Sesame Chicken is one of the most popular dishes served at Chinese restaurants in America, and it’s easy to see why. It has tender bites of chicken, lightly coated and fried until golden and crisp, then tossed in a rich brown sauce that’s savory, tangy, and full of flavor.
While takeout is always tempting, this homemade Sesame Chicken tastes even better, and it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen. Serve it over rice, top it with sesame seeds and green onions, and watch your family devour it.
If you love making restaurant style meals at home, you should also try my Homemade Pork Dumplings or my Hot and Sour Soup. They pair perfectly with this recipe for the ultimate homemade Chinese dinner night.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken
This recipe is one of those dinners that feels special but is still totally doable on a weeknight.
- The chicken is crispy and golden, not heavy or greasy
- The sauce is savory, tangy, and coats every bite perfectly
- It tastes like Chinese takeout, but even better
- Made with simple ingredients you can grab at the grocery store
- It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser for kids and adults
This is one of those meals that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Wait…what are you making?”
When to Make Sesame Chicken
This Sesame Chicken is perfect anytime you want an easy dinner that feels like a treat.
Make it when:
- You’re craving Chinese takeout but want to stay home
- You need a family friendly dinner everyone will eat
- You want a fun Friday night dinner idea
- You’re hosting friends and want something unexpected
- You want leftovers that reheat well
If you love easy dinners like this, you should also check out my Longevity Noodles with Shrimp, which makes such a fun pairing for a homemade takeout style meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken
Why add whiskey?
This is my Grandma’s little secret. She always said adding a splash of whiskey helps tenderize the chicken, making it extra juicy and tender in every bite.
Why use cornstarch instead of flour?
Cornstarch gives you that light, crispy coating without feeling thick or heavy. Flour can create a denser coating that soaks up too much sauce, which can make the chicken lose its crispiness.
Fry the chicken in batches
Do not overcrowd the pan. If you add too much chicken at once, the oil temperature drops and the chicken absorbs oil instead of crisping up.
Separate the chicken pieces before frying
Cornstarch can cause the chicken to stick together like glue. Make sure the pieces are separated before dropping them into the oil so they fry evenly and stay crispy.
Why is there no cornstarch in the sauce?
You do not need it. Once the sauce simmers on the stove, it naturally reduces and thickens as it coats the chicken.
FAQs
What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame Chicken is a Chinese-American dish made with crispy fried chicken tossed in a savory tangy brown sauce. It is usually served over rice and topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Is Sesame Chicken spicy?
No, Sesame Chicken is not spicy. It has a savory tangy flavor with just a touch of sweetness. If you want heat, add chili flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp.
What is the difference between Sesame Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken?
Sesame Chicken is typically milder and more tangy. General Tso’s Chicken usually has more spice and a stronger heat forward flavor.
How do I keep Sesame Chicken crispy?
Fry the chicken in batches, drain it on a cooling rack, and toss it in the sauce right before serving. Letting the chicken sit in the sauce too long will soften the coating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just cut them into bite sized pieces.
If you want to build a full dinner night, serve this alongside my Egg Rolls and Chinese Almond Cookies.
Crispy Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Coating
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp whiskey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 2 egg whites beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
Sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp water
For Serving
- sesame seeds
- green onions chopped
- cooked rice
- oil for frying
Method
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Add garlic, whiskey, soy sauce, honey, and egg whites. Mix well and let marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Add cornstarch and toss until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a heavy bottom pot or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until crispy, golden brown, and cooked through. Remove chicken and place on a parchment lined baking sheet with a cooling rack to drain excess oil while staying crispy.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the fried chicken. Pour the sauce ingredients over the chicken and toss to coat. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice and enjoy.
Notes
- Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and the chicken crispy.
- Cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating that holds up better than flour.
- The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers, so no additional cornstarch is needed.
- For best results, toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving.
Looking for more easy family dinners? Browse all of my Dinner Recipes for simple meals that actually get eaten.
What did you think?