Best Sesame Chicken is the ultimate comfort food when you’re craving a sweet and savory Asian-inspired dish. Crispy, golden chicken bites are coated in a glossy sesame sauce that’s sticky, flavorful, and full of umami. Served over steamed rice or noodles, this crowd-pleasing favorite delivers restaurant-style flavor at home—with less grease and more control over ingredients.

What Makes This Dish Special?

Sesame Chicken hits that magical balance of crunchy texture and bold flavor. The chicken is pan-fried (or deep-fried if you prefer extra crunch), then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made with soy, honey, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. It’s just the right mix of savory, sweet, and nutty—and it comes together quickly in a single pan. Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and you’ve got a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 egg
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sesame Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

Toasted sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Coating

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg and season with a bit of salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan or clean skillet, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

4. Thicken the Sauce

Stir together 1 tsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Add to the simmering sauce and stir until thickened and glossy, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Toss and Garnish

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

6. Serve

Serve hot over white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.

Variations

Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
Lighter Version: Skip frying and pan-sear or bake the chicken instead.
Orange Sesame Chicken: Add 1 tbsp orange juice and zest to the sauce.
Veggie Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Skillet or deep frying pan
Slotted spoon or tongs
Saucepan (if not using the same skillet)
Paper towels (for draining)

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 410
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 23g
Sugar: 11g
Fiber: 1g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet to restore crispiness or microwave gently.
Freezing: Freeze without sauce. Reheat and toss in fresh sauce for best texture.

My Cooking Experience

Every time I make sesame chicken, it’s a guaranteed dinner win. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause after the first bite and think, “Wow, this is better than takeout.” The sauce is the star—sweet, tangy, and nutty from that toasted sesame oil—and it transforms the chicken into something irresistible. I like to batch-fry extra and freeze some for later quick meals.

Conclusion

Best Sesame Chicken is everything you want in a homemade comfort dish—crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. With a few pantry staples and some fresh chicken, you can skip the delivery app and make this iconic takeout favorite in your own kitchen.

Admin