The Easiest Sesame Chicken Recipe That Actually Tastes Amazing

Crispy golden chicken pieces dancing with a sticky sesame glaze have made this sesame chicken recipe a weeknight favorite for busy home cooks everywhere.

The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors brings restaurant-quality meals right to your dinner table.

Tender chicken chunks coated in a light, crunchy batter create an irresistible texture that everyone will love.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under 30 minutes.

No need to order takeout when you can create something this delicious at home.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory and sweet that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a homemade classic that rivals any restaurant version.

What’s Inside Sesame Chicken

• Chicken: Tender white meat that serves as the protein base for this classic Asian-inspired dish.
• Rice: A fluffy white base that perfectly absorbs the savory sesame sauce.

• Soy Sauce, Water, Sesame Oil: Create a rich and balanced liquid foundation for the chicken coating.
• Brown Sugar, Vinegar: Provide a sweet and tangy flavor profile to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture.

• Ginger, Garlic: Add depth and authentic Asian flavor to the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: Provide a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning of the chicken.

• Egg: Helps create a light, crispy coating for the chicken pieces.
• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, sharp garnish to brighten the final dish.

Gear for Sesame Chicken Night

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken to golden perfection.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend egg mixture and create smooth chicken coating.
• Cutting board: Needed for cutting chicken into pieces.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise chicken cutting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and flipping chicken.

Steps for Tasty Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a small bowl and combine the magical sauce ingredients to build layers of mouthwatering flavor.

• Soy sauce
• Water
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Vinegar
• Minced ginger
• Crushed garlic
• Cornstarch
• Toasted sesame seeds

Whisk everything until smooth and well-blended, creating a glossy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Chicken Coating

• Egg
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and lovingly coat each piece in the mixture, ensuring every morsel is perfectly dressed.

Step 3: Sizzle and Golden Chicken

Heat a large skillet with oil until it shimmers with anticipation.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a gorgeous golden crust.

Let the chicken cook undisturbed, then flip to ensure even, crispy browning on all sides.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the prepared sauce over the golden chicken pieces.

Stir and cook until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, glossy coating that clings to each chicken piece.

The sauce will thicken and create an irresistible sheen.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your masterpiece over fluffy white rice and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crispy chicken and tantalizing sauce.

Best Tips for Sesame Chicken at Home

• Let chicken sit in egg mixture for 15-30 minutes to enhance tenderness and help coating stick better.
• Adjust cornstarch amount to make sauce more or less thick according to your preference.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding pan to ensure crispy chicken exterior.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for consistent, quick cooking.
• Lightly toast sesame seeds in dry pan before adding to dish for enhanced nutty flavor.

New Flavors for Sesame Chicken

• Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Press tofu to remove excess moisture before coating and cooking.
• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat. Increase ginger and garlic for more intense flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Best

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this sesame chicken with steamed jasmine rice for a classic comfort meal that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Green Garnish Glow: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds on top to add a bright, crunchy texture and boost visual appeal.
• Side Dish Sensation: Complement the chicken with quick stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to create a balanced and nutritious plate that adds color and extra nutrients.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Drizzle sriracha or chili oil for those who love a kick of heat, allowing each person to customize their spice preference at the table.

Keeping Sesame Chicken Tasty Longer

• Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying, stirring gently until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cut into even 1-inch pieces and avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Is cornstarch essential for this recipe?

Absolutely. Cornstarch helps create a crispy chicken coating and thickens the sauce, giving it that classic glossy texture you want in sesame chicken.

• How spicy is this dish?

This version is mild. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference.

• Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Replace regular cornstarch with a gluten-free version, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free sesame chicken.

Sesame Chicken – The Highlights

• This sesame chicken recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without complicated steps.
• Packed with rich ingredients like sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, the dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen with minimal culinary skills required.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs without compromising the core deliciousness.
• Kid-approved meal that introduces exciting Asian-inspired flavors while being mild enough for picky eaters, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their dinner.

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken delivers a perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown goodness from Chinese-American cuisine. Home cooks can quickly prepare this restaurant-favorite dish with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large egg

Coating and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for chicken)
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Seasoning and Cooking Components:

• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 cups jasmine rice, cooked
• 2 whole green onions

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by blending soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, vinegar, minced ginger, crushed garlic, cornstarch, and toasted sesame seeds in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Create a crispy coating for chicken by whisking egg with cornstarch, then season with salt and pepper. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and thoroughly coat in the egg mixture.
3. Heat a large skillet with oil until shimmering. Carefully place coated chicken pieces in the pan, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without moving for 2-3 minutes.
4. Flip chicken pieces and continue cooking until completely golden and interior reaches 165°F, ensuring even cooking and crispy exterior.
5. Pour prepared sauce over sizzling chicken, stirring gently to coat each piece. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to chicken.
6. Transfer sesame chicken to a serving platter, garnish with thinly sliced green onions, and present over steamed white rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken in sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste absorption.
• Achieve extra crispy texture by double-coating chicken in cornstarch and using high heat for golden, crunchy exterior.
• Customize recipe for gluten-free diets by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and using gluten-free cornstarch.
• Reduce calories by baking chicken instead of frying, using a light coating of cooking spray and spreading pieces on parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg