This Sesame Chicken Recipe delivers everything you love about takeout right at home. Crispy golden chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Ready in under an hour, this family-friendly dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout and easy to make at home
- Crispy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze
- Family-friendly flavor with mild heat
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Restaurant-quality results
- Great served over rice or noodles
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil, for frying
For the Sauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
- Heat approximately 3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches, cooking 5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Add the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature.
- Fry in small batches for maximum crispiness.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.
- Toast sesame seeds before serving for deeper flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels.
- Air fryer chicken can be used for a lighter version.
- Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for presentation.
- Serve with broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQ
What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame Chicken is a popular Asian-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, savory sesame sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F until crispy and cooked through, about 20–25 minutes.
Can I make Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared ahead, but the chicken is best served fresh to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
What should I serve with Sesame Chicken?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, broccoli, or stir-fried vegetables pair perfectly.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to help restore crispness. Microwave if needed for convenience.
Similar Recipes
Sesame Chicken Recipe
Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sesame sauce.Easy homemade recipe ready in 40 minutes.Better than takeout and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 eggs beaten
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
- Heat approximately 3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches, cooking 5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Add the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels.
- Air fryer chicken can be used for a lighter version.
- Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for presentation.
- Serve with broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables
Conclusion
This homemade Sesame Chicken Recipe combines crispy fried chicken with a rich, glossy sesame sauce that rivals your favorite takeout restaurant. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a delicious dinner the whole family will request again and again.