Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, golden-fried chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly nutty sesame sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful – The double-frying method ensures a light and crispy texture, even after being tossed in the sticky sesame sauce.
• Easy to Make – With simple pantry ingredients, you can prepare this dish without a trip to a specialty store.
• Versatile – You can swap the chicken for tofu, beef, or even mushrooms for a different take on this classic dish.
• Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade, and free of unnecessary additives, this sesame chicken is a healthier alternative to restaurant versions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch
• Flour
• Soy sauce
• Egg white
• White pepper
• Water

For the Sesame Sauce:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Shaoxing wine
• Garlic, grated

Additional Ingredients:

• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter – In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, white pepper, and water until smooth. Add chicken pieces and coat well.

2. Fry the Chicken – Heat oil to 330-340°F and fry the coated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.

3. Double Fry for Extra Crispiness – Increase the heat to 375°F and fry the chicken again for 30-60 seconds. Remove and place on a wire rack.

4. Make the Sesame Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, and garlic until smooth.

5. Cook the Sauce – Pour the sauce into a large pan or wok and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Toss the Chicken – Add the fried chicken to the sauce along with sesame oil and sesame seeds. Toss gently to coat.

7. Garnish and Serve – Top with chopped green onions and serve with steamed rice or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3-4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken – Add chili flakes, sriracha, or sambal to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and replace flour with additional cornstarch.
• Vegetarian Alternative – Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Air Fryer Method – Cook the battered chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months, but note that the coating may soften after thawing.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken in an oven at 350°F or in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this spicy?

Yes! Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped Thai chilies to the sauce for a spicy kick.

What vegetables pair well with sesame chicken?

Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots are excellent choices to balance the dish’s richness.

How do I prepare this dish in advance?

Fry the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. Store them separately and toss together just before serving.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! While thighs are juicier, chicken breasts work just as well in this recipe.

How can I keep the chicken crispy?

Double-frying and adding the sauce right before serving helps maintain crispiness.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or corn oil work best for frying.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, though the texture may be slightly different.

Is Shaoxing wine necessary?

It adds depth to the sauce, but you can substitute it with dry white wine, sake, or omit it entirely.

Can I make this without sesame oil?

While it enhances the nutty flavor, you can skip it or replace it with a mild oil if needed.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Boil it for only 1-2 minutes and add a splash of hot water if it thickens too much.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. With its crispy texture, sweet and savory sauce, and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal!

Sesame Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Deep-Frying & Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

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Description

This crispy, sweet, and savory Sesame Chicken is a takeout favorite made at home! Double-fried for extra crunch and tossed in a delicious sticky sesame sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight meal. Serve with rice and stir-fried veggies for a complete dish!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 450g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/3 cup water

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons honey (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry white wine)
• 1 clove garlic, grated

For Finishing:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Batter:

• In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, white pepper, and water until smooth.
• Add the chicken pieces, coating evenly.

2️⃣ Fry the Chicken:

• Heat oil to 330-340°F (165-170°C) in a deep pan or wok.
• Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Double fry (optional but recommended!): Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry for 30-60 seconds to make extra crispy chicken.
• Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

3️⃣ Make the Sesame Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, and garlic until smooth.
• Pour into a large pan or wok and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

4️⃣ Coat the Chicken:

• Add the fried chicken to the sauce.
• Drizzle in sesame oil and toss for 15-30 seconds to coat evenly.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
• Serve hot with rice and stir-fried veggies!

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Notes

Double frying ensures the crispiest chicken.
✅ Drizzle sesame oil at the end to retain its nutty aroma.
✅ For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
✅ Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.