Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, sweet, and utterly satisfying, this Sesame Chicken Recipe is going to be your new kitchen hero. I absolutely love how the chicken comes out perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, while the sticky sesame sauce adds that wonderful sweet-savory balance you just can’t resist. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became my go-to for weeknight dinners because it’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make.

You’ll find that making this Sesame Chicken Recipe at home not only saves money from takeout but also lets you control every ingredient for the best flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a fun dish to prepare when you want something a little special but don’t want to fuss too much in the kitchen. Trust me, once you nail this, your family and friends will be asking for seconds every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work hand-in-hand to deliver that classic Sesame Chicken flavor and texture. A combo of pantry staples and fresh aromatics makes shopping a breeze.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using chicken breasts gives you tender meat that crisps up nicely when fried.
• Eggs: Help the flour and cornstarch stick for that perfect coating.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the chicken’s natural flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Mixes with cornstarch to create a light, crispy crust.
• Cornstarch: Vital for that extra crispiness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Oil for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, works best here.
• Vegetable oil: Just a little for browning the garlic in the sauce.
• Fresh garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Honey: The natural sweetness balances the savory elements.
• Soy sauce: Reduced sodium is great if you want to keep it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Ketchup: Adds tang and a hint of tomato sweetness to the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and gives a subtle molasses flavor.
• Rice vinegar: Provides acidity to cut through the richness.
• Toasted sesame oil: The magic ingredient that brings that unmistakable nutty depth.
• Sesame seeds: Offers a light crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
• Sliced green onions: The fresh garnish that brightens the dish.

Variations

I love tweaking this Sesame Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving. You should feel free to play around with ingredients to make it your own—whether you want to lighten it up or ramp up the flavors.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free soy sauce; it turns out just as crispy and flavorful.
• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce for a nice kick—your taste buds will thank you.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for tofu cubes and follow the same battering and frying steps; it’s surprisingly delicious.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in some crushed peanuts or cashews just before serving for an added crunch layer and nutty flavor.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Perfectly

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Then, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This step seasons and readies the chicken to hold onto the flour and cornstarch mix. Trust me, don’t skip the seasoning here—it really brings the flavor through in every bite.

Step 2: Coat and Fry Until Crispy

Mix the flour and cornstarch in a shallow dish—this combo is what makes the chicken’s crust so irresistibly crunchy. Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture first, then roll it in the flour-cornstarch mix until it’s completely coated. I like to double-dip to make sure every piece is well coated; this is a trick I learned after many tries to get maximum crunch.

Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, about 7-8 pieces at a time, for roughly 5 minutes or until golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan—the chicken won’t crisp properly if the temperature drops too low. Drain on paper towels to keep things nice and crisp!

Step 3: Whip Up the Signature Sauce

While your chicken is frying, mix the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just right. This step is where the magic happens—watch how the sauce glazes beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Toss the fried chicken into the sauce and stir gently to coat every piece. Then sprinkle those toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions over the top for that perfect pop of flavor and crunch. I love serving this immediately while it’s still hot and crispy—you’re going to love how the sauce clings to every crispy bite!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions—not only do they add a lovely crunch and color, but they also balance the rich sweetness of the sauce with a fresh bite. Sometimes, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Sesame Chicken shines when paired with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas add a vibrant crunch and freshness that complements the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the sesame chicken over a bed of fried rice or even noodles, garnished with extra toasted nuts and fresh cilantro for a bit of flair. It makes the meal feel festive without needing a complicated setup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that crunchy texture, I usually keep the sauce separate and toss them together when reheating—it makes a huge difference!

Freezing

Freezing works well if you fry the chicken and let it cool completely before freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. The sauce freezes separately in a small container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Heat the sauce gently on the stove, then toss everything together just before serving. Microwave reheating often leaves the chicken soggy, so avoid if you can.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

My family goes crazy for this Sesame Chicken Recipe because it feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home without the hassle. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of dish that’s impressive yet comforting, perfect for sharing around the table. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whenever you want that crispy, saucy goodness!

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