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Amazing Sesame Chicken: Crispy, Saucy, and Ready in 30 Minutes
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Time to read 8 min
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Time to read 8 min
20 min
12 minutes (frying) + 5 minutes (sauce)
4 pers
Main Course
Chinese‑American
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1″ bite‑sized pieces
For the Marinade:
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tsp sesame oil
For the Batter:
¼ cup cornstarch
2 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ cup cold water (or enough to make a thick batter)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil, for deep‑frying
For the Sesame Sauce:
3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 Tbsp honey (or sugar)
1 Tbsp ketchup
1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp water
1 tsp cornstarch, dissolved in 1 Tbsp water
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Let rest for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.
Prepare the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir in cold water until you have a smooth, thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.
Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or wok to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium‑high until it reaches 350 °F (175 °C) or until a drop of batter sizzles and browns immediately.
Fry the Chicken
Working in batches, dip marinated chicken into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate to drain.
Make the Sesame Sauce
In a clean skillet over medium heat, combine hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, and 2 Tbsp water. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.
Combine & Coat
Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing quickly to coat every piece evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through and allow the sauce to adhere.
Garnish & Serve
Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately with steamed rice and stir‑fried vegetables.
Enjoy your homemade Sesame Chicken with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors!
For a complete Chinese‑American feast, don’t miss our Sweet and Sour Pork: Crispy, Tangy Takeout Favorite at Home for that perfect balance of bite and brightness. Start your appetizer round with Perfect Crispy Crab Rangoon: Easy Homemade Wonton Appetizers, and elevate your mains with a savory Beef and Broccoli Stir‑Fry: Restaurant‑Quality in 30 Minutes.
Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of golden‑fried chicken coated in a glossy, savory sesame sauce. This easy sesame chicken recipe shows you exactly how to recreate that takeout favorite in your kitchen—no mystery, no preservatives, just high‑quality ingredients, and straightforward steps. You’ll learn to marinate the chicken for maximum flavor, fry or air‑fry for perfect crispiness, whisk together the best sesame sauce, and customize the dish with healthy and gluten‑free variations. By the end of this guide, you’ll have mastered how to make sesame chicken at home , be equipped with pro tips, and be ready to impress family and friends with restaurant‑quality chicken that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Many assume that their favorite Chinese‑American dishes must remain takeout‑only. Still, homemade sesame chicken is surprisingly easy and often healthier than ordering from a restaurant. When you cook at home, you control:
By mastering this crispy sesame chicken recipe , you’ll enjoy a fresher, more flavorful, and kinder to your budget meal.
To make the best sesame chicken at home , gather these pantry and fresh ingredients:
These components combine to create a balanced sweet and savory sesame sauce that clings beautifully to each crispy chicken bite.
These sesame chicken cooking tips will elevate your dish from good to exceptional.
Pair your sesame chicken with complementary sides:
Offering multiple serving ideas encourages readers to stay engaged and explore related recipes.
Guidance on sesame chicken meal prep helps readers plan ahead and reduces food waste.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—thighs are juicier and less prone to drying out, making them ideal for “juicy sesame chicken.”
Is sesame chicken healthy?
While fried, you can lighten the recipe with an air‑fryer or bake method, use lean chicken, and control sugar to make a “healthier sesame chicken” dish.
What’s the difference between sesame chicken and orange chicken?
Sesame chicken sauce features hoisin, soy, and sesame oil. In contrast, orange chicken uses citrus zest, ketchup, and rice vinegar for tang. Both share the crispy, battered chicken approach.
How do I prevent soggy chicken?
Serve immediately after tossing in sauce or reserve some sauce on the side. Fry in small batches and maintain proper oil temperature.
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