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 sesame chicken over steamed rice. Other great options are quinoa, chow mein noodles, or zucchini noodles.
Can I just tell you how good this sesame 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
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium if possible)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup 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.
Alpha says
My brother suggested pomegranate molasses instead of the ketchup and it’s a stroke of genius! Especially if you’re using store-bought, sugar-infused ketchup as opposed to homemade. Would definitely recommend.
Georgette says
This so delicious! Thank you so much for this recipe. I will definitely be making often. Can’t wait to try your beef and broccoli recipe too.
Jennifer says
Very delicious and authentically true to its origin. Yummy!
Ellen Sedberry says
This recipe takes a little time to prepare, but it is delicious. We love it!
raynette says
made this just loved it husband said it was great going to try a few other things on. ty for sharing your recipes
Paul says
It’s great to have the nutritional information, but what’s the suggestive number of servings?
Sara says
This recipe serves 6
Louella says
Is there something else I could use in place of the rice vinegar and sesame oil if I don’t have that on hand?
Sara says
You could use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar. The sesame oil is what gives this dish its characteristic flavor, so it change the taste quite a bit to omit or substitute for it.
Heather says
This is my second time making and it is so fabulous!!! The first time it was a little to much vinager for my family. So I cut it down a bit and this time it was so good even my little one ate some,he is very picky!!!! I willost differentlyak this again!! Thanks for such a wonderful dinner ❤️
Elizabeth says
In the description above it says “The sauce is a combination of honey, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame oil and takes just minutes to put together.” However the recipe does not list ginger. How much ginger should be used and at what point?
Sara says
Good catch, there’s no ginger in this sauce! If you wanted to add some, you could add 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger.
Tanzeem says
I tried and my daughter loved it
Sara says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!
Wendy says
Great recipe. We loved it!
Sara says
SO glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!
ashley says
Looks delicious! Will regular sesame oil suffice? Or should I really get toasted?
Sara says
Toasted sesame oil has a lot more flavor so I’d recommend it if you can get it!
Ashley says
Okay, I found a store that carries it, thanks! 🙂
Nikki Cruxton says
Hi! I made this dish over the weekend. It was so easy to follow. More importantly it was super tasty!!! I had to guess the temp of the oil as I had no way to temp it – I’m still amateur status, but this made me feel like a chef! Thank you for sharing, do you have a bourbon chicken recipe as well? I would love to try that one!
Sara says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Here is my bourbon chicken recipe: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/bourbon-chicken/
Janet K says
I made this tonight. It was delicious. I also Made the firecracker chicken and loved both of them. Everyone raves about it.
Sara says
So happy to hear you enjoyed them! Thanks for reporting back!
E-world Cooking says
One of my favorite dish, Amazing look & taste .thanks for sharing with us.
Debbie says
Omg! Yummy wonderful dish!
Preet says
I just love everything about this! Everyone can dig right in!! My husband would absolutely love these. This would disappear in no time at our house!
Lisa says
This is one of my favourite dishes! I’ve never tried to make it at home but will now!
Mal says
This sounds really delicious!! We eat a lot of lettuce wraps in our home too, but I will definitely have to give sesame chicken a try! Thanks for sharing 🙂
London Mumma says
Now i love this. I am a big chicken fan, but never had chicken like this before. It looks so tasty.