How to Make Claypot Sesame Chicken (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Claypot Sesame Chicken is a beloved Singaporean dish often found in the bustling hawker centres and kopitiams across the island. Its aromatic blend of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and tender chicken is cooked in a claypot, infusing every bite with deep, earthy flavours. This dish is rooted in local fusion influences—melding Chinese culinary traditions with Singaporean hawker culture for a meal that’s comforting yet vibrant. The claypot technique helps retain moisture and nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to fried chicken dishes. The taste is both robust and nuanced, with a balance of savoury, slightly sweet, and nutty notes from the sesame oil and soy sauce. Claypot Sesame Chicken is perfect for dinner, especially when served piping hot, and its popularity among locals stems from its hearty yet nourishing qualities. Whether enjoyed at home or in a local kopitiam, it’s a testament to Singapore’s rich culinary heritage and penchant for flavourful, nourishing meals.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Slice ginger and garlic
Slice ginger and garlic. Cut chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces. Prepare spring onion and chili.
Step 2 · Heat claypot over medium flame
Heat claypot over medium flame. Add sesame oil, then sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant.
Step 3 · Add chicken pieces and stir-fry until lightly browned
Add chicken pieces and stir-fry until lightly browned.
Step 4 · Pour in light soy sauce
Pour in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine (if using). Mix well.
Step 5 · Add water
Add water, cover claypot, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 6 · Uncover
Uncover, toss in spring onion and black pepper. Add chili if desired. Stir and let sauce reduce slightly.
Step 7 · Serve hot directly from the claypot
Serve hot directly from the claypot, garnished with remaining spring onion.
Why this recipe is healthy
This Claypot Sesame Chicken recipe is a healthier alternative to deep-fried hawker fare, emphasizing steaming and minimal oil. It’s low in saturated fat, high in protein, and rich in antioxidants thanks to ginger and garlic. By using skinless chicken and controlling sauce portions, you get a nourishing meal suitable for calorie-conscious diners, supporting weight management and overall wellness.
A note on tradition
Claypot Sesame Chicken is a mainstay in Singapore’s hawker centres and kopitiams, especially cherished during cool evenings or rainy days. Its roots lie in Chinese-style claypot cooking, adapted for Singapore’s urban palate. The dish is commonly eaten with rice and enjoyed as a communal meal, reflecting the city’s fusion of traditional and modern dining habits. It’s a symbol of comfort and is often featured in family gatherings.