If you love ordering sesame chicken from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, you’re going to be obsessed with this homemade sesame chicken recipe. It’s crispy, sticky, sweet, and a little savory — and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with fresh ingredients.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What makes sesame chicken so good
- Ingredients you need (plus easy substitutions)
- Step-by-step instructions
- Tips for crispy chicken every time
- Storage and reheating tips
- Variations to make it healthier or spicier
Let’s dive in!
What Is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered, fried until golden, and tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky sesame sauce. The sauce usually includes soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or sugar for sweetness. Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled over the top for flavor and crunch.
This dish is similar to General Tso’s chicken but usually a little sweeter and less spicy. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Recipe
✅ Better Than Takeout – Fresh, crispy, and not soggy from sitting in a delivery container.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Feeds a family of four for the cost of one restaurant order.
✅ Customizable – You control the sweetness, spice level, and type of oil used.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Stays delicious when reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken Recipe
Here’s everything you need to make crispy sesame chicken at home:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
- 1 cup cornstarch (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (or peanut oil for frying)
For the Sesame Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (adds color and tang)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect sesame chicken recipe at home:
1. Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken
Place beaten eggs in one bowl and cornstarch in another. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in cornstarch until evenly coated.
3. Fry Until Golden
Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in small batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Sesame Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), ketchup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Toss Chicken in Sauce
Add fried chicken to a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss until every piece is coated and glossy.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed white rice or fried rice.
Tips for Crispy Sesame Chicken
- Fry in Batches – Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
- Use Cornstarch, Not Flour – Cornstarch gives you that restaurant-style crispiness.
- Keep Oil at 350°F (175°C) – Too hot and the chicken will burn, too cool and it will absorb too much oil.
- Double-Fry for Extra Crunch – For super crispy chicken, fry once until lightly golden, let rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for 1–2 minutes.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these ideas:
- Spicy Sesame Chicken – Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Healthier Version – Skip deep-frying and bake or air-fry the chicken until crispy.
- Low-Sugar Option – Replace honey with monk fruit or stevia sweetener.
- Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch as usual.
What to Serve with Sesame Chicken
Pair this sesame chicken recipe with:
- Steamed White Rice or Fried Rice
- Stir-Fried Vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas)
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls
- Asian Cucumber Salad for a fresh, crisp contrast
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. You can also use an air fryer for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Make a fresh batch of sauce when ready to serve.
Why This Sesame Chicken Recipe Works
This recipe balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors while keeping the chicken perfectly crispy. By making it at home, you can skip unnecessary additives and control the quality of ingredients. It’s a family-favorite dish that feels like a treat but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
This homemade sesame chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves takeout but wants a fresher, healthier, and more affordable option. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant version — crispy, saucy, and full of flavor.
Next time you crave Chinese takeout, skip the delivery fees and make this easy sesame chicken recipe in your own kitchen. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.