Name: Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon corn starch; 1/3 cup water; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup flour; 2 egg whites; 1/2 cup cold seltzer water; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch chunks; Vegetable oil, for deep frying; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon minced garlic

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If you have ever dreamed of enjoying that perfect crispy, saucy, and utterly addictive chicken right at home, you are in for a treat. This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe lets you recreate that classic Chinese-American favorite without the hassle of takeout lines or waiting forever for delivery. The chicken comes out golden and crunchy, wrapped in a luscious, sweet-savory sauce packed with sesame goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this recipe brings joy to the table in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows many pieces of light golden fried dough or battered food frying in a black skillet with some oil. The food pieces are irregular in shape with visible crisp, bumpy texture and slight browning around edges. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is stirring the pieces inside the pan. The skillet has a white handle and is placed on a white marbled surface. The overall tone is warm with steam rising slightly from the hot cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe plays a vital role, making the dish sing with flavor and texture. From the crispiness of the chicken’s coating to the balance of sweet and tangy in the sauce, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami backbone essential for that authentic taste.

Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that brightens the sauce’s sweetness.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and gives it that lovely caramelized hint.
Corn starch: Used in both batter and sauce to create the perfect crisp and thick glaze.

Water: Helps balance the sauce and batter consistency for even cooking.
Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that defines this dish.
Sesame seeds: A final crunchy, toasty topping that adds extra flavor and texture.

Cornstarch and flour: Combine to create a light, crisp tempura batter for frying.
Egg whites: Lighten the batter, making the chicken ultra-crispy.
Cold seltzer water: Keeps the batter airy and helps achieve the perfect texture.
Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they hold up well to frying and soaking up the sauce.

Vegetable oil: For deep-frying to crisp the chicken perfectly golden.
Crushed red pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
Minced garlic: Gives a fragrant depth to the sauce and the overall flavor.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

First, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, corn starch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the corn starch is fully incorporated. This sauce will transform into a glossy, sticky coating that perfectly wraps the chicken with each stir, so have it ready before frying.

Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water gently until just combined. It's important not to over-mix; a few lumps are good because they help keep the batter light and crisp once fried. This batter is what gives the chicken that satisfyingly crunchy exterior you crave.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks and toss them into the tempura batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated in a thin, even layer. This step ensures that the sauce will cling beautifully to each bite.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pan or wok. Carefully fry the battered chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch, then drain on paper towels. The crispy coating is key to the dish’s delightful contrast with the sticky sauce.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil, then add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking briefly just until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer. Toss in the fried chicken pieces and stir quickly to coat everything evenly with the luscious sauce. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

A black bowl sits on a brown cloth over a white marbled surface, filled with many pieces of golden brown fried chicken coated in a shiny glaze, sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Around the bowl are fresh green onions with white bulbs and a pair of wooden chopsticks with red markings resting nearby. The chicken pieces have a textured, crispy look and are piled high inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds over the top to add a nutty crunch and a pretty finish. You can also add thinly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for fresh color and brightness that lift the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed white rice or even fried rice for a fuller meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside sautéed broccoli, snap peas, or a crunchy Asian slaw to add vibrant veggies to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the chicken on a bed of colorful shredded cabbage or inside lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held meal. You can also drizzle some extra sauce artistically over the plate, then top with those garnishes for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain flavor, but note that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness when chilled.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken pieces without the sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and saucing.

Reheating

Reheat by placing the chicken under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes to revive the crispiness before tossing with freshly warmed sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as it makes the chicken soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine too, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after frying, which is why they’re recommended for this recipe.

Is it necessary to deep-fry the chicken?

You can pan-fry the chicken pieces if you prefer, but deep-frying creates the crispiest and most authentic texture that holds up well under the sauce.

Can this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free blend to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing taste.

How spicy is the crushed red pepper in this recipe?

The crushed red pepper is just a hint of heat that balances the sweetness; you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

The sauce can be mixed a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making it even easier to whip up this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe when you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, making this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe at home will become one of your favorite kitchen triumphs. It’s fast, satisfying, and hits every craving for a delicious, crispy, saucy chicken dish. Next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and flavorful, give this recipe a whirl—your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients You'll Need