Who doesn’t love the sweet and savory crunch of sesame chicken, especially when it’s as straightforward as this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe? I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights because it comes together in under 30 minutes without sacrificing that restaurant-quality flavor. Picture this: tender chicken bites coated in a glossy, sesame-infused sauce that hits all the right notes—umami from soy, a touch of sweetness, and those nutty sesame seeds for texture. If you’re craving takeout but want something homemade, this Easy Sesame Chicken is your answer.
In my experience, the magic of Easy Sesame Chicken lies in its simplicity; no fancy equipment needed, just a skillet and a few pantry staples. I remember the first time I whipped it up for friends—they couldn’t believe it wasn’t from our favorite Chinese spot. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just short on time, you’ll love how forgiving this recipe is. Let’s dive in and get you set to create your own delicious Easy Sesame Chicken tonight!
Key Takeaways:
- Easy Sesame Chicken is ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Uses simple ingredients like chicken, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for authentic Asian-inspired taste.
- The sticky sauce delivers bold flavors with a balance of sweet and savory notes.
- Toss in veggies for extra nutrition without complicating the process.
- Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making leftovers a breeze.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Sesame Chicken
Quick and Effortless Prep: This recipe shines because it skips the fuss—you’re looking at minimal chopping and no marinating time. In my kitchen, I’ve found that coating the chicken in cornstarch right before frying gives it that irresistible crisp without hours of waiting. You’ll be amazed at how fast this Easy Sesame Chicken comes together, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike go crazy for the sweet glaze; it’s like a healthier twist on takeout favorites. What I find interesting is how the sesame seeds add a fun crunch that even picky eaters appreciate. Serve it up, and watch the plates empty—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Customizable to Your Taste: Adjust the heat with chili flakes or make it gluten-free with tamari instead of soy. Here’s the thing: this Easy Sesame Chicken adapts beautifully to what you have on hand, so it’s never boring. Plus, it’s loaded with protein to keep everyone satisfied.
Healthier Than Takeout: By baking or air-frying the chicken, you cut down on oil while keeping the flavor intact. Let’s be honest, who wants the guilt of deep-fried versions? This way, your homemade Easy Sesame Chicken feels indulgent without the extra calories, making it a win for wellness-focused meals.
Essential Ingredients for Easy Sesame Chicken
Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are my go-to for this dish because they stay juicy and flavorful even after quick cooking. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they absorb the sauce beautifully, creating that tender texture we all crave in Easy Sesame Chicken. In my experience, thighs outperform breasts here since they don’t dry out—trust me, it’s a game-changer for the final dish.
Soy Sauce and Honey: The backbone of the sauce, soy brings the salty umami while honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances everything. Mixed with garlic and ginger, they form a glossy coating that clings to the chicken perfectly. I’ve tweaked ratios over time, but this combo nails the classic taste without overpowering.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted or raw, these little gems provide the signature crunch and nutty aroma that defines sesame chicken. Sprinkle them on at the end for maximum impact—they elevate the dish from good to unforgettable in your Easy Sesame Chicken. What I love is how they add visual appeal too, making it look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by cubing your boneless chicken thighs into even pieces—this ensures they cook uniformly and soak up the sauce well. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and a dash of pepper; the cornstarch creates that crispy exterior when fried. In my experience, letting it sit for just five minutes makes all the difference in texture for this Easy Sesame Chicken. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high, and add the chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming.
Cook the Chicken and Make the Sauce
Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through—aim for an internal temp of 165°F if you’re checking. While that’s happening, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl; the aromas will fill your kitchen, promising something amazing. Remove the chicken, pour in the sauce, and let it bubble for a couple of minutes to thicken, creating that sticky glaze we love.
Combine and Finish
Add the chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat every piece evenly in the sauce—watch how it transforms into glossy perfection. Toss in sesame seeds and chopped green onions for color and crunch; this step takes just a minute but adds so much flair to your Easy Sesame Chicken. Remove from heat and let it rest briefly; the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Easy Sesame Chicken Instructions
- Cube the chicken and coat with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat, and stir in sesame seeds and green onions. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your Easy Sesame Chicken!
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Sesame Chicken
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It ensures crispy chicken—pat the pieces dry first for even better adhesion.
Taste the Sauce Early: Adjust sweetness or salt before adding chicken; a splash of lime brightens it up nicely.
Use Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh beats powdered for that zing—it’s worth the extra minute of prep.
You Must Know
- This Easy Sesame Chicken is naturally gluten-free if using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately for the best glaze.
- Chicken thighs are ideal, but breasts work if pounded thin to avoid dryness.
- Sesame oil adds authentic nutty flavor—don’t substitute with another oil.
How to Store Easy Sesame Chicken
Let your Easy Sesame Chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container; it keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its appeal. For freezing, portion it into bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To bring back that fresh taste, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts—either way, it reheats like a dream.
Customizing Your Easy Sesame Chicken
Swap in tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian twist, or add broccoli and bell peppers during the last stir for veggie-packed Easy Sesame Chicken. If you’re watching sugar, use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey—it still creates that glossy finish. For spice lovers, amp it up with sriracha; I’ve linked a chicken stir-fry variation if you want more veggie ideas. The beauty is in how adaptable this recipe is to your pantry and preferences.
What to Serve with Easy Sesame Chicken
Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the irresistible sauce, or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness. For drinks, go with iced green tea or a light beer—nothing too heavy. Round out the meal with egg rolls or spring rolls on the side for that complete takeout vibe.
Easy Sesame Chicken
This easy sesame chicken tastes just like, if not better than takeout! The chicken is crispy and the sauce is sweet with a slight tang. It's actually very easy to make and takes only 30 minutes! Now you can make one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes right in your home kitchen.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 02 ¼ cup water
- 03 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (if using fine salt, use a little less)
- 04 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 05 2 large egg
- 06 ½ cup cornstarch
- 07 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
- 08 ½ cup ketchup
- 09 ½ cup water
- 10 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 11 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 12 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 13 1 tablespoon soy sauce (light sodium)
- 14 ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional to give the sauce a darker color)
- 15 1 stalk green onion (cut into thin slices (greens and whites separated))
- 16 oil (as needed for cooking and frying)
- 17 toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken thighs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until the water is mostly absorbed by the chicken.
Once the chicken has mostly absorbed the water, add the eggs and mix until well combined. Following, add the cornstarch and mix until evenly combined and no more dry cornstarch is visible. Finish by adding the oil and mixing until evenly combined.
Heat the oil: In a wok or tall pan, add about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F.
Prepare the sauce: While the oil is heating up, prepare the sesame chicken sauce. In a bowl or large measuring cup, combine the ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Mix well and set aside. You can also make the sauce ahead of time.
Fry the chicken: When the oil is heated, maintain the heat around 375°F. With your hand or your gloved hand, gently place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, one at a time until the there's an even layer. Don't overcrowd the pan and fry in batches if needed! Fry the chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove the chicken out of the oil and let drain for about 2 to 3 minutes. While frying, occasionally stir the chicken pieces and try to break up any pieces that are stuck together.
Make sure the oil is back at 375°F and add the fried chicken pieces into the oil for a second fry. Let the chicken pieces fry for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and let the fried chicken drain on paper towels or a rack.
Make the sauce: In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Add the white parts of the sliced green onions and stir fry for 10 to 15 seconds or until fragrant.
Give the prepared sauce a mix and pour it into the wok. Increase the heat to medium high and let the sauce heat until hot and bubbles. Make sure to stir the sauce frequently, especially when the sauce is getting hot so the cornstarch can thicken the sauce evenly.
Toss the chicken and serve: Once the sauce has thickened and looks glossy, add the fried chicken pieces and stir and toss until the chicken is evenly and well coated.
Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice and garnish the sesame chicken with sesame seeds and the green part of the sliced green onion if you wish. Enjoy!
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Sesame Chicken
Can I make Easy Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prep the chicken and sauce separately up to a day in advance, then cook when ready—it saves even more time on busy evenings. Just store them in the fridge and follow the steps as usual. In my experience, the flavors actually deepen a bit, making it taste even better.
How long does Easy Sesame Chicken last in the fridge?
Your Easy Sesame Chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Beyond that, freeze it to extend to 2 months. Always reheat thoroughly to maintain safety and texture.
Is Easy Sesame Chicken spicy?
Not inherently—this version is sweet and savory, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for heat if desired. It’s mild enough for kids, yet customizable for spice fans. Adjust to your family’s taste without much effort.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, preheat to 400°F, place coated chicken on a lined sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. This cuts oil while keeping it crispy for your Easy Sesame Chicken. Toss with sauce at the end for the full effect.
What’s the best oil for cooking Easy Sesame Chicken?
Sesame oil is ideal for its nutty flavor, but neutral oils like vegetable work too if you want to avoid smoking. Use about 2 tablespoons to start. For a healthier twist, air-fry the chicken after coating.
Can I use chicken breasts for Easy Sesame Chicken?
Chicken breasts are fine, but slice them thin and don’t overcook to prevent dryness in this Easy Sesame Chicken. Thighs are juicier, but breasts lighten it up calorie-wise. Either way, the sauce makes it delicious.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening—easy swaps for celiac-friendly Easy Sesame Chicken. Check labels to ensure purity. It tastes just as good, promise.
Why is my sauce not thickening?
If the sauce seems thin, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry—whisk 1 tsp cornstarch with water and stir in. For more ideas, check our creamy chicken recipes. Patience here ensures that perfect glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate guide to whipping up this crowd-pleasing Easy Sesame Chicken that’s sure to become a staple in your home. From the quick prep to the finger-licking sauce, every bite reminds me why I love sharing simple, flavorful recipes like this. Give it a try tonight, and let me know how it turns out—tag us or share your twists! Your kitchen adventures await.