Easy Sesame Chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I’m craving takeout but want to make something fresh at home. It’s made with crispy bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, savory, and sticky sesame sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners when I want something delicious without a lot of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and satisfying this recipe is. The chicken is pan-fried until golden and crispy, then coated in a glossy sesame sauce that’s both sweet and tangy with just the right amount of richness. It tastes just like restaurant sesame chicken—but even better because I control the ingredients. Plus, it’s super family-friendly and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the sesame sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For garnish:
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat the oil and cook the chicken in batches until golden and crispy on all sides. I transfer the cooked pieces to a paper towel-lined plate.

3. In a small saucepan, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. I bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

4. Once the sauce is bubbling, I stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.

5. I return the crispy chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and toss everything together until well coated.

6. Just before serving, I sprinkle on sesame seeds and green onions for garnish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in just 25 minutes—faster than waiting for delivery.

Variations

I sometimes add steamed broccoli or snap peas to the dish for extra color and crunch. When I want a bit of heat, I throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha into the sauce. For a low-carb version, I serve it over cauliflower rice or lettuce cups instead of regular rice.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, I add a splash of water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, I bake the cornstarch-coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Can I make it ahead?

I often make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. I cook the chicken fresh for the best texture, then toss it with the reheated sauce.

Is this dish very sweet?

It’s sweet but balanced. I adjust the sugar or honey depending on my preference. If I want a more savory version, I reduce the sweeteners slightly.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. I use whichever I have on hand. Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work just as well and cook quickly.

What can I serve with sesame chicken?

I usually serve it with jasmine or brown rice and a side of stir-fried veggies. It also goes great with noodles or in lettuce wraps.

Conclusion

Easy Sesame Chicken is one of those dishes that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s crispy, sticky, and satisfying—the perfect homemade alternative to takeout. I love how adaptable it is, and how quickly it comes together, making it a weeknight favorite in my kitchen. Whether I’m serving it to family or just treating myself, it’s always a hit.

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