If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that you can whip up any night of the week, this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe will be your new go-to. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and what I love most is how simple it is without skimping on taste. The crispy chicken bites glazed with a sticky, savory-sweet sesame sauce bring the perfect balance of comfort and excitement to your plate.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe—it was a busy weeknight, and I needed something fast but satisfying. The kitchen smelled amazing, packed with garlic and soy, and my family asked for seconds before I even finished setting the table. Over time, I tweaked the sauce just slightly to nail that ideal flavor, and now I can’t wait to share my tips and tricks with you. You’ll find this recipe approachable yet delicious, a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy. The great news? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make this sesame chicken fantastic.
Ingredients for Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Here’s everything you need to make your own Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe. I’ve listed all measurements clearly, so you won’t have to guess or adjust on the fly:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
- For the sauce:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Make sure your chicken pieces are evenly cut so they cook at the same rate. When measuring the brown sugar, pack it firmly into the measuring spoon for accurate sweetness. The fresh garlic and ginger bring so much life to the sauce, so don’t skip them!
Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe With 5 Irresistible Flavor Secrets
Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe with 5 flavor secrets to make your meal unforgettable and satisfy your hunger with every bite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A quick, flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken bites glazed with a sticky, savory-sweet sesame sauce. Perfect for weeknights and crowd-pleasing with simple ingredients and easy steps.
How to Prepare Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Follow these steps carefully to get your Easy Sesame Chicken just right. The flow is simple and manageable, even if you’re new to frying chicken or making homemade sauces.
- Prep the chicken coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mix. Set the coated pieces on a plate.
- Heat your oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about ¼-inch depth and heat over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles immediately upon contact.
- Fry in batches: Add chicken pieces without crowding the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the sauce: In a clean skillet or wok, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly, keep stirring until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Remove from heat promptly once thickened.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet, gently coat each piece with the sauce over low heat just to warm it through without losing that crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top before plating. This adds the perfect finishing flair.
Here’s a heads-up: frying at too low a temperature will make your chicken soggy, while too hot could burn the coating. I usually test oil temperature with a small piece of batter first. Don’t rush flipping the pieces—letting each side get nicely browned helps them crisp up beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Quick cooking time—dinner in about 30 minutes.
- The perfect combo of crispy and saucy—never dry or bland.
- Customizable: add heat with chili flakes or balance flavors with a squeeze of fresh lime.
- Great for weeknights but fancy enough to impress guests.
Personally, this recipe has saved me on more busy evenings than I can count. It’s forgiving, tasty, and works well whether you double it for leftovers or keep it light for one or two.
Tips for Success with Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites.
- Don’t skip the double coating (egg then flour mix) to get that signature crunch.
- Rest the coated chicken briefly before frying so the crust sets and sticks better.
- Make sure your sauce isn’t too thick; it should just cling to the chicken, not pool at the bottom.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute before garnishing to release more flavor.
Once, I accidentally added the cornstarch slurry all at once, and the sauce clumped up badly. Lesson learned: mix it slowly and stir well!
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutrition can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, along with portion sizes. The following information is an estimate and should only serve as a general guide for your Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe. For precise details, please consider consulting a nutritionist or using an online calculator based on your specific products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. I’d suggest spraying the coated chicken lightly with oil and baking at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to get both sides crispy. It won’t be quite as crunchy as frying but still tasty.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white or jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or even simple noodle dishes. The sauce is rich, so a light side keeps the meal balanced.
Can I use frozen chicken?
If using frozen chicken, thaw fully and pat dry before cutting and coating. Excess moisture will prevent the batter from sticking and could cause oil splatters, so drying your chicken well is key.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar slightly or add a splash more vinegar or a teaspoon of lime juice to cut through sweetness. Taste and adjust as you go. Some people like a more tangy sauce, so feel free to tweak it to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before frying. I don’t recommend frying too far in advance because the chicken tends to lose crispness. The sauce is best made fresh, but it reheats well if mixed with the chicken right before serving.
