Sweet & Zesty Sesame Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Sizzling woks and tantalizing aromas fill kitchens with the promise of a delectable sesame chicken recipe that beckons taste buds.

Every home cook dreams of mastering this takeout favorite with restaurant-quality flavors.

The golden-brown, crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce will make your dinner table sparkle with excitement.

Fragrant sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that elevates each bite to a new level of deliciousness.

Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients – this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish faster than ordering delivery.

Dive into a culinary adventure that promises to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Sesame Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
• Ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness and rich color to the sauce.
• Honey, Brown Sugar: Create balanced sweetness with caramel-like undertones.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, authentic Asian-inspired aroma.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings bright, subtle acidic balance.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Delivers gentle heat and complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Offers robust, aromatic depth to sauce.
• Cornstarch: Ensures smooth, glossy sauce consistency.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinades beautifully.
• Eggs: Helps create crispy coating and binds breading.
• Cornstarch: Produces extra-crunchy exterior when frying.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance natural chicken flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates golden, crisp breading layer.
• Canola Oil, Avocado Oil: Provides clean, neutral frying medium.

• White Rice, Brown Rice: Perfect neutral base for absorbing sauce.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, zesty crunch.
• Sesame Seeds: Introduces delightful nutty texture and visual appeal.

Tools to Sauté Sesame Chicken Easily

• Large Skillet: Essential for perfectly browning and cooking chicken with even heat distribution.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing egg mixture, flour coating, and smooth sauce blending.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients and creating a uniform egg mixture.
• Shallow Dishes: Great for dredging chicken in egg and flour coatings without mess.
• Plate: Used for setting aside coated chicken pieces before cooking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring sauce and coating ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping green onions for garnish.
• Spatula or Tongs: Ideal for turning and moving chicken in the skillet safely.

Directions for Cooking Homemade Sesame Chicken

• Sauce Creation

Blend tangy and sweet flavors in a mixing bowl, combining rich liquid seasonings until silky smooth. This vibrant mixture will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering feast.

• Chicken Coating

Prepare a delicate layer of protection for tender chicken pieces. Create a two-stage dipping station that ensures a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy and delectable.

• Sizzling Magic

Transform the chicken in a hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Work in small batches to guarantee maximum crispiness and even cooking.

• Flavor Fusion

Introduce the prepared sauce to the golden chicken, letting them dance together in the pan. Allow the sauce to caramelize and coat each morsel with a glossy, irresistible glaze.

• Plating Perfection

Arrange the glistening chicken over a soft bed of fluffy rice. Sprinkle with fresh green onion slivers and a delicate shower of nutty sesame seeds for a final touch of elegance.

Sauce Enhancements for Sesame Chicken Fans

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Chicken Selection Magic: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and juicy results. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and forgiving during cooking.
• Crispy Coating Secrets: Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure the egg and flour mixture sticks perfectly. Let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
• Healthier Cooking Method: For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes. Add a dash of sriracha or chili oil for extra kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Smart Leftovers Hack: Store sesame chicken separately from rice to prevent soggy coating. Reheat in a skillet for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness, adding a splash of water if sauce seems dry.

Serving Sesame Chicken at the Dinner Table

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Create a vibrant meal by serving sesame chicken over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which perfectly absorbs the rich, tangy sauce.
• Veggie Companion Hack: Add steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas alongside the chicken to boost nutrition and provide a delightful color contrast on the plate.
• Texture Topping Trick: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a light drizzle of extra sesame oil to enhance the final presentation and add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Asian-Inspired Feast: Pair the sesame chicken with cold cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or egg rolls to create a complete meal that celebrates classic Asian flavor profiles and textures.

Tips for Storing Leftover Sesame Chicken Properly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover sesame chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor loss. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain crispy texture. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but might soften the coating.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Separate chicken and sauce before freezing to prevent soggy texture. Package in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Frozen sesame chicken remains tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce separately during weekend cooking sessions. Store components in individual containers for quick weeknight assembly. Separate rice can be prepped in advance for faster meal creation.

Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Irresistible sesame chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection with a sweet and tangy glaze. Chinese-inspired dish promises a delightful balance of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsps cornstarch
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps canola oil
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Sauce Fusion: Whisk soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until forming a silky, uniform sauce.
2. Egg Coating Preparation: Blend eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish to create a smooth, light egg wash for chicken dredging.
3. Chicken Breading: Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, thoroughly coating, then transfer to flour, ensuring an even, comprehensive coverage.
4. Oil Heating: Warm canola or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, establishing an ideal frying environment for achieving crispy perfection.
5. Chicken Frying: Introduce chicken pieces in strategic batches, maintaining optimal cooking temperature. Fry until golden-brown and fully cooked, approximately 10 minutes, adjusting heat to prevent scorching.
6. Sauce Integration: Shift cooked chicken to one skillet side, pour sauce into the empty space. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken, developing a rich, glossy consistency.
7. Final Glazing: Gently fold chicken into the bubbling sauce, ensuring complete coating. Continue cooking on low heat for 2-3 minutes to intensify flavor and shine.
8. Presentation: Arrange the glistening sesame chicken over fluffy rice, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a vibrant, textural finish.

Notes

• Sauce Consistency Check: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy texture that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Egg Wash Pro Tip: Use room temperature eggs for better coating adhesion and more even coverage on chicken pieces.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent medium heat around 350°F to achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken.
• Batch Cooking Strategy: Fry chicken in small batches to prevent temperature drop and ensure each piece gets evenly crisp and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg