Let me tell you about a dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen: this Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe is the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and sweet with just a hint of tangy zing. Each bite delivers that irresistible crisp coating paired with a luscious, glossy sesame sauce that clings beautifully to tender pieces of chicken. It’s not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hoping to impress friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavors and textures that make this Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe outstanding. From the crunchy coating to the sticky, flavorful sauce, every element contributes something special.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juiciness, while breasts provide lean protein; cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- 2 large eggs: The perfect binder to help the coating stick to the chicken.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds maximum crispiness and lightness to the coating.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure; feel free to swap for gluten-free blend if needed.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper (optional): Adds a subtle peppery warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup neutral oil for frying (canola, peanut, or vegetable): Essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the salty base of the sauce, ensuring it’s not too overpowering.
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar): Brings the perfect touch of sweetness that balances the soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 2 tbsp ketchup: Injects a hint of tomato richness and color.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Provides an aromatic nuttiness essential to the dish’s signature flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic sharpens and deepens the sauce flavor.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional): Adds a fragrant spiciness that complements the sesame beautifully.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water: This slurry thickens the sauce to a rich glaze.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: For garnish and extra sesame oomph.
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds color and fresh onion flavor on top.
- Optional: chili flakes or sliced red chili: Kick up the heat if you love a little spice.
How to Make Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels—this little trick helps you achieve that perfect, crispy exterior. Toss the chicken gently with salt and white pepper to season them evenly; this first layer of flavor is crucial for savory depth.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Set up your dredging stations by beating the eggs in one bowl and mixing cornstarch with flour in another. Dip each piece of chicken into the eggs, then press it firmly into the flour-cornstarch mix, ensuring every surface is well coated. This combination creates a super crisp crust that stays crunchy even after tossing in sauce.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour the oil into your skillet or wok to about half an inch deep and heat over medium-high until it shimmers. Achieving the right temperature—around 350°F—is key here. Too cool, and your chicken will absorb oil and become soggy; too hot, and it might burn before cooking through.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the chicken rests, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and stir in your cornstarch slurry. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze. If it gets too thick, add a little water to keep it perfectly pourable.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan with the thickened sauce. Toss everything quickly and thoroughly to coat every bite with that rich, sticky sesame goodness—this is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the sauced chicken. If you like a bit of a kick, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili. Serve it piping hot for the ultimate crispy and saucy experience.
How to Serve Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe with toasted sesame seeds and bright green onions adds a pop of texture and color that makes the dish feel fresh and vibrant. The sesame seeds enhance the nutty profile while the scallions bring a subtle crunch and mild sharpness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy—adding freshness and crunch to complement the rich chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe over a bed of thin rice noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and soy sauce. You can also pile the chicken on a platter and sprinkle with extra green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for an eye-catching, flavor-packed centerpiece perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken as crispy as possible, it’s best to keep the sauce separate and toss together just before serving when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken after it cools by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the sauce separately if possible. This way, you prevent sogginess and maintain the dish’s texture. Use frozen chicken within 1 month for the best taste and quality.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a non-stick pan over medium heat to revive its crispiness, adding the sauce near the end to coat evenly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy and diminish the delightful texture that makes this Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner and just as delicious.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier version. Coat the chicken as directed and bake at 425°F on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be a little different—less oily but still tasty.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey amount slightly or swap some for extra rice vinegar to keep a nice balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and a gluten-free soy sauce tamari to keep the dish entirely gluten-free without compromising flavor.
How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before frying is key for crispiness. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain temperature. Double-frying is another trick, but this recipe’s single fry method works wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something crunchy, flavorful, and utterly wholesome, this Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe is ready to win over your taste buds and your heart. It’s a dish that feels special yet is quick enough to whip up any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how delicious homemade sesame chicken can be!
Print
Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delightful Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch and flour batter, fried to golden perfection, and glazed with a savory-sweet sesame sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines rich flavors from soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and fresh aromatics, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend if needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup neutral oil for frying (canola, peanut, or vegetable oil)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: chili flakes or sliced red chili
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the chicken pieces with salt and white pepper in a bowl to season evenly.
- Coat the chicken: In one bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Heat the oil: Pour the neutral oil into a large skillet or wok to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, around 350°F.
- Fry the chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer to the hot oil, working in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the sauce: While the chicken drains, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch-water slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the sauce is too thick.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken into the saucepan with the thickened sauce. Toss quickly and gently to coat every piece thoroughly with the glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add chili flakes or sliced red chili if desired for some heat. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs will provide more juicy and tender results, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating and prevent sogginess.
- Work in batches when frying to maintain the oil temperature and crispiness.
- The sauce can be adjusted by swapping honey with brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Optional ginger and white pepper add aromatic warmth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and verify the soy sauce is gluten-free.
