here are some dishes that go well with this easy sesame chicken recipe:

• Yong chow fried rice: Sesame oil chicken is best served with some white rice or, even better, some Yong Chow fried rice.
• Bok choy stir-fry: Prepare some stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy to serve along with the chicken for a complete meal.
• Old cucumber soup: Soup is a popular dish that the Cantonese usually serve during every meal. Following this recipe, you can learn how to make authentic old cucumber soup.

FAQ About Chinese Sesame Oil Chicken

Can I use boneless chicken for sesame oil chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs if preferred. However, bone-in chicken generally produces a more flavorful result because the bones enrich the sauce during braising. If you use boneless chicken, replace part of the water with chicken stock to enhance the flavor.

What is the best cut of chicken for sesame oil chicken?

Chicken thighs are the best choice because they remain tender and juicy after braising. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs also add more flavor to the sauce compared to chicken breast.

Why does this recipe use so much sesame oil?

Sesame oil is the key flavoring ingredient in this dish, not just the cooking oil. The generous amount gives the chicken its signature nutty aroma and rich taste.

Can I reduce the amount of sesame oil?

Yes, you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a lighter flavor. However, using too little sesame oil will significantly change the character of the dish.

Why is ginger important in sesame oil chicken?

Ginger adds warmth and fragrance to the dish while balancing the richness of the sesame oil. Frying the ginger in sesame oil also helps infuse the oil with additional flavor before braising the chicken.

Can I add mushrooms to sesame oil chicken?

Yes. Mushrooms are a popular addition because they absorb the flavorful sauce well. Dried shiitake mushrooms, fresh shiitake mushrooms, and button mushrooms are all suitable choices.

What can I serve with sesame oil chicken?

Sesame oil chicken is best served with steamed rice. It also pairs well with stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, and noodles.

Can I make sesame oil chicken ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, sesame oil chicken often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Can I freeze sesame oil chicken?

Yes. Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen and later reheated gently before serving. However, the flavor and texture may gradually deteriorate over time, so this dish is always best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Why is Shaoxing wine added at the end?

Adding Shaoxing wine near the end of cooking helps preserve its aroma and flavor. If it is added too early, most of its fragrance will evaporate during braising.

What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?

You can substitute Shaoxing wine with Chinese rice wine, Taiwanese rice wine, dry sherry, or omit it entirely if preferred. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is sesame oil chicken spicy?

No. Sesame oil chicken is aromatic and warming due to the ginger and sesame oil, but it is not spicy.

Can I make sesame oil chicken without oyster sauce?

Yes. Oyster sauce is optional and mainly adds extra umami flavor. The dish will still taste good without it.

Is sesame oil chicken the same as three-cup chicken?

Not exactly. Both dishes use sesame oil, but three-cup chicken also includes basil and usually has a thicker, more concentrated sauce. Sesame oil chicken focuses more on the fragrance of ginger and sesame oil. If you want to try making Three Cup Chicken at home, here is the recipe.