This dish is one of those better than takeout dinners we love to make as a team for a special weeknight. Crispy chicken tossed in a glossy, sweet and savory sesame sauce, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
With easy sesame chicken you can skip the takeout and still enjoy your favorite crispy Chinese restaurant entree in under 30 minutes. Quick and easy to prepare, the crispy chicken in a flavorful sauce is sure to impress family and friends. Making it at home lets you control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking.
What makes this sesame chicken so good is the crispy coating. A light batter fries up golden, then soaks up the glossy sesame sauce.
Watch the Recipe Video
Watch how this sesame chicken comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Sesame Chicken
- Better than takeout. Your favorite entree at home.
- Crispy chicken. A light, golden batter.
- Sweet savory sauce. Glossy and full of flavor.
- Under 30 minutes. Quick enough for a weeknight.
- You control it. Adjust the flavors to your liking.
What Makes This Sesame Chicken So Good
This is classic sesame chicken, the American Chinese favorite of battered, fried chicken in a sweet sauce.
A light batter makes it crispy. Cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and seltzer fry up golden.
A glossy sauce coats it. Soy, vinegar, and brown sugar make it sweet and savory.
A sprinkle of toasted sesame, the nutty little seed, gives the dish its name and a fragrant, crunchy finish.
Optional Pro Tip: Hot Oil
Keep the oil at 350 F. So the chicken fries up crispy, not greasy.
Coat quickly at the end. So the chicken stays crisp in the sauce.
Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken
- Use seltzer in the batter. For a light, crispy coating.
- Keep the oil hot. At 350 F for crispy, not greasy.
- Fry in batches. So the oil stays hot.
- Drain the chicken. On paper towels after frying.
- Whisk the sauce smooth. So the cornstarch dissolves.
- Saute the garlic briefly. Just until fragrant.
- Coat quickly. So the chicken stays crisp.
- Garnish with sesame seeds. For the signature finish.
Variations and Add Ins
This sesame chicken is easy to customize.
- Use chicken breast. In place of thighs.
- Make it spicier. More red pepper flakes.
- Add honey. For a honey sesame chicken.
- Bake it. For a lighter, less oily version.
- Add vegetables. Broccoli or bell pepper on the side.
- Use tamari. For a gluten free sauce.
- Add ginger. Fresh grated with the garlic.
- Serve over rice. Or noodles to soak up the sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is best enjoyed fresh while the coating is crisp.
Reheat in a 375 F oven or an air fryer to bring back the crispiness, rather than the microwave, which can make the coating soft.
Serving Suggestions for Sesame Chicken
It is wonderful served hot over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the glossy, sweet savory sauce.
It also pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, stir fried vegetables, or fried rice. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and green onion makes it look beautiful.
For serving, pile the chicken over rice, drizzle with any extra sauce, and finish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion.
- Over steamed rice. White or brown.
- With steamed broccoli. A classic pairing.
- With fried rice. Or stir fried vegetables.
- With sesame seeds. For the signature finish.
For a creamy, comforting dinner another night, our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a great one to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sesame chicken?
It is a popular American Chinese dish of battered, deep fried chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, sweet and savory sauce and finished with toasted sesame seeds.
What chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, but chicken breast works well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Why use seltzer water in the batter?
The carbonation makes the batter light and airy, frying up extra crispy. Cold seltzer also helps keep the coating crunchy.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Keep the frying oil hot at about 350 F, fry in batches, drain on paper towels, and coat the chicken in the sauce quickly just before serving.
Can I bake it instead of frying?
Yes. Baking gives a lighter version, though it will be a little less crispy than deep frying. Toss in the sauce after baking.
Is it different from orange chicken?
Yes. Sesame chicken has a savory, sesame forward sweet sauce, while orange chicken has a brighter, citrusy sauce. Both start with crispy fried chicken.
Can I make it gluten free?
Use tamari in place of the soy sauce and a gluten free flour in the batter for a gluten free version.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Add more crushed red pepper to the sauce, or a little chili paste, for a spicier sesame chicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat in a 375 F oven or air fryer to re crisp.
What should I serve with it?
Steamed rice, broccoli, fried rice, or stir fried vegetables all pair wonderfully with this crispy chicken.
Skip the Takeout
This sesame chicken fries up crispy, golden chicken and tosses it in a glossy, sweet and savory sesame sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds. It is your favorite Chinese restaurant entree, made fresh at home in under 30 minutes.
Quick, impressive, and endlessly adaptable, it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Once you try it, this sesame chicken will have you skipping the takeout for good.
Craving another better than takeout favorite? Our healthy orange chicken is a great one to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Easy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- To make the sauce, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, water, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and sesame seeds together.
- Whisk the batter ingredients, the 1/2 cup cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water, together in a separate bowl until just combined, then add the chicken pieces and coat.
- Heat 3 inches of frying oil to 350 F, then add the chicken to the oil in batches, frying until golden brown.
- In a large wok or skillet, add the 2 teaspoons sesame oil, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add in the sauce and the chicken, coat quickly, and serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Notes
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