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Sesame Chicken

This homemade sesame chicken has completely transformed our takeout habits because the chicken pieces get so perfectly crispy before being coated in this incredible sweet and savory sauce that's loaded with fresh ginger garlic and toasted sesame oil and what makes it really special is how you can control exactly how sweet or savory you want the sauce plus it comes together faster than delivery and costs way less than ordering out and I love how the sauce gets all glossy and coats every piece of chicken perfectly and the whole house smells amazing while it's cooking making everyone excited for dinner.

Featured in Reliable Main Course Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:28:29 GMT
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A bowl of cooked rice topped with pieces of chicken coated in a shiny brown sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pin it
A bowl of cooked rice topped with pieces of chicken coated in a shiny brown sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. | alicesrecipes.com

Ive perfected this Sesame Chicken recipe after countless attempts to recreate my favorite takeout dish. The secret lies in getting that perfect crispy coating on juicy chicken pieces then wrapping them in a velvety sauce thats sweetly savory and totally irresistible. The best part? It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish making it faster than delivery.

Takeout Magic at Home

This recipe has saved me so many times on busy weeknights when the takeout craving hits. Its amazingly budget friendly and uses simple ingredients I always keep in my pantry. The combination of toasted sesame oil fresh ginger and garlic creates such authentic flavor that my family actually prefers it to restaurant versions now even my pickiest eater asks for seconds.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Chicken Thighs: 1 pound boneless skinless cut into nice bites these stay so juicy.
  • Cornstarch: ¼ cup creates that perfect light crispy coating.
  • Egg: 1 large beaten helps everything stick together beautifully.
  • Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons use regular or low sodium whatever you prefer.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon brings that wonderful nutty flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons adds just the right sweetness.
  • Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon gives that perfect tangy note.
  • Ginger: 1 teaspoon freshly grated makes such a difference.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced for amazing depth.
  • Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon adds lovely crunch and looks beautiful.
  • Green Onions: 2 sliced thin for fresh pop of color and flavor.

Lets Cook

Start with Your Chicken
Mix your chicken pieces with cornstarch and beaten egg in a bowl making sure every piece gets a good coating this is key for that perfect crunch.
Get It Golden
Heat up your oil in a big skillet over medium high heat then lay out your chicken pieces. Let them get nice and golden about 3 4 minutes each side dont rush this step.
Create the Magic Sauce
In the same pan cook your ginger and garlic just until fragrant then pour in soy sauce brown sugar rice vinegar and that wonderful sesame oil. Let it bubble and thicken for a few minutes.
Bring It All Together
Toss your chicken back in coat it well in that gorgeous sauce then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

My Kitchen Secrets

Always use fresh ginger and garlic the powdered stuff just isnt the same here. Make sure youre using toasted sesame oil regular sesame oil wont give you that deep nutty flavor we want. Give your chicken pieces plenty of space in the pan crowding them means they steam instead of getting crispy.

A bowl of chicken pieces glazed with sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served over a bed of white rice. Pin it
A bowl of chicken pieces glazed with sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served over a bed of white rice. | alicesrecipes.com

Perfect Pairings

We love this over fluffy jasmine rice with steamed broccoli on the side. Sometimes I serve it with sesame noodles or a crisp cucumber salad. Any leftovers make incredible lunch bowls the next day just add some fresh vegetables.

Keep It Fresh

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge theyll stay good for about 3 days. When youre ready to eat warm it up gently in a skillet or microwave. A splash of water or soy sauce helps bring the sauce back to life.

Mix It Up

Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp tofu or thin sliced beef. Adding colorful bell peppers or snap peas gives great crunch. If you love heat try stirring in some chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than breast meat when cooked. They're harder to overcook and remain tender even when reheated.
→ How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the chicken. Once added, let the pieces cook without stirring too much. This helps form a crispy coating that will hold the sauce better.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can make this ahead. The chicken won't stay as crispy, but the flavor will still be great. Reheat gently to avoid tough meat.
→ What can I serve besides rice?
Try serving over noodles or cauliflower rice. Steamed broccoli or snap peas make great side dishes. For a low-carb meal, serve with stir-fried vegetables.
→ How spicy is this dish?
This version is mild and family-friendly. For heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to taste. You can also add a bit of chili oil for extra kick.

Sesame Chicken

Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky sesame sauce. This homemade version tastes just like your favorite takeout but fresher and better.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 large egg.
02 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
03 Salt and pepper to taste.
04 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs.
05 2 tablespoons cooking oil.
06 1/4 cup soy sauce.
07 2 tablespoons water.
08 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil.
09 3 tablespoons brown sugar.
10 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
11 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
12 2 minced garlic cloves.
13 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
14 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce.
15 4 cups cooked jasmine rice.
16 2 green onions.

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, water, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds until smooth.

Step 02

Beat egg with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks and coat them in the egg mixture.

Step 03

Heat oil in a large skillet until very hot. Add coated chicken pieces and let them cook without moving until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook until done through.

Step 04

Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken. Cook while stirring until the sauce gets thick and glossy. Serve hot over jasmine rice and top with sliced green onions.

Notes

  1. Let chicken cook undisturbed for best coating.
  2. Ensure pan is very hot before cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 26 g