Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe with Sticky Sweet Sauce

This easy sesame chicken recipe recreates a favorite takeout dish at home in under 30 minutes. It skips deep-frying for a lighter result and is cooked in a single pan. A sweet, sticky sesame sauce made from pantry staples perfectly coats the lightly battered chicken.

If you enjoy takeout-inspired dishes, try other quick favorites like Healthy Orange Chicken or 15 Minute Korean Ground Beef.

Sesame Chicken Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs — can substitute chicken breasts
• Batter — eggs and cornstarch
• Canola oil — for sautéing (or substitute another neutral cooking oil)
• Sesame sauce — soy sauce, water, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, cornstarch
• Sliced green onions — optional garnish

Method Overview

Traditional sesame chicken is battered and deep-fried. This version keeps things simpler and healthier by lightly battering the chicken and sautéing it until golden. Once cooked, the sesame sauce is added and simmered until glossy and thick, allowing it to cling to each piece.

What the Sesame Sauce Contains

The sauce combines toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds with soy sauce, brown sugar for sweetness, fresh grated ginger for warmth, and rice vinegar for brightness. A small amount of cornstarch thickens the sauce. If you prefer balance against the sweetness, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

From Scratch — Simple Steps

Making sesame chicken from scratch is straightforward: cut the chicken, toss pieces in a batter of eggs and cornstarch, sauté in a hot skillet until golden, then add the prepared sauce and simmer until it thickens and coats the chicken.

Sesame Chicken vs. General Tso’s

Sesame chicken tends to be sweeter, while General Tso’s usually features more heat and chile-forward flavors. Both are savory and satisfying, but the balance of sweet and spicy sets them apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sesame chicken with steamed rice, fried rice, sesame noodles made with linguine or spaghetti, or garlic sesame ramen. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture, or use the microwave. Note that the coating will soften as the sauce is absorbed.

Tips

• You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs with no change to the method.
• The sesame sauce can be mixed a day ahead to save time when cooking.

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