Sesame chicken has been my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner ever since I discovered how simple it is to recreate that amazing takeout flavor at home. I vividly remember my first attempt, nervous about getting the chicken crispy and the sauce just right. The aroma of toasted sesame oil and garlic filled my kitchen, and when I took that first bite of the glossy, sweet-salty chicken coated in a sticky glaze, I knew I’d cracked it! Learning how to make sesame chicken this easy sesame chicken way has saved me countless trips to the restaurant. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken

This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! It’s perfect for when you’re craving something delicious without a fuss.

Incredible Flavor: You get that classic sweet, savory, and slightly tangy taste that makes sesame chicken so addictive.
Quick Prep Time: Seriously, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Making this easy sesame chicken at home is much more affordable than ordering takeout.
Family Favorite: The sweet and savory glaze is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Crispy Texture: The special coating and frying method give you that satisfying crunch you expect.
Healthier Option: You control the ingredients, making this a slightly healthier take on the classic.
Versatile Meal: This easy sesame chicken is fantastic served with rice and your favorite steamed veggies.

Authentic Sesame Chicken Ingredients

Gathering the right sesame chicken ingredients is key to achieving that amazing takeout flavor right in your kitchen. I find that using chicken thighs makes for the most tender and juicy results, but you can certainly use breasts if you prefer. The magic really happens with the coating that creates that wonderfully crispy exterior.

1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – this cut stays moist
1 large egg white – helps the cornstarch coating stick
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – for the initial chicken marinade
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – adds a touch of acidity to the marinade
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – a secret for tenderizing the chicken
1/2 cup (70 g) cornstarch, plus 2 teaspoons for sauce slurry – essential for that crispy coating and thickening the sauce
1/3 cup neutral oil (e.g., canola or peanut) for shallow frying – high smoke point is best
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for seasoning the chicken
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for sauce) – the base of our flavorful glaze
1/3 cup honey and 2 tablespoons brown sugar – for that signature sweet glaze
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for sauce) – balances the sweetness
2 tablespoons ketchup – adds depth and color
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – provides that unmistakable nutty aroma
3 cloves garlic, minced and 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – the aromatic powerhouses
2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry) – to thicken the sauce
1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish – for flavor and visual appeal
Optional: 1/2–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce – if you like a little heat

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken

Ready to transform your kitchen into your favorite takeout spot? This sesame chicken recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in no time!

Step 1: Let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 large egg white, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add your cut chicken pieces and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes; this is crucial for tenderizing the chicken.
Step 2: Now, we’ll coat the chicken for that perfect crisp. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup cornstarch over the marinated chicken. Toss gently but thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated and looks a bit clumpy – that’s what you want for maximum crispiness!
Step 3: Heat your oil. Pour the 1/3 cup neutral oil into a large nonstick skillet or wok. Heat it over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering, aiming for around 350°F (175°C). A good shimmer is your sign it’s ready.
Step 4: Fry the chicken in batches. Carefully add about half of the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until they are deeply golden brown and cooked through. You’re looking for that irresistible crispy exterior. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken.
Step 5: Make the amazing sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, the minced 3 cloves garlic, and grated 1 teaspoon fresh ginger.
Step 6: Thicken the sauce. Drain all but 1 teaspoon of oil from the skillet you used for frying. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for about 1 minute.
Step 7: Create the slurry. In a small bowl, mix the 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully and becomes glossy.
Step 8: Stir in the finishing touches. Add the 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and your optional red pepper flakes or chili-garlic sauce if you want a little heat.
Step 9: Coat the chicken. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss everything together for about 1 minute, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in that sticky, delicious glaze. This is the moment your homemade sesame chicken truly comes to life, creating that perfect sesame chicken takeout style finish.

Marinating the Chicken

The marination step is essential for infusing flavor and achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken texture. The combination of egg white, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and baking soda tenderizes the chicken while helping the cornstarch coating adhere beautifully. For more tips on marinades, check out this guide to marinades.

Achieving Crispy Chicken

The key to truly crispy sesame chicken lies in the double coating and proper frying technique. Coating the chicken in cornstarch creates a barrier that fries up golden and crunchy. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature remains high enough for crisping, not steaming. Learn more about the science behind achieving crispy textures.

Crafting the Perfect Sesame Chicken Sauce

This sesame chicken sauce is the heart of the dish! Whisking together honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and toasted sesame oil creates a balanced sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profile. Cooking it down with garlic and ginger until glossy gives it that signature chicken with sesame glaze appeal.

