A quick, flavorful take on the classic Chinese-American sesame chicken—crispy, lightly battered chicken tossed in a sweet-savory sesame sauce. This recipe delivers all the comfort you crave without the fuss of deep frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like takeout, but made at home

• Simple pantry ingredients

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• Perfect balance of crispy chicken and sticky sesame sauce

• Customizable to your taste

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ pieces

• 1 tbsp canola oil

• 2 tsp sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 large egg

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch

• Pinch salt and pepper

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 Tbsp water

• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 3 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ Tbsp cornstarch

• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

Optional for serving:

• Cooked jasmine rice

• Chopped green onions

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Set aside.

2. Coat the chicken: In another bowl, whisk the egg, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until coated.

3. Cook the chicken: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove to a plate.

4. Combine and glaze: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir as it simmers and thickens, then return the chicken to coat in the sauce.

5. Serve: Plate over jasmine rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs

• Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for spice

• Use tamari for a gluten-free version

• Lower sodium with low-sodium soy sauce

• Add steamed or stir-fried veggies for a balanced meal

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best?

Chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breast also works well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring the cornstarch is gluten-free.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer, and if needed, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken more.

Can I prep this in advance?

You can mix the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate. Coat the chicken just before cooking.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, store cooked chicken and sauce in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild. Add chili flakes or Sriracha to taste if you like it spicy.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with jasmine rice and vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just cook the chicken in batches to maintain crispiness.

How long will extra sauce last?

Store extra sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Easy Sesame Chicken is a fast and flavorful dish that brings your favorite takeout flavors to your home kitchen. Crispy chicken in a sweet and savory sesame glaze makes it a winner for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Customize it your way and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.