Homemade Sesame Chicken is a crispy, sticky, and sweet Asian-inspired dish made right in your own kitchen. Featuring golden fried chicken bites tossed in a glossy sesame glaze, this better-than-takeout favorite is loaded with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with something truly satisfying.
Crispy, juicy sesame chicken tossed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds
Why This Homemade Sesame Chicken Is the Best
- Crispy Perfection: Lightly battered chicken pieces are pan-fried until golden and crunchy.
- Sticky Sesame Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil creates an irresistible glaze.
- No Takeout Needed: Made with pantry staples and healthier ingredients—no MSG or deep frying.
- Family Favorite: Sweet, savory, and just a little tangy—great for both kids and adults.
- Budget-Conscious Meal: Skip the delivery and save by making this restaurant-style dish at home.
It’s wholesome, satisfying, and makes the perfect cozy side or main—ideal for easy dinner recipes, meal prepping, or creating nutritious homemade takeout without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Sauce:
- Soy sauce provides a rich, salty umami base.
- Water balances the intensity of the soy and helps create a smooth sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil adds deep, nutty aroma and authentic flavor.
- Brown sugar gives sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce for a glossy finish.
- Rice vinegar offers mild acidity to cut through the richness.
- Fresh ginger brings warmth and brightness with a peppery kick.
- Garlic deepens the savory notes with sharp aromatic flavor.
- Cornstarch thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy texture.
- Sesame seeds add nutty crunch and classic sesame flair.
Chicken:
- Cooking oil ensures crisp browning and prevents sticking.
- Chicken thighs offer juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender when cooked.
- Egg acts as a binder for the coating and keeps the chicken moist.
- Cornstarch gives the chicken a light, crispy coating when fried.
- Salt and pepper season the meat and enhance overall flavor.
For Serving:
- Jasmine rice serves as a fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up the sauce.
- Green onions add fresh, crisp garnish and a pop of color.
Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken
- Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.
- Cornstarch Coating: Gives the chicken that signature crispy crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to keep the chicken crisp, not soggy.
- Toss Just Before Serving: Mix the chicken with sauce right before eating to retain crunch.
- Top with Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty aroma and extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Jasmine Rice: The sauce soaks into the rice perfectly.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add color, crunch, and nutrition to your plate.
- With Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that still satisfies.
- With Fresh Green Onions: Adds brightness and a pop of color.
- As Lettuce Wraps: Great for a lighter take on this classic dish.
A Must Try
This Homemade Sesame Chicken brings all the sticky-sweet, crispy magic of your favorite takeout order straight to your table—without the extra oil or delivery cost. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing dinner guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Try it today and see why it’s a go-to in home kitchens everywhere!
Crispy, juicy sesame chicken tossed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds
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Homemade Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 pinch each salt and pepper
Sauce
- ÂĽ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Serving
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 whole green onions
Instructions
- Start by whipping up the sauce!
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger (a small-holed cheese grater works perfectly), minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Give it a good stir until smooth, then set it aside for later.
- Next up—let’s get that chicken ready. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Trim any extra fat off your chicken thighs, then cut them into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Toss the chicken into the egg mixture and make sure every piece gets nicely coated.
- Heat some cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot and shimmering, give it a swirl so the oil coats the whole bottom.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer—spread them out so they get crispy!
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown. Then carefully flip them over, breaking up any clumps as you go. Cook until the other side is golden too, flipping gently to keep that crispy egg coating intact.
- Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, pour in your sauce. Stir gently to coat all the chicken pieces.
- As the sauce starts to bubble, it’ll thicken up—keep stirring gently until it’s glossy and sticky. Then go ahead and turn off the heat.
- Serve your delicious chicken over a fluffy bed of rice, sprinkle on some sliced green onions, and dig in! 🍚🥢
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Crispy, juicy sesame chicken tossed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds