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There’s something utterly irresistible about the glossy, sticky glaze of homemade Sesame Chicken that makes it a standout in my weeknight dinner rotation. I remember the first time I whipped up this Sesame Chicken recipe in my tiny apartment kitchen—it was a game-changer, turning ordinary chicken into a crave-worthy Chinese takeout favorite without the hassle of ordering out. In this article, I’ll share my go-to method for making Sesame Chicken that’s crispy, sweet, and savory all at once, perfect for busy evenings when you want flavor without fuss.
What I love most about this Sesame Chicken is how it brings that authentic restaurant taste right to your table, but with ingredients you probably already have on hand. I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it quicker and healthier, and trust me, it never disappoints. Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, this easy Sesame Chicken will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can nail it every time.
Key Takeaways:
- Crispy Sesame Chicken that’s better than takeout, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients make this Sesame Chicken a budget-friendly weeknight win.
- Perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce elevates your homemade Sesame Chicken.
- Use cornstarch for that authentic crunchy coating on your Sesame Chicken.
- Store leftovers of Sesame Chicken for up to three days without losing flavor.
Why You’ll Adore This Sesame Chicken
Quick and Effortless Prep: This Sesame Chicken comes together in no time, ideal for those hectic days when cooking feels overwhelming. I’ve made it on countless rushed evenings, and it always saves the day with its straightforward steps. You’ll be amazed at how little effort yields such big flavor rewards.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike go crazy for the sweet, sticky Sesame Chicken—it’s like a hug on a plate. What I find interesting is how it bridges the gap between comfort food and something a bit exotic. It’s the kind of dish that turns dinner into a fun event.
Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you want it spicier or milder, this Sesame Chicken adapts easily to preferences. In my experience, adding a dash of chili keeps things exciting without overwhelming the classic flavors. It’s versatile enough for any palate.
Healthier Twist on a Classic: By baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying, your Sesame Chicken stays delicious yet lighter. Here’s the thing: you won’t miss the extra oil one bit. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that still delivers all the satisfaction.
Essential Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my choice for this Sesame Chicken because they stay juicy and tender even after frying. They’re more flavorful than breasts and hold up well to the bold sauce. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and you’ll get that perfect texture every time. In this recipe, they absorb the sesame flavors beautifully.
Soy Sauce and Honey: These form the base of the irresistible sauce in your Sesame Chicken. Soy brings the savory umami, while honey adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes nicely. I always use low-sodium soy to control the saltiness, ensuring the dish isn’t overpowering. Together, they create that glossy coat we all love.
Sesame Seeds and Oil: Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and nutty aroma to the finished Sesame Chicken. Sesame oil infuses everything with its distinctive, toasty depth—don’t skip it! A sprinkle on top just before serving elevates the dish from good to unforgettable. They’re what make this Sesame Chicken truly authentic.
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a mix of cornstarch, flour, and egg—this creates the light, crispy batter that’s essential for great Sesame Chicken. I like to let it sit for a few minutes so the coating adheres well, preventing sogginess later. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor. In my experience, this step is key to achieving that restaurant-quality crunch without deep-frying.
Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat, then add the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. The sizzle and aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait. Drain on paper towels to keep your Sesame Chicken from getting greasy.
Build and Toss in the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for the sauce—simmer until it thickens slightly. Once the chicken is done, pour the warm sauce over it and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for that final touch. This Sesame Chicken is now ready to serve hot and sticky.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame Chicken Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, and beaten egg. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken
Use Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger for the sauce—it adds a zing that powdered can’t match in your Sesame Chicken.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and keep your Sesame Chicken crispy.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toast them lightly in a dry pan for extra nuttiness on top of the finished Sesame Chicken.
You Must Know
- Sesame Chicken is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven to retain crispiness.
- This recipe serves 4 and totals about 450 calories per serving, making it a balanced meal option.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the overall saltiness without sacrificing flavor in Sesame Chicken.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safety.
