If you’ve been craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a delightfully crunchy texture, then this Sesame Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Bursting with tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sticky sauce flavored with garlic, ginger, and a hint of honey, this recipe brings restaurant-quality happiness right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this Sesame Chicken Recipe promises a bowl full of comforting and vibrant tastes that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish’s flavor, texture, and gorgeous golden color. From the tender chicken blanketed in crispy cornstarch to the rich, aromatic sauce blending soy and sesame oils, every element plays a crucial role.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces perfect for quick cooking and coating evenly.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Creates that irresistible light and crispy outer layer on the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Gives a natural, delightful sweetness that complements the savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to balance the sweet and salty.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds depth and a subtle touch of smokiness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with its signature nutty aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and punchy, essential for flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Delivers a warm, zesty kick that lifts the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds: Toasted for a light crunch and eye-catching garnish.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh and crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This step is key to achieving the perfectly crispy exterior that contrasts so beautifully with the tender chicken inside. Make sure every piece is evenly coated for consistent browning and crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring, allowing a golden crust to form. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes total, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned on all sides.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Sesame Chicken Recipe, marrying sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that stick to the chicken.
Step 4: Combine and Glaze
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens and clings to each juicy piece. This sticky coating is what makes the Sesame Chicken Recipe so irresistibly delicious.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds over the glazed chicken and garnish with sliced green onions. These final touches add texture, flavor, and a burst of freshness that makes every bite exciting.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The green onions and sesame seeds are more than just decoration. They add crunch and a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, sticky chicken, balancing every forkful beautifully. Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic partner that soaks up all the luscious sauce perfectly. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers bring color and a crisp freshness that contrasts the chicken’s texture and flavor. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, pile the sesame chicken on a large platter with sides around it, inviting everyone to serve themselves. Alternatively, plating individual servings in small bowls with rice and garnishes arranged artfully turns this comforting dish into a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep the goodness longer, sesame chicken freezes well. Lay the cooked chicken flat in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. Frozen, it can last for 1 to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the sesame chicken in a skillet over medium heat to revive the sauce’s stickiness and keep the chicken crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that delightful texture, but if you must, cover loosely and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat like thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and can add extra flavor, though they might take a minute or two longer to cook through. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and enjoy the deeper taste.
Is this Sesame Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For an ultra-crispy finish, bake the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces at 400°F for about 10 minutes before tossing them in the sauce. This ensures a crunch that stands up even under the sticky glaze.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be whisked together a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before adding it to your cooked chicken so it coats evenly.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Sesame Chicken Recipe?
Yes! You can use firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Coat and cook them the same way for a delicious vegetarian twist that still captures the essence of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken Recipe is truly a treasure—satisfyingly sweet, perfectly savory, and wonderfully textured in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to thrill your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own. Once you do, you’ll understand why this dish holds such a warm spot in so many hearts and kitchens.
Print
Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Chinese-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy and flavorful Sesame Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a savory and slightly sweet sesame sauce. Cooked on the stovetop for a quick dinner, it combines crispy chicken with a sticky glaze made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s perfect served over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated to ensure a crispy texture when cooked.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, stirring frequently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Cook the chicken and sauce together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces at 400°F for 10 minutes before tossing them in the sauce.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or your choice of stir-fried vegetables to make a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce to your taste preferences for sweetness or saltiness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute low sodium soy sauce with tamari.
