If you are craving a dish that effortlessly combines crispy, tender chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze, this Sesame Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight hero. Bursting with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the sesame seeds and a rich aroma from the sesame oil that takes this classic to another level. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this Sesame Chicken Recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen with simple, straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sesame Chicken Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building its incredible flavor and texture. From the crispy coating that hugs every piece of chicken to the glossy sauce that perfectly coats each bite, every component is essential.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist through cooking.
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour: The perfect combo for creating a light, crispy crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Sesame oil: Adds a distinctive, nutty aroma that’s absolutely essential in this recipe.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to a golden crisp without burning the sesame oil.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce.
- Soy sauce: The umami backbone of the sauce, adding depth and saltiness.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh minced ingredients that create a fragrant, zesty kick.
- Sesame seeds: Provide crunch and toasty nuttiness when sprinkled on top.
- Green onions: A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and vibrant finish.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every piece cooks evenly and makes for perfect, easy-to-eat bites throughout the dish. Thighs are a great choice because they hold up well to frying and stay moist inside.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Mix together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in this dry mix, making sure each piece is well coated. This mixture creates that irresistible crispy crust after frying, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat up a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and vegetable oil, swirling it to coat the pan’s surface. Once the oil is hot enough, add the chicken in a single layer so it fries evenly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy—this crispy coating is what you dream of in a good Sesame Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Drain Excess Oil
Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps soak up extra oil, so your chicken stays crisp without feeling greasy.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir these ingredients and let them simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and shine. Then add minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for an additional minute or two. This blend of aromatic flavors is the heart of the Sesame Chicken Recipe, giving it that luscious, sticky coating.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Return your crispy chicken pieces into the skillet, and toss them in the warm sauce until every piece is generously coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, then toss gently again to distribute those delightful little bursts of nuttiness throughout.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and finish by sprinkling sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Sesame Chicken Recipe with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds perfectly complements the rich, sticky sauce and adds that extra crunch. You can also add a few red pepper flakes if you like a gentle heat or some thinly sliced bell peppers for color.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or try it with fried rice for a fuller meal. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or snap peas add a fresh, crisp element that balances out the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving your sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy rice noodles or garnished with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. You can even place it in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld way to enjoy this delicious recipe at a party or casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sesame Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the sauce and chicken tucked together to maintain flavor in every bite.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to help the crispy coating stay as crisp as possible and to warm the sauce without burning it. You can also reheat in the microwave, but it may soften the coating a bit.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work fine but may be less juicy and tender compared to thighs. Just be careful not to overcook to keep the chicken moist.
How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the flour-cornstarch mix and fry them in hot oil without overcrowding the pan. This helps the chicken crisp up without steaming.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so it remains unchanged.
Can this Sesame Chicken Recipe be made spicy?
Definitely. Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporating a dash of chili garlic sauce can introduce the perfect spicy kick for your taste buds.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar make great natural substitutes that still provide sweetness and help the sauce caramelize beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s accessible to make, packed with flavor, and sure to delight anyone you share it with. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved classic in so many homes. So grab your ingredients, turn on some music, and enjoy bringing this crispy, saucy masterpiece to life!
Print
Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-coated chicken thighs tossed in a flavorful, sticky sesame sauce infused with garlic and ginger. Cooked in a skillet, this dish provides a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oils
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and optimal sauce coating.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to create the dry coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch-flour mixture until each piece is evenly coated, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the chicken.
- Add Oils: Pour in sesame oil and vegetable oil, swirling them around to coat the skillet’s surface evenly.
- Cook Chicken in Batches: Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry Chicken: Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Make the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir the sauce ingredients together and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, tossing in the sauce to coat evenly and warm through.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and toss to distribute them evenly throughout the dish.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top as a fresh, crunchy garnish.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, ideally with steamed rice or your preferred side dish to complete the meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, fry the chicken in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying honey, brown sugar, or soy sauce quantities to taste.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but the thighs provide juicier results.
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking and achieve proper browning.
