Sesame Chicken (Crispy, Sticky & Savory)

Okay, so let me tell you—Sesame Chicken is one of those meals. You know, the kind that makes you stop mid-bite and go, “Wow.” It’s sweet, sticky, a little crunchy, and totally comforting.

I first had it at a tiny takeout spot near my old apartment. One bite, and I was hooked. After that, I had to try making it at home.

And guess what? It’s way easier than it looks. The sauce is like magic, and the chicken turns out so juicy. Trust me, you’ll want seconds (maybe thirds).

So if you love fast, tasty meals like I do, this one’s a must. Let me show you how I make my favorite Sesame Chicken. It’s simple, fun, and super yummy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Saucy: Lightly coated chicken pieces are pan-fried until golden, then coated in a glossy sesame glaze.
• Better Than Takeout: You get full control over the ingredients, without the grease or mystery sauces.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the balance of sweet and savory.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: The whole dish comes together in under 45 minutes.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Cook the chicken ahead and toss it in sauce when you’re ready to serve.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 as a main dish.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate — great for home cooks who want a crisp texture and balanced sauce.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Large nonstick skillet or wok
• Tongs or spatula
• Small saucepan (for the sauce)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels (for draining)

Ingredients for the Sesame Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Optional for Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• ½ cup cooked green peas (fresh or thawed frozen)

Variations for Sesame Chicken

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For more juiciness, use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Baked Option: Instead of pan-frying, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the cornstarch is gluten-free certified.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for more texture and color.

How to Make Sesame Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2. Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

4. Thicken the Sauce

Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency—this takes 1–2 minutes.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken to the pan with the sauce. Toss until each piece is evenly coated and glossy.

6. Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and green peas if using. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken

This flavorful dish can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few simple, satisfying options:

• Steamed White or Brown Rice: A classic and neutral base that soaks up the sauce.
• Fried Rice: Add egg, peas, and carrots for a heartier option.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Try broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for crunch and color.
• Noodles: Serve with plain lo mein or rice noodles tossed with sesame oil.
• Lettuce Cups: Scoop into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter take.

Storing Sesame Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store cooled sesame chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the chicken (separate from the rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before coating ensures crispiness when pan-fried.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed—overcrowding leads to soggy results.
• Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: These add more depth than powdered versions.
• Monitor the Sauce: Stir frequently and don’t overcook once the slurry is added—it thickens fast.
• Toast the Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasting them in a dry pan brings out a nutty aroma and better flavor.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	28g
Sugars	15g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	780mg
Fiber	1g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

esame Chicken FAQs

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be as crispy, but it will still be delicious.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s more sweet and savory. You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken ahead, then reheat and toss together before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in equal amounts.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken is one of those dishes that feels special but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. With crispy golden chicken and a sticky-sweet sauce, it’s the kind of meal everyone asks for again. Whether served with rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps, it delivers comfort and flavor every time.