Sesame Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Crispy & Simple
This Chinese takeout sesame chicken features crispy golden chicken bites coated in a sweet-savory garlic sesame sauce. Easy, bold, and better than takeout.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 eggs
½ cup cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce (for batter)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp honey
½ cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp sesame seeds
Optional: scallions, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, cornstarch, soy sauce. Toss in chicken to coat.
- Heat oil to 350°F in skillet. Fry chicken in batches 4–5 min until golden. Drain.
- In clean pan, sauté garlic and ginger in 1 tbsp oil for 30 sec.
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and water. Simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry. Cook 2–3 min until thick.
- Add sesame oil, return chicken, and toss to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot.
Notes
Use tamari for gluten-free version. Bake or air-fry for a lighter option.