When those cravings for takeout hit hard, nothing beats the satisfaction of whipping up your very own sesame chicken at home! This dish features tender, perfectly crispy chicken, lovingly coated in a sweet, savory, and nutty sauce that transports you straight to your favorite Chinese-American restaurant.

This sesame chicken is more than just a dinner option; it’s a showstopper that can elevate any ordinary meal. Pair it with a fluffy bed of rice to soak up that luscious sauce, and you’ve got a truly delightful feast!

Oh, and don’t forget to make extras! This dish is just as good, if not better, the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken

(Near) Instant Gratification: Turn simple chicken into a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes! This makes it a lifesaver even on the busiest of weeknights.

Budget-Friendly: Using common pantry staples and basic ingredients, this recipe brings takeout-flavors to your table for a fraction of the cost.

Tangy and Sweet: The sticky, slightly tangy sesame sauce is impossible to resist! Drizzle it over rice or coat your chicken chunks well to make sure no drop goes uneaten.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: For that juicy texture beneath the crispy coating. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Eggs: Create a binding layer for the flour mixture to stick to the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Ensures an extra crispy exterior and is also used to thicken the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Contributes to that light and crispy texture reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder work together to enhance the flavor.
• Sauces: Low-sodium soy sauce adds depth without overwhelming saltiness. Hoisin sauce adds a rich, sweet-savory complexity.
• Honey & Brown Sugar: These natural sweeteners beautifully balance the savory notes of the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Essential for providing just the right amount of acidity, it enhances both sweet and savory flavors.
• Sesame Oil: A drizzle transforms the sauce with a lovely nuttiness.
• Garlic & Ginger: These fresh aromatics are key to building the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Garnishes: Sesame seeds lend a delightful crunch, and green onions add a pop of freshness.

How to Make Sesame Chicken

It may surprise you, but making this gourmet dish is incredibly straightforward! Just follow these five easy steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Take each piece of chicken, dip it in the egg mixture first, then the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well coated.

2. Fry

Heat about two inches of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes each, until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

3. Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the sauce ingredients—except for the cornstarch slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir while cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Combine

In a large mixing bowl, combine your fried chicken and the prepared sauce. Toss gently until the chicken is completely coated with that delicious, sticky glaze.

5. Garnish & Serve

Serve your sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added touch. Enjoy every mouthful!

Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

Follow these handy tips to achieve sesame chicken perfection:

• Keep Things Uniform: Cut your chicken into evenly sized pieces (about 1-inch) to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. Also, pat them dry to help the coating stick better.
• Make it Extra Flavorful: Consider marinating your chicken first with a mix of salt, white pepper, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. You can also spice up your flour with some paprika or onion powder.
• Choose Your Coating: If you prefer a lighter coating, just dust the chicken lightly in the flour mixture. For an extra crunch, dredge each piece in the mixtures twice before frying.
• Give it a Rest: Allow your dredged chicken to rest for 10 to 15 minutes; this helps the coating adhere and ensures a crispier outcome.
• Watch the Temperature: Maintaining the right frying temperature (around 350°F) is crucial—too cool, and the chicken absorbs grease; too hot, and it can burn.
• Get Toasty: Toasting sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes will enhance their nutty flavor; sprinkle them generously as garnish!
• Make it Extra Crispy: For ultra-crispy chicken, use a wire rack to drain the fried pieces rather than paper towels, which can add unwanted moisture.

Serving Suggestions

The right sides can elevate your sesame chicken meal. Try it with:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• A classic fried rice or vegetable stir-fry
• Cold cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch
• Egg rolls or dumplings for a delightful addition

How to Store

Whether you want to enjoy it today or later, here’s how to properly store your sesame chicken:

To Store: Let your sesame chicken cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.

To Freeze: You can freeze the cooled pieces in a shallow container for up to 3 months. For best results, consider freezing individual pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet first until solid so they don’t clump together.

To Reheat: To enjoy your sesame chicken hot and crispy, reheat it in an air fryer at 350°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, or use an oven set to 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it from sticking.