Sesame Chicken – Crispy, Sweet, and Better Than Takeout!

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If you love crispy, sweet, and savory chicken dishes, this Sesame Chicken recipe is going to be your new favorite! It features tender, golden-brown chicken bites coated in a sticky honey sesame sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This dish is even better than your favorite Chinese takeout, and the best part? You can make it at home in just 40 minutes!

What sets this Sesame Chicken apart from the rest? The double coating of flour and cornstarch ensures an ultra-crispy texture that holds up even after being tossed in sauce. The sauce itself is a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, tangy, and umami flavors, making each bite absolutely irresistible.

This recipe is quick, simple, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Unlike restaurant versions that may be loaded with excess oil, preservatives, or too much sugar, this homemade version is healthier, fresher, and packed with real flavor.

Serve it over steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables, and you have a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this Sesame Chicken is guaranteed to impress.

Skip the takeout and enjoy a dish that’s crispy, saucy, and full of authentic flavors. Get ready to dive into homemade Sesame Chicken perfection—your new favorite dinner recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken

1. Crispy & Crunchy Texture – The perfect blend of flour and cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating.
2. Better Than Takeout – Homemade sesame chicken has no preservatives, less oil, and more flavor.
3. Sweet & Savory Sauce – A sticky honey sesame sauce with a touch of soy, garlic, and sesame oil for an umami-packed bite.
4. Quick & Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
5. Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – A dish that everyone loves, from kids to adults.
6. Customizable – Make it spicy, healthier, or gluten-free with easy swaps.
7. Pairs Well with Everything – Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
8. Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and store for later.
9. Restaurant-Style at Home – No need for takeout when you can make it fresh and flavorful yourself!
10. Easy to Double – Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium if possible)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Repeat for all pieces.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add 7-8 pieces of chicken at a time and fry for 5 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
3. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the honey sesame sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

1. Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Pro Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

1. Use a Thermometer for Perfect Frying

• Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to get crispy, golden chicken without burning.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

• Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.

3. Make it Healthier

• Air Fryer Method: Spray chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F for 12-14 minutes.
• Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Add Some Heat

• Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

5. Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness

• Thighs are fattier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.

6. Make the Sauce Ahead

• The sauce can be made 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

7. Serve with the Best Sides

• Steamed rice, fried rice, chow mein, stir-fried veggies, or even lettuce wraps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To Store:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended (makes it soggy).

FAQs About Sesame Chicken

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Q: Can I use store-bought sesame sauce?

You can, but homemade sauce tastes way better and is healthier!

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before frying.

Q: What’s the best way to keep it crispy?

Serve immediately or reheat in an air fryer or oven for the best texture.

Final Thoughts on Sesame Chicken

This Sesame Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, sticky, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Skip the takeout and enjoy better-than-restaurant sesame chicken right at home. Make a batch today and impress your family with this delicious, easy-to-make meal! 🍯🍗🔥

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