Sesame Chicken – Crispy, Sweet & Better Than Takeout
Hey there! If you’re anything like me, sesame chicken is one of those takeout dishes you crave again and again. That crispy coating, sticky-sweet sauce, and sprinkle of sesame seeds? Pure comfort. But here’s the best part—you can totally make it at home, and it might even be better than your favorite restaurant’s version!
This Sesame Chicken recipe is everything you want it to be: crispy, juicy, sweet, and just a little savory. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen (with no delivery tip required!).
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken
- Super Crispy Chicken: Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection.
- That Sauce Though: A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
- Better Than Takeout: Fresher, hotter, and totally customizable.
Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in cornstarch, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with flour. Set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot over white rice or steamed broccoli (or both!).
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Bake it instead: For a lighter version, bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Go gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free flour blends.
Let’s Talk Takeout at Home!
And that’s it—Sesame Chicken that’s crispy, sweet, and so easy to make. It’s the perfect recipe for when you’re craving something bold and comforting, but want to skip the delivery wait (and the mystery ingredients!).
Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment or pin it for your next fakeout-takeout night.
