There’s nothing like the sweet, savory aroma of easy sesame chicken wafting through the kitchen. It’s that cozy, beloved dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s become a favorite for busy families seeking comfort food that doesn’t skimp on health.
This dish combines tender chicken with a sticky, luscious sesame sauce made from pantry staples. In just 20 minutes, you’re rewarded with a crispy coating that rivals takeout but with a homemade twist. It’s a satisfying meal that hits the spot, perfect for nights when you crave something quick yet indulgent.
I started whipping this up back in 2011, and it quickly became a staple at our family dinners. The first time I served it, my daughter exclaimed, “Mom, this is just like at our favorite restaurant!” The secret? A dash of honey for that delightful glaze. With over a decade of recipe testing, I promise you’ll be making this often, too!
Joe Rooney
Easy Sesame Chicken That Will Thrill Your Taste Buds
Discover the joy of easy sesame chicken with this quick and delicious recipe that thrills your taste buds! Perfect as a keto sesame chicken or a 20 minute sesame chicken dish, this easy sesame chicken recipe lets you create crispy sesame chicken homemade without the need for takeout. Enjoy a flavorful, better than takeout sesame chicken experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
1 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless cut into 1 inch chunks
vegetable oil for deep frying
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Method
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth.
In another bowl, gently mix together the cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water to form a tempura batter.
Coat the chicken chunks evenly by dipping them into the batter.
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F to a depth of about 3 inches in a large pot or deep fryer.
Carefully fry the batter-coated chicken pieces in batches until they turn golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic and crushed red pepper for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and add the fried chicken, tossing quickly to coat everything evenly.
Serve the sesame chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds for a crunchy finish.
Notes
You can adjust the recipe servings easily by sliding the yield amount, and the ingredient quantities will update automatically. For a healthier alternative, consider baking instead of deep frying. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sesame Chicken
Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a homemade meal that’s faster than takeout.
Flavorful and Comforting: The sauce combines sweet, savory, and a hint of heat to create a nostalgic dish that warms the heart.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this kid-friendly sesame chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: This recipe easily adapts to different dietary needs, whether you’re looking for keto options or a healthy sesame chicken stir fry.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Essential Ingredients
For the sauce: soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, corn starch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
For the batter: cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water.
For the chicken: boneless, skinless chicken thighs and some vegetable oil for frying.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, corn starch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds until smooth.
Prepare the Batter: In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water. Mix until just combined.
Coat the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in your frying pan to 350 degrees F. Gently lower the chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown and crispy.
Combine and Serve: In a large wok or skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and crushed red pepper for 30 seconds. Add the fried chicken and sauce, then coat everything well and serve topped with extra sesame seeds.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the chicken isn’t crispy: Ensure your oil is hot enough, at 350 degrees F. A temperature drop can lead to soggy pieces.
Too much sweetness: Add a splash of soy sauce to balance the flavors if it comes out sweeter than you’d like.
Stickiness Issues: If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed rice or with sesame chicken and broccoli for a wholesome meal.
Pair with a side of crispy vegetables or a light salad for a balanced dinner experience.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or give it a quick stir-fry in a skillet to maintain that crispy texture.
Ingredient Swaps
Ingredient
Possible Swap
Soy Sauce
Tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar
Maple syrup for a healthier choice.
Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead if preferred.
Expert Says
Cooking EASY SESAME CHICKEN at a high temperature helps achieve that desirable crispy texture while sealing in moisture. The sesame oil not only adds a rich flavor but also contains healthy fats that support heart health. Pair it with colorful vegetables to boost nutrient intake and create a balanced meal.
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The Long Road to Easy Sesame Chicken
Perfecting this easy sesame chicken was a delicious journey that took several attempts. I remember one batch that ended up overly salty and another where I forgot the ginger completely! Each experiment brought me closer to a dish that balances savory and sweet, making it a go-to for my family dinners.
FAQs ( Easy Sesame Chicken )
How do I store leftover sesame chicken?
You can store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave. This ensures the dish stays flavorful and the chicken remains tender.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that other ingredients, like starch or broth, are also gluten-free to keep the entire dish suitable for your dietary needs.
How long does it take to make this meal?
This easy recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. With quick prep and cooking times, it’s perfect for a busy night when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad or add some sesame chicken with broccoli for a colorful and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This dish is often a hit with kids due to its sweet and savory flavors. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, making it customizable to your family’s taste.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this easy sesame chicken transforms your weeknight dinners! In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a crispy, comforting meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. It’s a delightful way to savor a classic with a homemade touch.
Mix it up with some fresh veggies for a vibrant stir fry, or try adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an extra crunch! If you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully in a skillet to keep that crispy goodness intact. A little tip I picked up from my aunt: serve it over rice for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
I’d love to see your version of this favorite dish! Did you grow up with something similar? Share your photos or thoughts below, and don’t forget to save or share this recipe with your loved ones. Here’s to home-cooked meals that bring us together!
