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PF Chang's Sesame Chicken copycat Recipe
Mary Kelly

Pf Chang's Sesame Chicken Recipe

You're about to dig into a plate of PF Chang's Sesame Chicken. The golden crust glistens under the restaurant lights, and the aroma dances through the air. You want the perfect companions to elevate the experience, right?
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • cup cornstarch
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 5 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • ½ small onion diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon honey for added sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes for a slight heat

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the egg white, soy sauce, white pepper, and water. It should create a slightly frothy concoction. Toss in the chicken cubes and coat them thoroughly. Cover and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with flavor.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Mix them well. This will give your chicken that desired crunch. Set up a frying station with this dry mix ready to go.
  3. After marinating, take each piece of chicken and coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-covered. This is what creates that delightful crunch when we fry it later!
  4. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You know it's hot enough when a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface.
  5. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until they turn a crispy golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.
  7. Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary. Toss in minced garlic, minced ginger, and your diced onion. Sauté until fragrant. This should take only a minute or two. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry until they're tender yet crisp, typically around 4-5 minutes.
  8. Pour the sesame sauce over the stir-fried veggies. Stir until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the crispy chicken to the skillet. Give it a good toss to coat everything in that delectable sauce.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like some heat. Serve hot over rice, and you've got yourself a feast!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 14gFiber: 3gSugar: 10g

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: This enhances the flavors significantly. Fresh ginger and garlic elevate the overall dish.
  • Do Not Skip the Marinating: While it's tempting to rush through this, marinating helps to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
  • Batch Fry: Fry chicken in small batches. It ensures a crispy coating rather than steaming them.
  • Thinly Slice Veggies: This allows them to cook evenly and quickly, preserving that crunch.
  • Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess to match your preferences. Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang

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