Name: Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 eggs; ½ cup cornstarch; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 quart vegetable oil, for frying; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili paste (Sambal Oelek); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1½ tablespoons cornstarch (for slurry); ½ cup cold water (for slurry); Cooked rice; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you have a craving for something irresistibly crispy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, this Sesame Chicken Recipe will absolutely become your new favorite. This dish brings together tender, golden-fried chicken pieces smothered in a sticky, savory sauce with just the right hint of heat and sweetness. Every bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s easier to make at home than you might think, promising restaurant-quality results without the fuss.

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic of this Sesame Chicken Recipe truly starts with simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in the final dish's flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the blend of sauces and spices, every component is essential to create that perfect balance between crunch and saucy goodness.

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Using either ensures juicy, bite-sized pieces perfect for frying and coating.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the chicken.
2 eggs: Help the coating stick to the chicken, forming that delicious crispy crust.
½ cup cornstarch: Provides lightness and crunch to the coating.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the batter for golden fried goodness.
1 quart vegetable oil, for frying: Essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth to the sauce without overpowering.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lends subtle brightness and balance.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used to sauté aromatics and build the sauce base.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Packs in that iconic nutty flavor indispensable in a Sesame Chicken Recipe.
3 tablespoons honey: Provides natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the sauce.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances caramel notes and thickness.
1 teaspoon chili paste (Sambal Oelek): Adds a touch of heat that perks up the dish without overwhelming it.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic pungency.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Gives a refreshing zing that brightens the overall profile.
1½ tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening): Ensures a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every crispy piece.
Cooked rice: The perfect bed to soak up every bit of that mouthwatering sauce.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds freshness and color at the finish.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: Classic garnish that enhances texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

First things first, season your bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with sea salt. This simple step elevates the natural chicken flavor, setting the foundation for the perfect bite. It’s amazing how just a pinch of salt can make all the difference.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Egg and Flour Mixture

Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat them lightly. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Now, dip each piece of chicken into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. This double layer is what creates that irresistible crunchy texture once fried.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 325°F. Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. When they turn golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F, remove them and drain on paper towels. That crisp exterior paired with juicy chicken inside is what makes this recipe worth every minute.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

While your chicken is frying, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, brown sugar, and chili paste in a small bowl. This blend of ingredients brings a brilliant balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that define the signature flavor of this Sesame Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Sauté Garlic and Ginger, Then Simmer the Sauce

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, stirring until fragrant—this only takes about one minute. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce with Cornstarch Slurry

In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into your simmering sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. This step is crucial because it helps the sauce cling perfectly to each crispy chicken piece.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Toss your golden fried chicken back into the skillet, stirring gently to coat every piece in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Heat everything together for an additional two minutes to meld the flavors and warm the chicken through.

Step 8: Serve on Rice and Garnish

Divide cooked rice into bowls, then spoon the luscious sesame chicken and sauce over the top. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to finish, adding fresh crunch and a toasty nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Recipe

Two bowls sit side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl is white and filled with white flour, with several pieces of raw chicken partially covered in the flour, showing their pale pink color. The right bowl is clear glass, containing many small cubes of raw chicken that are mixed in a bright yellow beaten egg liquid. The colors contrast nicely, with the white flour on the left and the yellow egg mixture on the right, highlighting the stages of preparing chicken for cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions instantly elevates the dish’s appearance and texture. These garnishes add a nutty crunch and a pop of vibrant green that make every bite more exciting. Feel free to add a bit of freshly chopped cilantro or a dash of red chili flakes if you want to personalize it even further.

Side Dishes

While this sesame chicken is delightful on its own, pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice helps soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a balanced meal, consider serving alongside stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli, which bring vibrant colors and fresh, crisp textures to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held meal perfect for casual dinners or parties. Alternatively, pile it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious spin. Either way, this Sesame Chicken Recipe is versatile and endlessly adaptable to whatever presentation style suits your occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious sesame chicken, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. The chicken and sauce will stay flavorful and moist for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save the dish for longer, let the chicken cool completely and freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Keep the rice separate for best texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method preserves the crispiness of the chicken better than microwaving. If needed, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during frying, delivering even more tender and flavorful bites in your Sesame Chicken Recipe.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

While frying provides that signature crispiness, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 425°F on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty and less oily.

How spicy is this recipe with chili paste?

The chili paste adds a gentle kick without overpowering the sweetness and savoriness. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on your preferred spice level, or simply omit it for a milder version.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just reheat gently while frying or warming the chicken. This saves time and lets the flavors deepen even more.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, arrowroot powder or potato starch work as excellent thickening alternatives in the sauce and coating. Just use the same amounts stated in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Giving this Sesame Chicken Recipe a try is like unlocking a whole new world of home-cooked comfort food. Its inviting aroma, crispy texture, and layers of flavor are sure to delight everyone at your table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite that you’ll love sharing again and again.