Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe for Takeout Lovers at Home

Sesame chicken stands as a beloved favorite among takeout enthusiasts seeking bold, satisfying flavors.

Crispy, golden-brown pieces coated in a luscious sauce have made this dish a worldwide sensation.

Home cooks adore recreating restaurant-style magic right in their own kitchens.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this recipe promises a delightful meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Comfort food lovers rejoice in its simple yet spectacular profile that appeals to multiple palates.

Weeknight dinner solutions just got more exciting with this crowd-pleasing classic that never disappoints.

What Makes Sesame Chicken So Satisfying

• Crowd-Pleaser: This Sesame Chicken recipe transforms boring chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that keeps everyone at the dinner table happy and asking for seconds.
• Simple Skill Builder: Even if cooking isn’t your strong suit, this recipe walks you through straightforward steps that help boost kitchen confidence with crispy, golden results.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes your taste buds dance without complicated ingredients.
• Meal Prep Champion: The recipe works brilliantly for feeding a family, prepping ahead for lunch, or creating a delicious dinner that feels like takeout without the extra cost.

Ingredients Used in Sesame Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces that are perfect for easy eating and quick cooking.

• Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Creates a super crispy exterior that makes the chicken irresistibly crunchy.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Helps build a sturdy, golden-brown coating for your chicken.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra lightness and helps the batter puff up beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon), Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Bring essential seasoning to enhance your chicken’s flavor.
• Cold Water (1/2 cup): Binds the dry ingredients into a smooth, clump-free batter.

• Vegetable Oil (for frying): Creates that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior for your chicken pieces.

Note: Frying temperature should be 350°F for best results.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Sesame Chicken

• Large Mixing Bowl (Medium-Large Size): Where you’ll combine dry ingredients and coat your chicken pieces with batter.
• Deep Saucepan or Wok (12-inch): Perfect for frying chicken at the right temperature without making a mess.
• Slotted Spoon: Essential for safely removing crispy chicken pieces from hot oil and letting excess oil drain.
• Small Saucepan (2-quart): Great for creating your delicious sesame glaze with precise heat control.
• Whisk (8-inch): Your go-to tool for smoothly mixing batter and creating lump-free sauces.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from your fried chicken, keeping it crisp and not greasy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent flavor every time.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps you slice green onions and mince garlic with precision.
• Serving Platter: Beautifully displays your finished Sesame Chicken for an appetizing presentation.

How Does Sesame Chicken Come Together

Helpful Cooking Notes For Sesame Chicken

• Whisk your dry ingredients first, then add cold water slowly to avoid lumps in the batter.
• Use a thermometer to keep your oil at exactly 350°F for crispy, golden chicken without burning.
• Drop chicken pieces separately to prevent them from sticking together and ensure even cooking.
• Stir the cornstarch slurry gradually into the simmering sauce to get a glossy, thick glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Toss the crispy chicken in the warm glaze right before serving to keep the coating super crunchy and flavorful.

Easy Variations for Sesame Chicken

• Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken: Swap all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same 1:1 ratio to keep the batter’s texture consistent.
• Baked Lighter Version: Skip deep-frying and spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet, spraying lightly with cooking oil and baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha directly into the glaze for extra heat, starting with 1-2 teaspoons and adjusting to your preferred spice level.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressing and cutting into bite-sized cubes, then following the same battering and glazing technique for a plant-based version.

What Pairs Well With Sesame Chicken

• Serve with Steamed Rice: Scoop fluffy white rice onto your plate and nestle the crispy sesame chicken right on top for a classic combo that soaks up every bit of that delicious glaze.
• Perfect Side Vegetable: Roast some broccoli or snap peas with a light sesame oil drizzle to complement the chicken’s flavors and add some bright green crunch to your plate.
• Wine and Drink Pairing: Grab a cold, light beer like a pilsner or a crisp white wine such as Riesling to balance the sweet and savory notes of the sesame chicken.
• Fresh Garnish Trick: Sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds just before serving to make your dish look restaurant-worthy and add a fresh finishing touch.

Proper Recipe Storage for Sesame Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the crispy texture as best you can by avoiding excess moisture.
• When reheating, spread the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F to help maintain the original crispness, instead of using a microwave that can make the coating soggy.
• Separate the sauce from the chicken during storage to prevent the crispy coating from getting mushy, storing them in different sealed containers in the refrigerator.
• If freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag, which helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the chicken fresh for up to 2 months.

Common Recipe Questions for Sesame Chicken

Crispy Fried Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame Chicken brings pure comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table, with crispy chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Golden-brown and perfectly coated, this classic dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without leaving home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare the batter by mixing ½ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly.
2. Gradually pour ½ cup cold water into the dry mixture, whisking until the batter becomes completely smooth without any lumps.
3. Cut 1 lb chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Drop each piece into the batter, ensuring complete and even coating.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to exactly 350°F. Use a thermometer to confirm the precise temperature for perfect frying.
5. Carefully drop battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
6. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally. Look for a golden brown, crispy exterior as your doneness signal.
7. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let pieces drain completely.
8. Create the glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
9. Simmer the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to blend flavors for about 2-3 minutes.
10. Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering sauce.
11. Stir the sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy, which takes approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
12. Transfer crispy chicken to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
13. Arrange glazed chicken on a serving platter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds on top for extra texture and flavor.
14. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, bright finish to your sesame chicken.

Notes

• Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and release their oils.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, which ensures crispy chicken without burning.
• Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying to keep the coating crisp and remove excess grease.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend to maintain the recipe’s delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg