Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're avoiding the dishes and Max announces he's "starving for that sticky chicken with the little seeds." What started as a desperate attempt to recreate his favorite restaurant order using whatever was in our pantry turned into this sesame chicken recipe that's become our Friday night tradition. The combination of crispy coating, sweet and savory sauce, and those perfect sesame seeds creates restaurant quality results that cost half the price and taste twice as good as any takeout version.
What is Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese American dish featuring bite sized pieces of battered and fried chicken coated in a glossy, sweet and tangy sauce, then topped with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Unlike General Tso's chicken which leans heavily spicy, this honey sesame chicken balances sweetness with just enough savory depth to keep you reaching for more. The key to authentic sesame chicken lies in achieving that perfect crispy exterior that holds up to the sticky sauce without becoming soggy.
How To Make The Best Sesame Chicken
Our easy sesame chicken recipe uses a double coating technique that creates extra crispy chicken pieces while the homemade sesame chicken sauce combines honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The secret is frying at the right temperature and tossing the chicken with sauce immediately while it's still hot, allowing the coating to absorb just enough sauce while maintaining its satisfying crunch.
Sesame Chicken Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sesame Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- Steamed rice for serving
Step by Step Method
Prepare Chicken for Maximum Crispiness
- Cut chicken thighs into uniform 1 inch pieces for even cooking
- Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes
- Mix flour and cornstarch in large bowl for extra crispy coating
- Beat eggs in separate bowl for dipping station setup
Create Perfect Double Coating
- Dredge marinated chicken pieces in flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere
- Dip each piece in beaten eggs, letting excess drip off
- Return to flour mixture for second coating, ensuring complete coverage
- Let coated pieces rest 5 minutes for coating to set properly
Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F in heavy bottomed pot or deep fryer for optimal results
- Fry chicken pieces in small batches to maintain oil temperature
- Cook 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Transfer to wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil
Make Sticky Sesame Sauce
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil
- Heat sauce mixture in large skillet over medium heat until bubbling
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook 30 seconds until fragrant
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens to coat spoon
Combine and Serve Immediately
- Add hot fried chicken to the thickened sesame sauce in skillet
- Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with sticky sauce
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions
- Serve immediately over steamed rice while chicken stays crispy
Max's reaction: "It's like the restaurant chicken but better because you made it! The crunchy parts are still crunchy even with all that sticky sauce on it!"
What Pairs Well With Sesame Chicken?
This crispy sesame chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or vegetable lo mein for a complete Chinese dinner experience. The sweet and savory flavors complement steamed broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy perfectly. For family style serving, try it alongside orange chicken, beef and broccoli, or vegetable spring rolls for an impressive homemade takeout feast.
Creative Variations That Actually Work
Healthy Baked Sesame Chicken
Coat chicken pieces and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Brush with sauce during last 5 minutes for caramelized coating. Lower fat but still satisfying with proper seasoning.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Cook coated chicken pieces in air fryer at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Toss with sauce and return to air fryer for 2 minutes to set coating. Crispy results with less oil.
Gluten Free Sesame Chicken
Replace flour with gluten free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Add extra cornstarch for crispiness. Perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken
Add 1 tablespoon sriracha and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to sauce mixture. Include sliced jalapeños for extra heat. Sweet heat combination that adults love.
Equipment
- Heavy bottomed pot or deep fryer for safe frying
- Wire cooling rack for draining chicken properly
- Large mixing bowls for coating station setup
- Whisk for smooth sauce preparation
- Candy thermometer for accurate oil temperature
Pro tip: A spider strainer makes removing chicken from hot oil much safer and easier than regular slotted spoons.
Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh
Best Fresh
Serve immediately after coating with sauce for the best contrast between crispy exterior and tender interior. Fresh sesame chicken has the most appealing texture and visual appeal.
Leftover Solutions
Store chicken and sauce separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in 400°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness before adding sauce.
Make Ahead Strategy
Fry chicken pieces and freeze for up to 1 month. Make sauce fresh and reheat frozen chicken in oven before combining for quick weeknight dinners.
Top Tips for Best Sesame Chicken
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful results
- Maintain oil temperature at exactly 350°F for perfect crispy coating
- Don't overcrowd the fryer; work in small batches for even cooking
- Toast sesame seeds in dry skillet until golden for maximum nutty flavor
- Mix sauce ingredients in advance but cook fresh for best consistency
- Serve immediately after saucing to prevent coating from getting soggy
- Double coat chicken for extra crunch that holds up to sticky sauce
As renowned chef David Chang notes, "The key to great Chinese American food is balancing sweet, salty, and umami flavors." This sesame chicken achieves that perfect harmony in every crispy, saucy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinese sesame chicken made of?
Traditional sesame chicken consists of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then topped with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
What's the difference between General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken?
General Tso's chicken is typically spicier with dried chilies and more heat, while sesame chicken focuses on sweet and tangy flavors with prominent sesame taste. Both use similar crispy coating techniques but different sauce profiles.
Is sesame chicken good?
Yes! When made properly, sesame chicken offers the perfect balance of crispy texture and sweet savory flavors that satisfy both kids and adults. The combination of crunchy coating and sticky sauce creates an irresistible comfort food experience.
What does sesame chicken taste like?
Sesame chicken has a sweet and tangy flavor profile with hints of garlic and ginger, complemented by the nutty taste of sesame seeds and sesame oil. The crispy coating provides textural contrast to the sticky, glossy sauce.
Your New Takeout Champion
This easy sesame chicken recipe proves that restaurant quality Chinese food is absolutely achievable in your own kitchen with the right techniques and ingredients. The combination of perfectly crispy chicken and balanced sweet and savory sauce creates something that rivals any professional kitchen while costing a fraction of takeout prices.
Ready for more protein packed favorites? Try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for grilled perfection with herb crusted coating, or explore our Tauhu Recipe for authentic Asian tofu that pairs beautifully with rice. For those who love sweet and spicy combinations, our Sweet Chili Chicken delivers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness that complements this sesame chicken perfectly.
Share your beautiful creations! Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #SesameChicken; we're dying to see your golden, crispy results and hear about your family's favorite variations!
Star Rate this recipe and join our community of home cooks who make restaurant favorites even better!
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Crispy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss hot chicken in sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions, serve over rice.
- Coat – Dredge chicken in flour-cornstarch mix, dip in egg, and coat again.
- Rest – Let coated chicken sit 5 minutes so coating adheres.
- Heat Oil – Warm oil in pot to 350°F, checking with thermometer.
- Fry – Cook chicken in small batches 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Drain – Transfer fried chicken to wire rack over paper towels.
- Make Sauce – Simmer honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; thicken with slurry.
- Combine – Toss hot chicken in sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions, serve over rice.
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