Sesame Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Sweet, and Better Than Takeout
Sesame chicken is a beloved takeout classic known for its crispy coating, sweet and savory sauce, and a final sprinkle of sesame seeds that bring it all together. This homemade sesame chicken recipe lets you recreate that restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen with simple ingredients. Perfectly fried chicken bites tossed in a sticky glaze with a hint of garlic, soy, and honey make this dish irresistible. Whether you’re serving it over rice, with veggies, or as an appetizer, this recipe is fast, easy, and sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients Of Sesame Chicken Recipe
For the Sauce:
Why You Will Love This Sesame Chicken Recipe
This sesame chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s perfectly balanced. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes even better than your favorite takeout, without the mystery ingredients. This recipe is easy to customize, quick to prepare, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. Plus, it reheats well—making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Preparation Process Of Sesame Chicken Recipe
The chicken is first dredged in a seasoned cornstarch-flour mix, dipped in egg, and fried until golden. Then it’s tossed in a homemade sesame sauce made on the stovetop. A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds texture and visual appeal. That’s it!
Step By Step Instructions
Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the eggs.
Coat and fry: Dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then into egg, and back into the flour mix. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ketchup, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Toss chicken in sauce: Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
How to Serve?
- Over steamed white or jasmine rice
- With stir-fried vegetables or broccoli
- In lettuce cups for a low-carb option
- Alongside fried rice or lo mein
- As an appetizer on party platters
Tips & Variations
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Double the sauce for extra drizzling.
Try air frying the chicken for a lighter option.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe Card
Sesame Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Sweet, and Better Than Takeout
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes480
kcalThis homemade sesame chicken recipe is a delicious and healthier take on your favorite Chinese restaurant dish. Crispy fried chicken pieces are tossed in a sweet, sticky sesame sauce that’s packed with flavor and just the right touch of garlic and soy. Perfect with rice or veggies, this recipe is easy to make, family-friendly, and better than takeout. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or prepping for a special meal, this sesame chicken is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to double for guests or meal prep!
Ingredients
Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch – 1/2 cup
All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Eggs – 2, beaten
Vegetable oil – for frying
Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon
Sliced green onions – for garnish (optional)
- For the Sauce:
Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
Honey – 3 tablespoons
Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
Ketchup – 1 tablespoon
Toasted sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
Directions
- Prep the chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the eggs.
- Coat and fry
- Dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then into egg, and back into the flour mix. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ketchup, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Toss chicken in sauce
- Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use freshly grated garlic for maximum flavor.
- Sauce thickens quickly—remove from heat once glossy.
- For extra crispiness, fry chicken twice.
- You can prep sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying.
FAQs
Conclusion
This sesame chicken recipe is your go-to when you’re craving the taste of Chinese takeout without leaving the house. It’s crispy, sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying—everything a good sesame chicken should be. With a fast prep time and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you need comfort in a bowl. Try it once, and it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
