Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sesame Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, delivering takeout-style flavor with homemade freshness.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)cornstarchall-purpose floureggssoy saucesesame oilgarlic (minced)ginger (grated)rice vinegarbrown sugarsriracha or chili sauce (optional for heat)watertoasted sesame seedsgreen onions (for garnish)vegetable oil (for frying)

directions

In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with eggs, cornstarch, and flour until evenly coated.

Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.

Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, water, and sriracha if using.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.

Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use chicken tenders for quicker prep.
Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Air fry the chicken for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner cut.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).

Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add sriracha or chili sauce—otherwise, it’s sweet and savory.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free flour alternatives.

What oil is best for frying?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for high-heat frying.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sides go well with sesame chicken?
Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Why is my chicken not crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Fry the chicken and make the sauce in advance; combine and reheat just before serving.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken is a crispy, saucy, and satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving comfort food or hosting a dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

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