Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving Chinese takeout but want to make something quick and delicious at home, this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is just what you need. With crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be made in under 30 minutes. Served with steamed rice and sprinkled with sesame seeds, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is incredibly simple to make, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavor. The crispy chicken is coated in a rich, flavorful sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil, giving it a perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch and extra flavor, while the whole dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special dinners. It’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Steamed rice, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them in the beaten eggs to coat. Once coated, set the chicken aside on a plate.
2. Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and grated ginger (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
4. Coat the chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve: Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the sauce. Simply sauté them in the same skillet before adding the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe as they’re juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, try using cauliflower rice instead of steamed rice, or serve the sesame chicken over a bed of sautéed vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked sesame chicken for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the sesame chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They are more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, to make this recipe lighter, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons water) to the simmering sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.

5. Can I make the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, heat the chicken in the sauce as directed to get it crispy again.

6. Can I use a different oil for frying?

Vegetable oil works best for frying due to its high smoke point, but you can use canola oil, peanut oil, or even avocado oil if you prefer.

7. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce will help cut down on the saltiness of the dish without sacrificing flavor.

8. Can I add vegetables to the sesame chicken?

Absolutely! You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas in the same skillet as the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.

9. Can I use store-bought sesame seeds?

Yes, store-bought sesame seeds are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to toast them lightly in the skillet before sprinkling on top for extra flavor.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. You may also want to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken coating.

Conclusion

This Easy Sesame Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. With crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today for an easy, comforting, and satisfying meal!

Print