Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe: Irresistibly Sweet & Savory Bliss

Crispy, golden sesame chicken has been my go-to comfort meal since discovering its magic.

My kitchen always comes alive with incredible aromas when I start cooking.

Weeknight dinners transform into delightful experiences with this simple yet delectable dish.

Restaurant-quality flavors emerge right from your home kitchen without complicated techniques.

The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes makes this recipe irresistible.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, nutty sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and let’s make something delicious that will impress everyone at the table.

Why Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe Is Quick And Tasty

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: This sesame chicken recipe transforms dinner into a quick, hassle-free experience, taking just minutes to prepare and delivering restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Straightforward steps make this dish perfect for home cooks with minimal culinary skills, offering a foolproof method to create crispy, delicious chicken with simple ingredients.
• Kid-Approved Meal: The crispy coating and mild seasoning appeal to children's taste buds, making it an excellent option for family dinners where picky eaters can enjoy a satisfying meal without complaints.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Using basic pantry staples like eggs, cornstarch, and chicken, this recipe provides an affordable alternative to takeout while maintaining delicious taste and texture.

What Goes Into Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that becomes crispy and flavorful when coated and fried. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for even cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add a subtle kick.
• Eggs: Helps create a sticky base for the cornstarch coating, ensuring a crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Provides a light, crunchy texture that makes the chicken extra crispy when fried.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch to the final dish. Look for toasted sesame seeds for more intense flavor.

How To Make Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe Fast

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

• Chicken pieces
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Cornstarch

In a mixing bowl, sprinkle salt and black pepper over the chicken pieces. Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them until well blended. Pour cornstarch onto a plate. Take each chicken piece and dip it first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Immediately roll the egg-covered chicken in cornstarch, pressing gently to create a thick, even coating that will turn golden and crispy when cooked.

Step 2: Create Sizzling Fry Station

• Vegetable oil

Heat a large skillet or wok with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately when dropped in. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows each piece to cook evenly and become beautifully golden brown.

Step 3: Craft Tangy Sesame Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Sesame seeds

In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. Mince fresh garlic and grate fresh ginger, adding them to the sauce mixture. The combination creates a rich, complex flavor that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Combine and Garnish

Once the chicken pieces are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the hot chicken, tossing gently to ensure even coating. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately alongside steamed rice or your favorite side dish. The chicken will be crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Top Cooking Tips For Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Perfectly Seal Flavor: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help salt and pepper adhere better and create a more intense taste profile.
• Master the Coating Technique: Shake off excess cornstarch after dredging to prevent clumpy, thick breading and ensure a light, crispy exterior.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use room temperature eggs for more even coating and better adhesion to the chicken pieces.
• Prevent Soggy Breading: Let coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying to help the cornstarch set and create a crispier texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap cornstarch with rice flour for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same crispy coating and texture.

Storing Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe Without Hassle

• Refrigerate leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain its freshness.
• Keep the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays deliciously crispy and safe to eat.
• Reheat portions gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the original crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze individual servings in sealed freezer bags for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy this tasty meal whenever a craving strikes.

Side Dishes That Go With Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Match the light, savory sesame chicken with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the dish's richness while complementing its delicate flavors.
• Serve Alongside Jasmine Rice: Create a perfect base for the chicken by preparing fluffy jasmine rice, which absorbs the sesame sauce and provides a soft, aromatic companion to each bite.
• Balance with Cucumber Salad: Add a refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, crispy chicken.
• Enhance with Green Tea: Brew a light green tea that cleanses the palate and balances the chicken's slight saltiness, offering a subtle, refreshing finish to the meal.

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe Variations Worth Trying

• Spicy Sesame Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the egg mixture for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the classic chicken recipe.
• Herb-Infused Sesame Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the cornstarch coating to introduce fresh botanical flavors and aromatic depth.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace regular cornstarch with almond flour or rice flour for a crispy alternative that works perfectly for those avoiding wheat-based ingredients.
• Nutty Sesame Upgrade: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or sesame seeds into the cornstarch coating to create an extra crunchy exterior with rich, nutty undertones.

Answers To FAQs On Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Why use cornstarch for coating the chicken?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior that helps seal in the chicken’s moisture and gives it a delightful crunch when fried.

• Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?

If you’re egg-free, you can use buttermilk or a mixture of milk and mustard as a binding agent before coating with cornstarch.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal because they cook evenly and absorb flavors wonderfully.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays tender while cooking?

Avoid overcooking by cutting chicken pieces into uniform sizes and using medium-high heat to maintain juiciness and prevent drying out.

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken brings explosive Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with restaurant-quality magic. Home cooks can quickly craft this delightful dish, delivering crispy, glazed chicken that guarantees restaurant-level satisfaction at a fraction of the cost.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating and Seasoning:

• ½ cup (65 g) cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• Sliced green onions
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Massage chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring each morsel is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Create a crispy exterior by first dredging chicken in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in cornstarch, pressing gently to help the dry mixture adhere.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok until it shimmers with a slight ripple, indicating optimal frying temperature.
4. Carefully place cornstarch-coated chicken into the hot oil, arranging pieces in a single layer to prevent overcrowding and ensure even, golden-brown crispiness.
5. Fry chicken segments until they turn a deep golden color and become crisp, rotating occasionally to achieve uniform cooking, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove chicken pieces using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
7. In a separate saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic to create a glossy, aromatic coating.
8. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly and develops a rich, glossy consistency, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
9. Gently toss the crispy chicken pieces in the warm sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously and evenly glazed.
10. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken for a final burst of flavor and visual appeal.
11. Serve immediately over steamed rice, allowing the crisp chicken to remain crunchy and the sauce to enhance the overall dish.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender meat that holds sauce better than chicken breasts.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better cornstarch adherence during coating.
• Use a light, even hand when coating chicken in cornstarch to create a delicate, golden-brown crust that doesn’t become too heavy or thick.
• For gluten-free version, replace standard cornstarch with potato starch or arrowroot powder to maintain the same crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg