The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy, this Sesame Chicken is a must-try for any home cook. Coated in a flavorful honey-garlic sauce, every bite delivers an explosion of taste and texture. The golden, crispy chicken pieces absorb the rich glaze, making this dish a true delight.
Skip the takeout and enjoy restaurant-quality Sesame Chicken from the comfort of your home. This recipe is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share, this dish will become a new favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with water.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Everything You Need to Know About Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken is a beloved dish in many Asian-inspired cuisines, especially in Chinese-American takeout menus. It features crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a rich, sticky, and flavorful sesame sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Here’s everything you need to know about this delicious recipe before adding it to your website article.
What Makes Sesame Chicken So Delicious?
The magic of Sesame Chicken lies in its crispy texture and flavorful glaze. The chicken is lightly coated with a combination of cornstarch and flour, creating a crispy crust when fried. The sauce, made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, brings out an irresistible sweet and savory taste.
What truly sets it apart is the finishing touch: toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, which add a nutty aroma and a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the dish.
Why Make Sesame Chicken at Home?
While this dish is commonly ordered from Chinese takeout, making it at home has several advantages:
- Healthier Option – You control the ingredients, reducing excess oil, sugar, or sodium.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, spice level, or even substitute ingredients to fit dietary preferences.
- Budget-Friendly – Making Sesame Chicken at home is often more affordable than ordering takeout.
- Quick & Easy – With a total cook time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is great for busy weeknights.
Best Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken
✔ Use Fresh Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best for tender and juicy bites.
✔ Double-Coating the Chicken: For an extra crispy texture, coat the chicken twice in cornstarch before frying.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain a crispy coating.
✔ Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Add more cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze.
✔ Serve Immediately: Sesame Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh to maintain its crunch.
What to Serve with Sesame Chicken?
Sesame Chicken pairs perfectly with:
🍚 Steamed White or Brown Rice – A simple and classic side that soaks up the sauce.
🥦 Stir-Fried Vegetables – Add color and nutrients with broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
🥢 Noodles – Lo mein or rice noodles complement the dish well.
🌱 Cauliflower Rice or Zoodles – A great low-carb alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I Bake Sesame Chicken Instead of Frying?
Yes! Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until crispy. Spray with oil before baking for a golden-brown finish.
❓ How Do I Make Sesame Chicken Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
❓ Can I Make It Spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Make Sesame Chicken at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat them in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and spices for a light, crispy crust.
- Dip them in egg wash before frying to ensure the coating sticks.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil by placing the cooked chicken on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce
- In a saucepan, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for a flavorful base.
- Simmer the sauce and thicken it with cornstarch slurry to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Best Tips for Crispy Sesame Chicken
✔ Use Cornstarch for Crispiness – It creates a light and crispy coating without being too heavy.
✔ Fry in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
✔ Adjust the Sweetness – Add more honey for a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a more savory taste.
✔ Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili paste for heat.
✔ Serve Immediately – The chicken stays crispy when eaten fresh.
How to Store & Reheat Sesame Chicken
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer for the best texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
- Freeze the crispy chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months and reheat before tossing in the sauce.
Conclusion
Homemade Sesame Chicken is a game-changer—it’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping, this dish will satisfy all your takeout cravings in a healthier and more budget-friendly way.