The sound of chicken sizzling in a cast-iron pan always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. This easy sesame chicken brings that same warmth and comfort to your dinner table. It’s become a weeknight favorite for families everywhere.
This recipe transforms simple chicken pieces into golden, crispy bites coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze. With just pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, you’ll have dinner ready in minutes. It’s like your favorite takeout order, but made with love in your own kitchen. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been perfecting this dish for decades, passing down the secrets my own mother taught me about getting that perfect crispy coating. The key is in the timing and temperature. I tested it countless times until it was just right. You’ll love the secret ingredient that makes all the difference.
PrintEasy Sesame Chicken That Will Thrill Your Taste Buds
Enjoy a quick and delicious Easy Sesame Chicken made in just 20 minutes. This keto sesame chicken recipe delivers crispy chicken with flavorful chinese sesame chicken sauce, perfect for a healthy sesame chicken stir fry at home.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup cold seltzer water
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless cut into 1 inch chunks
- vegetable oil for deep frying
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Combine all the sauce ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- In another bowl, gently whisk together the batter components until mixed and coat the chicken pieces in the batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees and fry the battered chicken in small batches until golden and crispy.
- Warm sesame oil in a large skillet or wok, then sauté garlic and crushed red pepper for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and toss the fried chicken quickly to coat, then serve immediately topped with sesame seeds.
Notes
- Click on the yield amount to slide and change the number of servings and the recipe will automatically update!
Nutrition
- Calories: 434kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 753mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g + 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 89mg
Why This Easy Sesame Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s something magical about recreating the flavors we remember from special dinners out, right in our own kitchens. This easy sesame chicken captures all that crispy, sweet, and savory goodness without the fuss of ordering takeout.
- The tempura batter creates an incredibly light, crispy coating that stays crunchy
- Cold seltzer water is the secret to achieving restaurant-quality texture at home
- Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners
Pro Tip: The combination of chicken thighs and this particular batter technique gives you tender, juicy meat inside with that perfect golden exterior every time.
Breaking Down Your Pantry Ingredients
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. The sesame chicken sauce comes together with items you likely already have in your pantry.
The brown sugar and rice vinegar create that perfect sweet-tangy balance, while the sesame oil adds the distinctive nutty flavor we all crave. Cornstarch in both the sauce and tempura batter is your secret weapon for achieving the right consistency and crispiness.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Kitchen Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Seltzer Water | Creates light, airy batter | Keep it ice cold for best results |
| Chicken Thighs | Stays juicy, more flavorful | Cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking |
| Rice Vinegar | Adds tangy brightness | Don’t substitute with regular vinegar |
| Sesame Oil | Distinctive nutty flavor | A little goes a long way |
How This Recipe Works Its Magic
The beauty of this better-than-takeout sesame chicken lies in the timing and technique. You’ll start by whisking together that gorgeous sauce, letting all those flavors meld while you prepare the batter.
- Mix the tempura batter until just combined – lumps are perfectly fine and actually preferred
- Heat your oil to exactly 350 degrees for that perfect golden color
- Fry in small batches so the temperature stays consistent
- Toss everything together in the final step while the chicken is still piping hot
Note: The crushed red pepper and minced garlic get their moment to shine in the hot sesame oil before the sauce goes in, creating layers of flavor that make all the difference.
Timing and Serving Guide
Getting everything to come together seamlessly is easier than you might think. This 20-minute sesame chicken recipe flows beautifully when you follow the right sequence.
| Step | Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | 5 minutes | Mix sauce, cut chicken, gather ingredients |
| Batter & Heat Oil | 5 minutes | Whisk batter, coat chicken, heat oil to 350°F |
| Frying | 8-10 minutes | Fry chicken in batches until golden |
| Final Assembly | 2 minutes | Sauté garlic, add sauce and chicken |
| Serve | Immediately | Garnish with sesame seeds while hot |
Serve this immediately over steamed rice or noodles while the coating is at its crispiest. The contrast between the warm, tender chicken and the glossy, sticky sauce is simply irresistible.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While this dish is absolutely best served fresh and hot, life happens and sometimes we need to save some for later. Here’s how to maintain as much of that original magic as possible.
Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The coating will lose some crispiness, but the flavors actually deepen overnight, creating a different but equally delicious experience.
- Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore some crispiness
- Avoid the microwave if possible, as it makes the coating soggy
- Add a sprinkle of fresh sesame seeds when reheating for renewed flavor
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to make this for meal prep, consider frying the chicken and storing the sauce separately, then combining them when ready to serve.
Expert Says
When preparing easy sesame chicken, consider marinating the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes. This not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a juicier final dish.
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My Path to Crafting Easy Sesame Chicken
It was quite the adventure to nail down my version of easy sesame chicken – I think I burned three batches before my husband finally suggested I simmer the sauce low and slow. Now, each bite is a comforting reminder of those early mishaps, wrapped in the warm embrace of family dinners shared around the table.
FAQs ( Easy Sesame Chicken )
How do I store leftover sesame chicken?
You can store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave. This ensures the dish stays flavorful and the chicken remains tender.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that other ingredients, like starch or broth, are also gluten-free to keep the entire dish suitable for your dietary needs.
How long does it take to make this meal?
This easy recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. With quick prep and cooking times, it’s perfect for a busy night when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad or add some sesame chicken with broccoli for a colorful and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This dish is often a hit with kids due to its sweet and savory flavors. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, making it customizable to your family’s taste.
Your Kitchen, Your New Favorite Tradition
This easy sesame chicken comes together in just 20 minutes, but the memories it creates will last much longer. You’ll love how the crispy coating gives way to tender, juicy chicken while that glossy sauce clings to every golden bite. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, just like it should be.
Try swapping honey for the brown sugar if you prefer a floral sweetness, or add a handful of steamed broccoli in the final toss for extra color and nutrition. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for three days – just reheat in a hot oven to bring back that wonderful crispiness. It’s a trick I learned from making big batches for Sunday dinners.
I’d love to hear how this recipe finds its way into your family’s heart. Did you serve it over jasmine rice like I do, or did you try something different? Take a photo and share your kitchen story – there’s something so beautiful about recipes traveling from one loving home to another, creating new traditions along the way.
