Sesame Chicken Recipe with Sweet Savory Sauce

Byarlo Jack

Best Crispy Sesame Chicken is a restaurant-quality dish made at home with a perfectly crispy coating, tender chicken, and a sticky, sweet-savory sesame sauce. This recipe combines crunch, flavor, and ease, delivering a family favorite that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Each bite is golden, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. Unlike takeout, you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. The sesame sauce is sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, coating each piece of chicken perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser and an excellent way to enjoy restaurant-style sesame chicken at home.

Nutritional Info

Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, while sesame seeds add healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. The sauce contains sugar and soy for flavor, so enjoy in moderation if watching sodium or sugar intake. Pair with steamed vegetables or brown rice for a balanced meal.

Time Taken

This dish takes about 35–40 minutes, including prep and cooking. The frying process ensures a crispy coating, while the sauce comes together in just a few minutes on the stove.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan for frying. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

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In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

You Must Know

Frying in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even crispiness. Toast sesame seeds lightly to enhance their flavor. Keep the sauce warm and pour it over the chicken just before serving to maintain the crunch.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. The chicken may lose crispiness after refrigeration.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs give juicier results, while breasts are leaner.
  • Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
  • Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for gluten-free needs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice.
  • Add stir-fried vegetables or a side of bok choy.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions for extra freshness.

Cultural and Historical Context

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish inspired by classic Cantonese flavors. The dish gained fame for its crispy chicken and sweet-savory sauce combination, becoming a staple in many American Chinese restaurants. This home version captures the essence of the dish while being customizable and healthier.

Seasonal Adaptations

In colder months, serve with roasted vegetables or a warm noodle stir-fry. In spring or summer, pair with fresh greens and a light rice side for a lighter meal. Adding bell peppers or snap peas gives the dish seasonal freshness.

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Success Stories

Home cooks love how restaurant-quality crispy chicken can be made at home with simple ingredients. The sauce is often praised for being perfectly balanced, and many families report it becoming a repeat favorite.

Freezer Meal Conversion

The fried chicken can be frozen before tossing in sauce. Cool completely and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet and add freshly made sauce.

Pro Tips

  • Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Fry in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
  • Stir the sauce constantly once thickened to prevent burning.

Chef’s Special Tips

A splash of rice vinegar at the end adds brightness, while a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a subtle kick. Garnishing with fresh scallions or extra sesame seeds elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Conclusion

Best Crispy Sesame Chicken with Sweet Savory Sauce is a homemade version of a classic restaurant favorite that’s golden, crunchy, and full of flavor. It’s quick, fun to make, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Make this recipe tonight and enjoy a perfectly crispy, saucy, and irresistible meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, while breasts are leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Both work well for this recipe.

Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, coat the chicken as instructed and bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. The chicken will be slightly less crispy but still delicious.

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Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

How can I keep the chicken crispy?
Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving and fry in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Pat the chicken dry before coating.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before tossing with chicken.

Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?
If too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it. If too thin, let it simmer a few minutes longer until it thickens.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots make great additions. Add them to the sauce and cook until tender-crisp.

Can I freeze this dish?
Freeze the fried chicken before adding sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet and add freshly made sauce to maintain crispiness.

How do I toast sesame seeds?
Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add chili flakes, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.