There’s just something joyful about recreating restaurant favorites in your own kitchen, and this Sesame Chicken recipe delivers that golden, sweet, and tangy delight right at home. The crisp, batter-fried chicken is tossed in a glossy sesame-kissed sauce that’s deeply savory with a gentle sweet finish. Every bite packs so much flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before you even realize it! Whether you’re serving a cozy weeknight meal or showing off for guests, Sesame Chicken is always a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how simple, familiar ingredients join forces to create that crave-worthy Sesame Chicken magic. Each item here plays an important role, contributing layers of taste, texture, and color to ensure your dish is both gorgeous and delicious.
- Chicken: Boneless, bite-sized pieces become irresistibly tender and soak up the flavors of the batter and sauce.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth that’s truly signature to Sesame Chicken.
- Sesame seeds: Provide crunch and a toasty finish that makes every bite pop.
- Green onion: Offers a fresh brightness and color contrast as a finishing touch.
- Cornstarch (for batter): The secret ingredient for that shatteringly crisp, light coating.
- Flour (for batter): Balances the cornstarch, helping the batter stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Soy sauce (batter and sauce): Lends umami-rich saltiness that ties everything together.
- Egg white (for batter): Ensures the coating puffs up beautifully and clings to each piece.
- White pepper (for batter): Brings a subtle warmth—the gentle tingle makes this extra special.
- Water (for batter): Adjusts the texture—aim for a smooth, paint-like consistency.
- Honey (for sauce): Provides natural sweetness and glossy shine; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Ketchup (for sauce): Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps achieve the iconic color.
- Brown sugar (for sauce): A bit of extra caramel richness; tweak to fit your sweet tooth.
- Rice vinegar (for sauce): Cuts through the richness with a delicate acidity.
- Shaoxing wine (for sauce): Layers in traditional Chinese depth—substitute with dry sherry if needed.
- Garlic (for sauce): Freshly grated for maximum aroma and punch.
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by combining the cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, white pepper, and water in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything until you’ve got a smooth, paint-like batter—if it looks too thick, splash in a little extra water. This batter is key to that delightful, crisp shell that sets the stage for truly great Sesame Chicken.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces right into the batter. Gently stir until every chunk is thoroughly and evenly coated—no dry spots left behind. A good batter cling ensures your chicken fries up golden and glorious.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil to 330-340°F. Carefully lower in the battered chicken a few pieces at a time, making sure not to crowd the pot. Fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the pieces are crisp and cooked through. For ultra-crispy results, give those pieces a rest on a wire rack before double frying.
Step 4: Double Fry for Extra Crunch (Optional but Heavenly)
If you’re looking for takeout-level crunch, turn the heat up to 375°F and fry the chicken for a swift 30-60 seconds. This quick second fry seals in that crispness so your Sesame Chicken doesn’t go soggy when sauced. Let them cool and take a moment to admire your golden handiwork!
Step 5: Whisk Together the Sesame Sauce
While the chicken rests, grab a bowl and whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, shaoxing wine, and grated garlic. The sauce should be smooth, shiny, and smelling amazing. Give it a little taste—adjust the honey or brown sugar if you prefer yours a bit less sweet.
Step 6: Finish and Toss
Pour the sauce into a large pan or wok and bring to a quick boil over medium heat, letting it bubble for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Tip in the fried chicken pieces, then add sesame oil and sesame seeds. Toss gently until everything is glistening and coated. Pile onto a plate, shower with chopped green onion, and you’re ready to serve the best Sesame Chicken ever!
How to Serve Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
The magic of Sesame Chicken is in the toppings! Scatter a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds and lots of freshly chopped green onion to give each bite visual appeal and a pop of flavor. A sprinkle of extra white pepper or chili flakes can add a tiny kick, too—totally optional, but worth a try!
Side Dishes
Fluffy steamed white rice is absolutely classic with Sesame Chicken, letting the sauce soak in perfectly. Jasmine or short-grain rice work beautifully. For color and crunch, serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh cucumber salad. Even fried rice or garlic noodles would make a hearty feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, try serving Sesame Chicken in lettuce cups for a lighter, finger-friendly twist. Or, fill small bao buns for a fun party appetizer! Keep extras warm on a buffet with a heat lamp or slow cooker if you’re entertaining a bigger crew. Personal touches make this recipe extra special for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some Sesame Chicken left over? Transfer cooled chicken pieces to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The coating might soften, but the flavors will keep deepening and stay just as delicious for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
To freeze Sesame Chicken, lay the cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then once frozen, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from sticking together, ensuring crispy results when reheated. They’ll keep for up to one month—think of it as your secret stash!
Reheating
To revive leftover or frozen Sesame Chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until hot and re-crisped. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a quick, crunchy fix. Microwaving is the fastest, but results in a softer texture (still tasty, though!).
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh for Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely! Both chicken breast and thigh work well. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breast pieces can be just as delightful and a bit leaner—just be careful not to overcook for the best results.
What oil is best for frying Sesame Chicken?
Choose a neutral, high smoke point oil like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil. These let the flavors of the dish shine and stand up to deep-frying temperatures beautifully.
Is there a substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is the closest substitute. You can skip it entirely in a pinch, but it adds a gentle depth and nuance that deepens the sauce.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
You’re in control! Reduce the honey and brown sugar in small increments until you hit your ideal level of sweetness. Taste and tweak before tossing it with the chicken for best results.
Can Sesame Chicken be made gluten free?
Definitely—swap out the flour for more cornstarch and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Just double-check all your sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Sesame Chicken is a joy to assemble and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or an old pro, I just know you’ll fall in love with every crispy, saucy mouthful. Give it a try, invite some friends over, and celebrate the simple pleasures of a perfect plate of Sesame Chicken—you’ll be glad you did!
