Create restaurant-quality sesame chicken at home with this easy takeout-style recipe that rivals your favorite Chinese spot.
Quick Answer: Make crispy sesame chicken by coating chicken pieces in seasoned cornstarch, frying until golden, then tossing in a sweet-savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil. Ready in 45 minutes with basic pantry ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Dairy-free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy chicken with a sweet-savory sesame sauce
- Uses common ingredients you likely have on hand
- Better than takeout at a fraction of the cost
- Great for meal prep and reheats well
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Quick Benefits
This sesame chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients. The chicken stays crispy while the sauce achieves that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that make this dish irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon light sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced (greens and whites separated)
- Oil as needed for cooking and frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Mix until mostly absorbed. Add eggs and mix well. Add cornstarch and mix until no dry cornstarch remains. Add oil and mix to combine.
- In a wok or tall pan, heat about 2 to 3 inches of oil to 375°F.
- Combine ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Gently place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, remove, and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Reheat oil to 375°F and fry chicken again for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
- In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Stir fry sliced white parts of green onions for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant. Mix prepared sauce, pour it into the wok, and increase heat to medium-high. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add fried chicken pieces into the thickened sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately over white rice or fried rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion tops.
You Must Know
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying – work in batches
- Chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
- Sauce will thicken as it cools – add water if needed
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution
- Contains sesame, soy, and wheat – check labels for allergies
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed jasmine or white rice
- Stir-fried broccoli or green beans
- Hot and sour soup
- Chinese cucumber salad
- Fortune cookies for dessert
Creative Variations
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Include stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and onions
- Make it gluten-free using tamari instead of soy sauce
Cultural Notes
Sesame chicken is an American-Chinese creation that emerged in the mid-20th century. While not traditionally Chinese, it represents the successful adaptation of Chinese cooking techniques and flavors for Western palates, becoming a beloved staple of Chinese-American cuisine.
Pro Tips
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant for better flavor
- Double-coat chicken for extra crispiness
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after frying before saucing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make sesame chicken in an air fryer?
A: Yes, air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How long does sesame chicken stay good in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Q: Is sesame chicken very sweet?
A: It has a balanced sweet-savory flavor that can be adjusted to taste.
Q: What’s the difference between sesame chicken and General Tso’s?
A: Sesame chicken is milder and sweeter, while General Tso’s is spicier.
Health Benefits
While sesame chicken is an indulgent dish, it provides protein from chicken and beneficial compounds from sesame seeds, including healthy fats and minerals. Making it at home allows you to control oil and sugar content for a healthier version.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 520 • Carbs: 45g • Protein: 38g • Fat: 22g • Sodium: 1200mg
Notes
For best results, bring chicken to room temperature before cooking and ensure oil maintains proper temperature throughout frying.
Easy Sesame Chicken Takeout Style
Create restaurant-quality sesame chicken at home with this easy takeout-style recipe that rivals your favorite Chinese spot.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, bring chicken to room temperature before cooking and ensure oil maintains proper temperature throughout frying.