Easy Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe That Beats Takeout

Crispy, golden sesame chicken ranks among the most beloved takeout favorites you’ll ever crave.

My kitchen adventures have proven this classic dish doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but homemade versions taste dramatically better.

Authentic flavors burst through with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.

Perfectly coated chicken pieces promise a delightful crunch that rivals any restaurant offering.

Each bite combines sweet, savory notes that dance across your palate.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, impressing everyone at your dinner table.

Sesame Chicken Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken: Protein base for the sesame chicken dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Provides savory umami flavor.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavor.

• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Provides distinctive nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Gives aromatic depth to the dish.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone.

• Sesame Seeds, Peas: Optional garnish and added texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Water: Basic seasoning and cooking essentials.

Steps to Make Sesame Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken pieces.

Toss the seasoned chicken in cornstarch, ensuring every piece gets a complete, even coating that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and smooth.

Step 3: Make Sauce Thickener

In a small cup, blend cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry that will help thicken the sauce later.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces in batches, allowing each side to turn golden brown and become fully cooked.

This should take about 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same skillet.

Let it simmer gently for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce.

Continue cooking until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick glaze, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Toss the pieces to ensure they’re completely coated in the delicious sauce.

If desired, add peas and cook for an additional minute.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the crispy, flavorful meal.

Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Sesame Chicken

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly covered in cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect browning without burning the chicken or sauce.
• Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding small amounts of honey or soy sauce.
• Enjoy immediately after cooking to maintain the chicken's crispy texture and the sauce's vibrant flavor profile.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Sesame Chicken

• Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Stays good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce. Stir gently to maintain moisture and prevent burning, heating for 4-5 minutes until hot throughout.

Sides That Work Well With Sesame Chicken

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the chicken's richness and complements the sweet-tangy sauce.
• Enhance with Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Serve the sesame chicken over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious glaze and provide a perfect textural balance.
• Create a Colorful Side Salad: Prepare a light Asian-inspired salad with cucumber, shredded carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to add freshness and balance the dish's rich flavors.
• Boost with Crunchy Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top to add extra texture and a nutty, aromatic finish to the chicken.

Sesame Chicken Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure gluten-free compliance.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap chicken for cauliflower or tofu. Substitute honey and brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat. Include diced jalapeños while cooking for extra spiciness.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture before coating and cooking, ensuring a crispy texture similar to the original recipe.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken is perfectly crispy?

Coat the chicken thoroughly in cornstarch and cook in batches without overcrowding the pan. This helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior by allowing each piece to brown evenly.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and slice them slightly thicker to prevent drying out.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes. They’ll provide a similar tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.

• Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of sriracha for a kick of spiciness.

Why Sesame Chicken Is a Takeout Favorite

• Learn a foolproof method of coating chicken that ensures crispy exterior and juicy interior, making you feel like a professional chef without complicated skills.
• Versatile recipe allows easy modifications like adding vegetables or adjusting spice levels, making it ideal for family dinners or quick weeknight meals that satisfy everyone's preferences.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet approach that transforms basic ingredients into a glossy, flavorful dish that looks and tastes impressive without creating a mountain of dishes.

Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy sesame chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from Chinese cuisine. Crunchy golden pieces glazed with sesame sauce promise a delightful meal that draws you into a world of irresistible comfort and culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

Coating:

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by coating it with a seasoned cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even and light crispy exterior.
2. Create a vibrant sauce by blending aromatic ingredients like soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl.
3. Develop a thickening agent by whisking cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry that will help bind the sauce.
4. Heat a skillet to medium-high temperature and sauté the chicken pieces in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown color and fully cooked interior.
5. Remove the chicken and use the same skillet to pour the prepared sauce, allowing it to simmer and develop deep flavors for approximately 2 minutes.
6. Incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick glaze within 2-3 minutes.
7. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform sauce coverage. Optional: Add peas for additional texture and color.
8. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a final touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Coat chicken thoroughly in cornstarch to create a crispy golden exterior that locks in moisture and provides a delightful crunch.
• Create a balanced marinade by adjusting sweetness with honey and brown sugar, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors without overwhelming the chicken.
• Prevent sauce from becoming too thick by controlling cornstarch slurry consistency, adding gradually and stirring constantly for a silky smooth glaze.
• Use high-quality sesame oil for an authentic nutty aroma that elevates the overall taste profile of the dish, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg