Crispy, sweet, and savory—sesame chicken is one of the most loved dishes in Chinese-American cuisine. With its crunchy coating, sticky sauce, and sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, it’s the kind of comfort food that makes you crave more after every bite. The good news? You don’t need takeout to enjoy it! Here’s how to make sesame chicken at home, plus the best tips to ensure your recipe turns out perfect every single time.
🥘 Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
For the chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs (beaten)
Oil for frying
For the sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
¼ cup honey (or sugar for traditional sweetness)
2 tbsp ketchup (for color and tang)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For garnish:
Toasted sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
Coat chicken pieces in a mixture of flour and cornstarch.
Dip into beaten eggs, then back into the flour mix for extra crunch.
2. Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet.
Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked.
Drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
3. Make the Sauce
In a pan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, and garlic.
Bring to a simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
Stir until sauce thickens and turns glossy.
4. Coat the Chicken
Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
🌟 Best Tips for Sesame Chicken Recipe
Choose chicken thighs → juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
Double-dip the coating → for extra crispy texture.
Fry in small batches → overcrowding lowers oil temperature and makes chicken soggy.
Use honey instead of sugar → for richer, more balanced sweetness.
Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling → enhances nutty flavor.
Add heat if you like → a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha gives it a spicy kick.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Pair with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
Serve alongside stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
For a takeout-style meal, add egg rolls or dumplings.
Conclusion
Once you know the secrets, it’s easy to uncover the best tips for sesame chicken recipe and make a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant version. Crispy chicken, sticky sesame glaze, and a sprinkle of toasted seeds—it’s comfort food at its finest. Try it at home, and you’ll never look at takeout the same way again! 🥢🍯✨