Name: Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup water; 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar; 1/2 cup dry sherry; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 teaspoons garlic chili paste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sesame Chicken is that irresistible, sweet, and savory star of many takeout orders—but trust me, once you make it yourself, you’ll never look back! This dish delivers golden, crispy bites of tender chicken drenched in a glossy, flavorful sesame-flecked sauce that’s leaps and bounds above any mall food court version. With a gorgeous balance of tang, just a whisper of heat, and plenty of umami, every bite is a treat that feels both comforting and just a little bit special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together for a knock-out flavor experience. Each item brings something—tenderness, crunch, a pop of zing, or a toasty note—that’ll have you reaching for seconds.

Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless works best, so every bite soaks up the marinade and stays beautifully juicy.
Water: Helps mellow and balance the concentrated flavors in the sauce.
Rice wine vinegar: Adds just the right zing, keeping the sauce lively and not overpoweringly sweet.
Dry sherry: Infuses the sauce with savory complexity and a subtle undertone that really elevates the whole dish.
Soy sauce: Lends deep, unmistakable umami and a bit of saltiness—absolutely essential for that signature Sesame Chicken taste.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, bringing an unmistakable nutty aroma right into the heart of the dish.
Brown sugar: Balances the vinegar and soy sauce, giving the sauce that perfect sticky-sweet finish.
Garlic: Six whole cloves sounds bold, but it mellows into deliciousness as it simmers.
Ginger: Freshly minced, it adds a warm, peppery note that works perfectly with the garlic.
Garlic chili paste: Just enough bite for a gentle heat that doesn’t overwhelm.
Red pepper flakes: Optional for spice lovers, they add a background kick that’s super satisfying.
All-purpose flour: This creates the light, crisp coating that makes every piece of chicken so craveable.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade and the breading.
Black pepper: A subtle edge in the flour mixture that keeps things interesting.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and perfect for crisping up the chicken without overpowering any flavors.

How to Make Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Up the Sweet and Savory Sauce

Start by making the sauce that transforms this from just chicken to unforgettable Sesame Chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the water, rice wine vinegar, dry sherry, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, garlic chili paste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This sauce is the secret to both the marinade and the glistening finish, so give it a quick taste to make sure it’s hitting all your favorite notes!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your diced chicken breast into a reusable container. Pour one cup of that flavorful sauce over the top, tossing everything so the pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours, if you like planning ahead and crave maximum flavor). Don’t forget to put the remaining sauce in the fridge as well—that’s what will coat everything later.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken for That Perfect Crunch

When you’re ready to cook, mix the flour, salt, and pepper in a generous bowl. Remove the marinated chicken and discard the leftover marinade (we don’t want a soggy coating). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels—it’s a little detail that makes all the difference. Toss the chicken in the flour mixture until every piece is thoroughly coated. This step is key for that delicious crispy exterior.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer, letting them brown for one or two minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a golden crust, not fully cooked through just yet. Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if you need to for the perfect amount of crunch.

Step 5: Simmer in the Signature Sesame Sauce

Pour in the remaining two cups of reserved sauce (not the raw marinade) over the browned chicken. Bring it to a simmer—your whole kitchen will smell incredible right now! Continue cooking for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a beautiful glaze and the chicken is cooked through. The flavors will meld together, transforming everything into real-deal Sesame Chicken that’s sticky, savory, and irresistible.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is non-negotiable—they add crunch, subtle nuttiness, and look stunning. Sliced scallions or green onions bring a pop of color and a little fresh bite, while an extra dash of red pepper flakes is perfect for those who like a bit of fire. If you want an extra-special finish, a drizzle of sesame oil right at the end will take things to new heights.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice is a must to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, go with cauliflower rice, or pile your Sesame Chicken atop steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy. For an ultra-indulgent spread, add spring rolls or a crisp Asian slaw—it’s a meal that feels straight from your favorite bistro!

Creative Ways to Present

Turning Sesame Chicken into a weeknight stunner is easy if you serve it in lettuce wraps for a refreshing, hand-held option. For parties, skewer the chicken pieces on toothpicks for irresistible appetizer bites. Or, spoon it over a big platter of fried rice and let everyone dig in family-style—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sesame Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens and deepens in flavor overnight, so leftovers are often even more satisfying the next day! Just be sure to keep it separate from any rice you plan on reheating to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Sesame Chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for an easy dinner, defrost it overnight in the fridge. Note that the sauce may thin out a bit after thawing, but a quick simmer will bring it right back.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Sesame Chicken is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each one to prevent the chicken from drying out. A minute or two is all it takes—just enough to bring back that fresh-cooked shine.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay even juicier and lend a richer flavor. Just be sure to trim off excess fat and dice them into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.

Is there a good substitute for dry sherry?

If you don’t have dry sherry, a splash of apple cider vinegar or dry white wine can step in. Each will add its own subtle touch but keeps the sauce nice and balanced.

Can I make Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely—a little time in the fridge actually makes the flavors meld even more! Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, Sesame Chicken contains all-purpose flour and soy sauce, both of which have gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and be sure to choose tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

How spicy is this Sesame Chicken?

This recipe has mild heat, thanks to the small amount of chili paste and red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste preferences—just increase or omit those ingredients as you like!

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing Sesame Chicken you made yourself—every crispy, savory bite is a little celebration. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or wowing your friends, this recipe is the kind of classic you’ll come back to again and again. Dive in and enjoy—you’ll be hooked!