If you’re searching for a dish that brings together all the right flavors—think crispy, sticky, sweet, and just a little bit nutty—look no further than Easy Sesame Chicken. A takeout classic you can whip up at home, this crowd-pleaser coats juicy bites of chicken in a glossy, irresistible sesame-scented sauce. It’s just as good for a weeknight dinner as it is for impressing guests, and after one bite, you’ll never look at restaurant versions the same way again.

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a beautiful simplicity to Easy Sesame Chicken; every ingredient has its own special role, from adding crunch to boosting flavor. Here are the building blocks you’ll need—most are pantry staples, and each helps create that signature taste, texture, and golden color.

Chicken breast or thigh: Use boneless, skinless pieces cut into bite-sized cubes for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
Cornstarch: This creates the essential light, crispy coating on the chicken when fried.
Egg: Beaten egg helps the cornstarch stick and adds another layer of crispiness.
Soy sauce: Packed with umami, it’s the backbone of the savory sauce.
Honey: Adds a mellow, natural sweetness that brings everything together and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity balances the sweet and savory notes.
Sesame oil: Just a touch gives a deep, nutty aroma that screams sesame chicken.
Garlic and ginger: These aromatics brighten the whole dish and add depth.
Sesame seeds: For sprinkling at the end, they add crunch, visual appeal, and even more sesame flavor.
Green onions: A fresh pop of color and sharpness for the final flourish.
Vegetable oil: For frying; use an oil with a high smoke point for the crispiest results.
Cornstarch and water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to that luscious texture that clings to every piece.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by patting dry your chicken pieces and cutting them into even, bite-sized cubes–this ensures every piece cooks up juicy and tender. Toss them first in the beaten egg, followed by a generous dusting of cornstarch; this double dip is what gives Easy Sesame Chicken its signature golden crunch when fried.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok until shimmering. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken cubes until they’re deeply golden and crisp. Don’t rush this step! Giving each piece enough space in the pan keeps the coating crunchy and prevents sogginess. Once fried, set the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly minced garlic, and ginger. This savory-sweet mix will be the soul of your Easy Sesame Chicken. Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, blend a bit of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce later.

Step 4: Cook and Thicken the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture into a clean skillet or wok over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir and add it in. Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into that glossy, sticky goodness that clings lovingly to each chicken bite.

Step 5: Toss Chicken with Sauce

Add the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them through the sauce until every nook and cranny is coated. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top—this not only looks beautiful but also amps up the flavor and texture.

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

For finishing touches, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. These little extras add a lovely crunch and burst of color, making your Easy Sesame Chicken look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that irresistible sauce, but fluffy brown rice or even cauliflower rice are great, lighter options. Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side make for a fresh, crunchy contrast and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Easy Sesame Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer or pile it onto a bed of stir-fried noodles for a twist on the takeout classic. For gatherings, skewer the saucy chicken onto cocktail sticks for a party-friendly finger food that’ll disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Easy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the sauce and chicken separate if you know you’ll have extras; this helps preserve that signature crispiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, lay the cooked chicken pieces (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat and toss with fresh sauce for best results.

Reheating

To recreate that just-cooked texture, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or toaster oven (around 375°F) until warm and crisp, then toss with reheated sauce right before serving. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and are packed with flavor, making them a great swap for chicken breast in Easy Sesame Chicken. Cook them just as you would the breasts for equally delicious results.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

If you want to avoid deep-frying, you can bake the coated chicken on a greased baking rack at 425°F until crispy and cooked through, flipping halfway. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is Easy Sesame Chicken?

This dish is generally mild, but if you crave heat, a dash of chili flakes or a squeeze of sriracha in the sauce will do the trick. Adjust to your taste and make the flavor profile your own!

What type of honey should I use?

Any good-quality honey will work. Lighter honeys lend a mild sweetness, while darker varieties provide a richer, more robust flavor—both are delicious in Easy Sesame Chicken, so use your favorite.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know just how simple it is to bring restaurant magic to your own kitchen, there’s no reason not to give this Easy Sesame Chicken a try. It’s satisfying, fun to make, and guaranteed to become a household favorite. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the homemade version, you’ll want it on repeat for every cravings fix!

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe