Why You'll Love This Sesame Chicken
Craving that restaurant-style crispy sesame chicken without leaving home? This sesame chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of crunchy coating and sticky sweet-savory sauce. Home cooks rave about how it rivals takeout sesame chicken in flavor and texture.
Busy parents and students appreciate the quick prep time. You get a full meal on the table in under 30 minutes with basic ingredients. Food enthusiasts love recreating this Chinese sesame chicken classic right in their kitchens.
- Ease of preparation: Whip up this easy sesame chicken with simple steps and pantry staples. Cut the chicken, mix the batter, fry for minutes, and toss in sauce. Total time clocks in at 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners. No fancy equipment needed, just a skillet and stove.
- Health benefits: Packed with lean protein from chicken, this homemade sesame chicken offers better control over ingredients. Skip excess oil by baking instead of frying to cut calories. Add veggies like broccoli for fiber and nutrients. A serving provides around 400 calories with 30g protein, supporting muscle health and satiety. Check out this chicken nutrition resource for more facts.
- Versatility: Adapt this crispy sweet sesame chicken for any diet. Swap chicken for tofu in vegan versions or use gluten-free flour. Pair it with rice, noodles, or salads. Travelers and newlyweds find it comforting, while seniors enjoy the soft texture.
- Distinctive flavor: The glossy sauce clings to every bite, blending honey sweetness, soy umami, ginger zing, and nutty sesame oil. Toasted seeds add crunch. It stands out from other dishes with its signature shine and aroma, making copycat sesame chicken recipe a crowd favorite.
This PF Changs sesame chicken copycat will have everyone asking for seconds. The sweet sesame chicken recipe shines at parties or family meals.
Diet-conscious individuals tweak it lighter, while party hosts serve it family-style. Working professionals meal-prep it easily. Baking enthusiasts experiment with air fryers for extra crisp.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Sesame Chicken
- How to Prepare the Perfect Sesame Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
- Ingredients
- First Step: Mise en Place and Prep the Chicken
- Second Step: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
- Third Step: Make the Irresistible Sauce
- Fourth Step: Combine and Garnish
- Final Step: Serving Suggestions
- Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sesame Chicken
- Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Mastering Sesame Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
- How to Store Sesame Chicken: Best Practices
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken
- What is sesame chicken?
- What’s the difference between sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken?
- How do you make sesame chicken at home?
- What are the main ingredients in sesame chicken?
- Is sesame chicken healthy and how many calories does it have?
- Sesame Chicken
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Last Step:
- Notes
- Nutrition
- Did you make this recipe?
How to Prepare the Perfect Sesame Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
Gather everything for this takeout sesame chicken masterpiece. Here is the full structured list with precise measurements extracted for your sesame chicken recipe:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for batter)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for slurry)
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
This list covers every item needed for 4 servings. Vegetarians swap chicken for tofu; gluten-free folks use tamari and cornstarch only.
First Step: Mise en Place and Prep the Chicken
Start your crispy sesame chicken by prepping ingredients. Pat the 1 lb chicken dry, then cut into uniform bites for even cooking. This takes 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk 1 egg, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in the batter until coated. Let it rest 10 minutes for crispier results. Mise en place keeps things smooth, especially for busy parents.
Second Step: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Fry battered chicken in batches, 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness. Drain on paper towels. This step, about 10 minutes total, creates the signature crunch of Chinese sesame chicken. For healthier air-fryer adaptation, spray coated chicken and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Third Step: Make the Irresistible Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Stir and simmer 2 minutes until bubbly. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water for slurry; add and cook until thickened, 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat a spoon thickly. Taste and adjust sweetness for your sweet sesame chicken recipe. Vegans use maple syrup instead of honey.
Fourth Step: Combine and Garnish
Toss hot fried chicken in the warm sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Toast seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes first. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Total fry-to-serve: 5 minutes.
Final Step: Serving Suggestions
Plate your homemade sesame chicken hot. Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for color and nutrition. For parties, double the batch. Kids love the mild flavors; spice it with red pepper flakes for adults. Pair with a refreshing dessert like this peach crisp for balance. Yields 4 servings, ready in 25-30 minutes total.
| Issue | Solution | Time Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Too thin | Add more slurry | Simmer 1 min extra |
| Too thick | Stir in water | Heat 30 sec |
| Not glossy | Drizzle sesame oil | Off heat |
Follow these for foolproof results. Adapt for dietary needs in each step.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sesame Chicken
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
Switch up the protein for variety. Use tofu for vegan crispy sesame chicken; press and cube firm tofu, batter as usual. Try shrimp for seafood twist or cauliflower for low-carb. Chicken breast works for leaner option, though thighs stay juicier.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
Bump veggies with broccoli, snap peas, or pineapple chunks for sweet sesame chicken recipe flair. Swap honey for maple syrup in paleo versions. Use coconut aminos instead of soy for low-sodium. Add chili flakes for heat. Gluten-free? Cornstarch batter and tamari sauce. Seasonal tweaks: fresh orange juice for citrus notes.
| Original | Substitution | Dietary Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | Tofu or tempeh | Vegan |
| Soy sauce | Tamari | Gluten-free |
| Honey | Stevia or agave | Low-sugar |
| Flour | Almond flour | Keto |
These keep your copycat sesame chicken recipe flexible for all.
Mastering Sesame Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
Take your easy sesame chicken to pro level with these tricks.
- Pro cooking techniques: Double-fry chicken: first at 325°F for 3 minutes, rest, then 375°F for 2 minutes for ultra-crisp. Use potato starch over cornstarch for shatteringly crunchy batter.
- Flavor variations: Go spicy with sriracha in sauce. Add orange zest for PF Changs sesame chicken copycat vibe. Sesame ginger version amps grated ginger to 2 tsp.
- Presentation tips: Garnish with extra seeds and scallions. Serve in lettuce wraps for fun app. Drizzle sauce artfully.
- Make-ahead options: Batter chicken ahead and refrigerate. Fry fresh. Sauce keeps 3 days in fridge; reheat gently. Ideal for working professionals.
Try baked version linking to this blueberry peach crisp side for fruity contrast. Experiment confidently.
Master these for restaurant-quality homemade sesame chicken every time.
How to Store Sesame Chicken: Best Practices
- Refrigeration: Cool completely, store in airtight container up to 3-4 days. Sauce may soften crisp; reheat to revive.
- Freezing: Freeze fried chicken separate from sauce up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat together. Portion for meal prep.
- Reheating: Oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or air fryer 5 minutes. Avoid microwave to keep crispy sesame chicken intact. Add fresh sauce if needed.
- Meal prep considerations: Cook batch Sunday, portion with rice. Stays fresh 4 days. Great for students and busy parents.
Safe storage keeps your takeout sesame chicken tasting fresh.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken
What is sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered, fried until crispy, and coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey or sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It’s finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and often garnished with green onions. Unlike authentic Chinese cuisine, it originated in the U.S. as a takeout favorite, similar to orange chicken but with a distinct nutty sesame flavor. It’s typically served with steamed rice or noodles. A standard serving (about 1 cup) has around 400-500 calories, depending on preparation. For home cooks, it’s quick to make in under 30 minutes using pantry staples.
What’s the difference between sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken?
Sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken are both fried chicken dishes in sticky sauces, but they differ in flavor and appearance. Sesame chicken has a sweeter, milder sauce with prominent sesame seeds and seeds visible on top, using honey or brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil without much heat. General Tso’s is spicier, with a bolder sauce including dried chilies, hoisin, and rice vinegar for tanginess, often drier and less glossy. Visually, sesame chicken is browner and seed-studded, while General Tso’s is redder from chilies. Both are American inventions, not traditional Chinese. Nutrition-wise, they’re similar at 450-550 calories per serving, but sesame chicken is less spicy, making it kid-friendly.
How do you make sesame chicken at home?
To make sesame chicken at home, start by coating 1 lb boneless chicken thighs in a batter of 1 egg, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Fry in 2 cups vegetable oil at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden; drain on paper towels. For the sauce, simmer 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 2 tbsp cornstarch slurry in a pan for 2 minutes until thickened. Toss fried chicken in sauce, sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice. Total time: 25 minutes. This yields 4 servings and tastes better than takeout.
What are the main ingredients in sesame chicken?
Key ingredients for sesame chicken include 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bites), 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup flour for batter, 1 egg, salt, and pepper. The sauce needs 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated), 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 2 tbsp water with 1 tsp cornstarch for thickening. Finish with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) is essential. Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes for heat or pineapple chunks. These create the signature sweet-tangy glaze. Shop at any grocery store; most are pantry staples.
Is sesame chicken healthy and how many calories does it have?
Sesame chicken isn’t the healthiest due to frying, but you can lighten it up. A typical restaurant serving has 450-600 calories, 20-30g fat (mostly from oil), 40g carbs from sugar and batter, and 30g protein. To make it healthier: bake or air-fry chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of deep-frying (saves 200 calories), use less sugar or swap honey for stevia, choose chicken breast over thighs, and add broccoli or veggies. A homemade baked version drops to 300-400 calories per serving with 25g protein. It’s gluten-free if using tamari and cornstarch only. Pair with brown rice and a side salad for balance. Moderation is key—enjoy 1-2 times weekly.
Sesame Chicken
🍗 Enjoy restaurant-quality sesame chicken at home with this crispy, sweet, and savory takeout copycat that’s better than delivery
🥢 This foolproof recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken coated in a glossy sesame glaze that will satisfy your Chinese food cravings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
1-First Step: Mise en Place and Prep the Chicken Start your crispy sesame chicken by prepping ingredients. Pat the 1 lb chicken dry, then cut into uniform bites for even cooking. This takes 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk 1 egg, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in the batter until coated. Let it rest 10 minutes for crispier results. Mise en place keeps things smooth, especially for busy parents.
2-Second Step: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Fry battered chicken in batches, 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness. Drain on paper towels. This step, about 10 minutes total, creates the signature crunch of Chinese sesame chicken. For healthier air-fryer adaptation, spray coated chicken and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
3-Third Step: Make the Irresistible Sauce In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Stir and simmer 2 minutes until bubbly. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water for slurry; add and cook until thickened, 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat a spoon thickly. Taste and adjust sweetness for your sweet sesame chicken recipe. Vegans use maple syrup instead of honey.
4-Fourth Step: Combine and Garnish Toss hot fried chicken in the warm sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Toast seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes first. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Total fry-to-serve: 5 minutes.
5-Final Step: Serving Suggestions Plate your homemade sesame chicken hot. Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for color and nutrition. For parties, double the batch. Kids love the mild flavors; spice it with red pepper flakes for adults. Pair with a refreshing dessert like this peach crisp for balance. Yields 4 servings, ready in 25-30 minutes total.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🔥 Double-fry the chicken for extra crispiness – fry once, let rest 5 minutes, then fry again for 2 minutes
🌟 Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant for deeper flavor
🥗 Make the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick weeknight meals
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