Combining and Finishing

Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is thickened, it’s time for the grand finale. Gently tossing the crispy chicken pieces in the glossy sauce ensures every bite is coated in that delicious flavor combination. This final step delivers that authentic sesame chicken takeout style experience right to your plate.

Pro Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

Want to elevate your homemade dish? These sesame chicken cooking tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every time!

Use chicken thighs: They stay incredibly moist and tender, even with the frying process, which is key for the best sesame chicken.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature for maximum crispiness.
Taste and adjust sauce: Before thickening, give the sauce a taste. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey. Too sweet? A splash more vinegar.
Prep everything first: Have your sauce ingredients measured and chicken coated before you start frying, as the cooking process moves quickly.

What’s the secret to perfect sesame chicken?

The real secret to that perfect, craveable texture is the combination of a light cornstarch coating and shallow frying. This method creates a wonderfully crispy exterior that holds up beautifully to the sticky glaze, making it the best sesame chicken you’ll ever make at home. For more insights into cooking techniques, explore culinary techniques.

Can I make sesame chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time! The chicken can be marinated and coated up to a few hours before frying, and the sauce can be made a day in advance. However, for the crispiest texture, it’s best to fry the chicken and toss it with the sauce just before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade sesame chicken?

A couple of common pitfalls include soggy chicken and an unbalanced sauce. To avoid soggy chicken, make sure your oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan. For the sauce, taste and adjust the sweet, salty, and tangy elements before you add the cornstarch slurry to ensure perfect flavor balance in your homemade sesame chicken.

Best Ways to Serve Sesame Chicken

This delicious sesame chicken is so versatile and makes for a fantastic meal any night of the week. My favorite way to serve it is the classic pairing of sesame chicken with rice; the fluffy rice soaks up that glorious sauce perfectly. I often add some steamed broccoli or crisp snap peas on the side for a pop of green and a healthy crunch. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside some garlic noodles or a light Asian-inspired slaw. It’s truly a meal that satisfies every craving! You can find great rice recipes to pair with this dish.

Nutrition Facts for Sesame Chicken

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this delightful sesame chicken dish. Keep in mind that portion sizes and specific ingredient choices can influence these numbers slightly.

Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 750mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional data, consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

How to Store and Reheat Sesame Chicken

Even though this sesame chicken is best enjoyed fresh, I know sometimes life gets in the way, and you might have leftovers. For the best results when storing and reheating, make sure the chicken has cooled completely before packing it away. I like to put mine in airtight containers, separating the chicken from any extra rice or veggies if possible. Properly stored, your leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for future sesame chicken for dinner meals.

If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a fantastic option! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is usually my quickest go-to; just heat in 30-second intervals, tossing in between, until warmed through. You can also gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to help revive the glaze and prevent it from drying out. Avoid reheating in the oven, as it can make the chicken tough.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken

What is sesame chicken?

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and sticky sesame sauce. It’s often garnished with toasted sesame seeds, which give it its name and nutty flavor. This dish is a staple in many Chinese takeout menus and has become a beloved comfort food for many due to its addictive flavor profile.

Why is sesame chicken popular?

Its immense popularity stems from a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The contrast between the crispy chicken and the glossy, sweet-salty glaze is incredibly satisfying. It’s also relatively affordable, easy to eat, and has a universally appealing taste that appeals to both adults and children, making it a go-to choice for a quick and delicious meal.

Can I make sesame chicken with chicken breast?

Yes, you absolutely can! While chicken thighs are my preference for their tenderness and ability to stay moist, chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry more easily. The marinating step with egg white and baking soda is especially helpful for keeping chicken breast tender in this sesame chicken recipe.

How do I get the sauce to be sticky and not watery?

The key to a thick, sticky sauce is the cornstarch slurry added at the end. Make sure to mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly before adding it to the simmering sauce. Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it visibly thickens and becomes glossy. This process ensures your chicken is beautifully coated, creating that authentic sesame chicken takeout style finish.

Variations of Sesame Chicken You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with it! There are so many ways to customize this dish to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Sesame Chicken: For those who love a kick, easily transform this into a spicy sesame chicken by adding red pepper flakes or chili-garlic sauce directly to the sauce mixture. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornstarch coating for an extra layer of heat.
Sweet Sesame Chicken: If you prefer a more pronounced sweetness, simply increase the amount of honey or brown sugar in the sauce slightly. This will give you an even more decadent, sweet sesame chicken that’s incredibly satisfying.
Healthier Baked Version: Skip the shallow frying altogether! Arrange the cornstarch-coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Then, toss with the prepared sauce.
Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken: Make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and ensuring your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap!

Sesame Chicken: 1 Crispy Takeout Favorite - Sesame Chicken - final dish