How to Store Sesame Chicken
Once cooled, store your Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months, though the coating might soften slightly upon thawing. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven at 350°F to crisp it back up—microwaving works in a pinch but isn’t ideal. This way, you can enjoy the Sesame Chicken flavors fresh-tasting every time.
Customizing Your Sesame Chicken
Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to make your Sesame Chicken vegetarian or seafood-focused— the sauce works wonders on both. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey and add a splash of lime for tang. For a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes during sauce-making. Check out our baked honey sesame chicken recipe for a lighter variation that still delivers on taste.
What to Serve with Sesame Chicken
Pair this Sesame Chicken with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or try fried rice for extra texture. A simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness. For beverages, go with iced green tea or a light beer—nothing too heavy. Round out the meal with egg rolls or dumplings if you’re feeling indulgent.
Sesame Chicken
Easy, healthy and homemade Chinese Sesame Chicken recipe with sesame sauce. This is the BEST recipe you'll find online and tastes just like takeout restaurants.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 8 oz. (230g) boneless and skinless chicken breast (cut into strips)
- 02 oil (for deep-frying)
- 03 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 04 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 05 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 06 1 egg white
- 07 1/3 cup cold water
- 08 1 tablespoon oil
- 09 1 pinch salt
- 10 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 11 1 tablespoon Chinese rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 12 4 tablespoons sugar
- 13 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 14 1/3 cup water
- 15 2 tablespoons oil
- 16 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 17 white sesame seeds (for garnishing)
Instructions
Mix all the ingredients in the Sauce until well combined. Set aside.
Mix all the ingredients for the Frying Batter in a bowl until well combined. Stir a few times to ensure there are no lumps and the batter is smooth. Add the chicken to the batter and stir to coat it evenly.
Heat 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) of oil in a wok or stockpot to 350°F (175°C) for deep-frying. Gently drop the chicken into the hot oil and immediately loosen them with a spatula to prevent the pieces from clumping together.
Deep-fry the chicken until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the oil using a strainer or slotted spoon, allowing the excess oil to drain by placing the chicken on a dish lined with paper towels. Discard the oil.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, then pour in the sauce.
As soon as the sauce thickens, add the fried chicken to the wok or skillet. Stir continuously until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Dish out, garnish with white sesame, and serve immediately with steamed rice.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken
Can I make Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken coating and sauce a day in advance, then fry and toss just before serving to keep it crispy. This makes weeknight dinners even easier without compromising on quality. Just store components separately in the fridge.
How long does Sesame Chicken last in the fridge?
Sesame Chicken stays fresh for up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, the sauce might make the coating soggy, so it’s best enjoyed soon. Freezing extends its life to two months.
Is Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
It can be—use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for the coating. This tweak keeps all the flavors intact in your Sesame Chicken while accommodating dietary needs. Always check labels for hidden gluten.
What’s the best oil for frying Sesame Chicken?
Vegetable or peanut oil works great for high-heat frying without imparting off flavors to your Sesame Chicken. They have neutral tastes and good smoke points. Avoid olive oil, as it can burn easily.
Can I bake Sesame Chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely, preheat your oven to 400°F, place coated chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. This healthier Sesame Chicken method still gets you crispy results with less oil.
How do I make Sesame Chicken spicier?
Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture while simmering—start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. This amps up the heat in your Sesame Chicken without altering the sweet profile. Garnish with fresh chilies for extra kick.
What’s the origin of Sesame Chicken?
Sesame Chicken is an American-Chinese dish, not traditional in China, created in the U.S. for its crowd-pleasing sweet-savory combo. It’s evolved in home kitchens like ours into endless variations.
Can kids eat Sesame Chicken?
Yes, it’s a hit with families—just tone down any spice and cut pieces small for little ones. Serve your Sesame Chicken over rice to make it kid-approved and mess-free.
Final Thoughts
From the first crispy bite to the last saucy morsel, this Sesame Chicken recipe has become a staple in my home for good reason—it’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own; you won’t regret it. Head to the kitchen now and whip up some homemade Sesame Chicken tonight—who knows, it might just become your new family favorite!