This sesame chicken is crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. This version is even better than what you would get at a restaurant!
We have Asian food at least once a week, some of our favorites include lemon chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and lettuce wraps. Sesame chicken is another one I make regularly, that delicious sauce just can’t be beat!
This is one of those copycat recipes for honey sesame chicken – you know, the battered crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce that’s found at places like P.F. Changs and Panda Express? I have to say, I think this homemade version is even better than what I’ve had in restaurants. My kids most definitely agree.
How do you make sesame chicken?
This recipe starts with pieces of chicken breast that are coated in eggs, flour and cornstarch. The chicken is fried to golden brown crispy perfection, then tossed in a delectable sesame sauce.
What is sesame chicken made out of?
While I typically use chicken breasts for this recipe, I’ve also made it with chicken thighs which also works well. The sauce is a combination of honey, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic and sesame oil and takes just minutes to put together. Sometimes I even make the sauce a day or two in advance, then store it in the fridge until we’re ready to eat.
This chicken is fried in a few inches of oil which makes for a crispy outer crust. It’s best to use a thermometer to makes sure that your frying oil is around 350 degrees F. If the oil is too hot, the outside may get overly browned before the chicken is cooked through. If the temperature is to cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and be overly greasy.
If you’re looking for a healthier version of sesame chicken, you can skip the coating and frying and simply saute chicken breast pieces in a bit of oil, then proceed with the sauce as directed.
After your chicken is done, the last step is to toss it in the sauce. You’ll want to serve your sesame chicken immediately as the crispy coating will start to soften when it hits the sauce.
I typically serve my finished chicken over steamed rice. Other great options are quinoa, chow mein noodles, or zucchini noodles.
Can I just tell you how good this crispy chicken is? My kids request it all the time. No need to call for take out when you can make your own at home!
More Asian food recipes
Sesame Chicken Video
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 eggs beaten
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- oil for frying
For the sauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium if possible)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Place the eggs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine
- Place the flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a shallow bowl or on a plate. Stir to combine.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the flour. Repeat the process with all of the chicken.
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F
- Add 7-8 pieces of chicken to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken
- Drain the chicken on paper towels
- While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a bowl.
- Heat the teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the honey sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until just thickened.
- Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published on April 14, 2015 and was updated on September 26, 2018 with new content.
I really on used the sauce and heavily modified it but I love the directions
Really good. Only had Hot Honey in the pantry so used that and it added a nice kick.
The best
I made this a month ago. As a teen chef, this was easy for me to make. My family loved it, now I make it once a week. You have to try it, it is amazing!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Tonight was the first time I made the recipe but it will not be the last! My entire family devoured it and asked for it to be made again. Thank you!
LOVEEE, THIS WAS AMAZING, sweet you can taste the honey. love that it uses honey and not just sugar. its natural sugar!
Literally the easiest and yummiest recipe ever! I will be making this again! 🙂
This chicken disappeared in no time. I didn’t even had a chance to prepare the plates with rice:) So flavorful and crispy! Will make it again!
The chicken was perfectly crispy and the sauce was a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It was so easy to follow and came together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner choice.
This is great over rice. I love the sweet sesame flavour.
I just made the honey sesame chicken, and it was a hit at my dinner table! The flavors were perfect, and I loved how light and healthy it felt—no guilt whatsoever!
I’ve been meaning to make this for the family and found your recipe. Appreciate the step-by-step pics, they made it very easy to follow. Everyone loved the dish, will be making again.
Made this tonight and three of us are fighting over licking the pan! Soooo good. Made exactly to the recipe and will be putting this in the regular dinner rotation.
Thank you for the recipe. This was a HUGE hit with everyone in our family and definitely a new favorite!!
Great recipe! Add a half teaspoon of grated ginger and a 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of chilli flakes to make this right on the money.
Fantastic!! Must try!!
I can’t stop making this recipe!!! I am a huge lover of sesame chicken and can be picky with the sauce! But this is better than takeout for sure! The only adjustment I make is cooking the chicken in an air fryer and it turns out so crispy!
Hi Samantha, do you mind sharing how you made it work in the air fryer? I would love to try it that way.
How did you cook it in the air fryer ?
Delicious. Added a bit of sambal because we like a little heat ! Will definitely add this to our rotation!
Is this recipe suitable for freezing, please?
I would not freeze it unless you freeze the chicken separately from the sauce!
yes it is sara dont worry