Crazy Good Sesame Chicken Recipe That Anyone Can Make at Home

Hey there, foodies! Today I’m gonna share my absolute favorite sesame chicken recipe that’s so darn easy, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll be hooked!

What Makes Sesame Chicken So Dang Good?

Sesame chicken is one of those magical dishes that everyone seems to love. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with the crispiness we all crave. The good news? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it at home!

My family goes crazy for this dish whenever I make it Even my picky 7-year-old who normally turns his nose up at anything that isn’t mac and cheese devours this sesame chicken like there’s no tomorrow,

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process let’s gather everything we need. The great thing about homemade sesame chicken is that most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your pantry!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2-3 cups)

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium is fine)
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 3 green onions, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cookin’! This recipe is broken down into easy steps so you won’t get overwhelmed.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes
2. In a bowl, beat the eggs
3. In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper
4. Dip each piece of chicken in the beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture
5. Place the coated chicken on a plate and let it sit for about 5 minutes (this helps the coating stick better)

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger
2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 4 tablespoons water to make a slurry
3. Set both aside for later

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or wok to about 350°F (175°C)
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches (don’t overcrowd!)
3. Fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Pour out most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon
2. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes)
4. Add the fried chicken back to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce
5. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions

And voilà! You’ve got yourself a restaurant-quality sesame chicken that’ll impress everyone at your dinner table!

Tips for Making the Best Sesame Chicken Ever

1. Don’t skip the cornstarch in the chicken coating – it’s what gives the chicken that signature crispiness!

2. Toast those sesame seeds! It makes a HUGE difference in flavor. Just toss them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re golden and fragrant.

3. The sauce consistency matters. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more water. Too thin? Mix up a little more cornstarch slurry.

4. Use chicken thighs for more flavor. While breast meat works fine, thighs have more fat and stay juicier.

5. Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh when the chicken is still crispy!

What to Serve With Your Sesame Chicken

Wondering what goes well with this yummy dish? Here are some of my favorite sides:

• Steamed white rice or brown rice
• Fried rice (for a real treat!)
• Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
• A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar
• Spring rolls or egg rolls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is pretty simple, there are a few pitfalls that might trip you up:

1. Oil temperature too low: This makes the chicken absorb too much oil and turn soggy.

2. Sauce too thin: Make sure to let the sauce simmer until it thickens properly.

3. Overcrowding the pan: Fry in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy.

4. Not preparing ingredients ahead of time: This is a fast-moving recipe once you start cooking, so have everything ready to go!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to handle them:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Microwaving works too, but the chicken won’t be as crispy.

• Freeze for up to 2 months. The texture might change a bit, but it’ll still be tasty!

My Personal Sesame Chicken Journey

I still remember the first time I tried making sesame chicken at home. It was a complete disaster! The sauce was way too salty, and I burned half the chicken. But practice makes perfect, and now it’s one of my signature dishes.

We have this almost every other week in our house, and I’ve experimented with lots of variations. Sometimes I add a bit of chili flake for heat or orange zest for a citrusy twist. That’s the beauty of cooking at home – you can customize to your heart’s content!

Health(ier) Alternatives

Let’s be real – traditional sesame chicken isn’t exactly health food. But there are ways to make it a bit better for you:

1. Bake instead of fry: After coating the chicken, spray with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Reduce the sugar: You can cut the brown sugar in half and still get a delicious result.

3. Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli when you add the chicken back to the sauce.

4. Use less oil: If you’re set on frying, use just enough oil to cover half the chicken and flip halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yep! Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I make this spicy?

For sure! Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar will work in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

You bet! Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the coated chicken pieces for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it – my super easy, incredibly delicious homemade sesame chicken recipe! It’s quicker than delivery, tastier than takeout, and you’ll feel so accomplished making it yourself.

I’d love to hear how your sesame chicken turns out! Drop a comment below if you try this recipe or have any questions. And don’t forget to share your pics on social media – tag me so I can see your creations!

Now go forth and cook some amazing sesame chicken. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!

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This recipe was last updated in September 2025 and reflects my current favorite way to make sesame chicken. I’ve probably made this dish over 100 times, so trust me when I say it’s been thoroughly tested!