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, ginger 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.
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.
Rikki Ridgeway says
I’m not much of a sesame chicken kinda gal, but I have to admit… This does look quite delicious!
Daphne' Adams says
I’m making this sometime this week. I will be pinning and subscribing. I’m learning to try cook different Asian inspired dishes now so this was perfect!
Sam says
This is such a great recipe and seems easy to make. My mom would love this recipe.
Monidipa Dutta says
This looks so delicious, I love sesame chicken. I loved the way made it light. Will try it. Thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth Gabriel says
One of my faves when we go out. Can’t wait to make it at home.
Jasmine Hewitt says
i much prefer making my own sesame chicken instead of take out. so i will have to try this version of the recipe!
Lyosha says
Looks so delicious! I’d fancy a chicken right now. Sesame is my favorite add to dishes, makes the taste so much more interesting!
Valerie Robinson says
My family would LOVE this! Looks too good!!!
Christina says
YUMMMMM! This reminds me of a healthy version or orange chicken! Also a good option over going out to eat. Bookmarking your blog now. Thanks!
Kisha says
This dish looks so delicious that I’m going to use the recipe for the sauce on my sietan chick’n dish. thanks for sharing.
Julie Verville says
This looks like a recipe my entire family would enjoy! Saving for later.
Stacie says
Holy moly, that looks so good! I always get Sesame Chicken when we order takeout. I can’t wait to try making it for myself.
Greg says
I made this and it is sooooooo good! I love the sauce!
Rachael says
My sister made this for her family and I got to have some leftovers. I made her give me the recipe too! So good!
Sara says
I’m so glad you and your sister enjoyed it!
pam says
Better than take out!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Sara, this looks delicious! As usual, your picture makes me want to reach into your screen and serve myself!
[email protected] says
Looks fantastic and LOVE that I can now eat it without the guilt. One of my favorite dishes. 🙂
Shelby says
This looks amazing! I am going to have to give this a try for hubby and me!
ashley says
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. We rarely make Chinese at home because I can’t seem to find recipes I love, but this one sounds great!
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says
You are so right about the claims of some pinterest recipes, they are not always what they claim! 🙂 Your chicken looks delicious and I love your photographs, pinning this!
Amanda @ The Chunky Chef says
These flavors look fantastic!! Great recipe, thanks for sharing 🙂
Brittany says
This looks amazing! I am 25 weeks prego right now and all I can think about is chinese food! So thank you SO much for helping me curb my cravings! I made sure to pin this so I can use it over and over! Thanks for the recipe!
[email protected] says
Looks so delicious, love the fact that its healthier!
Mary Ellen says
Love this recipe, going to the top of my must make recipes! TFS
Erin says
Love this idea! My kids will devour this meal. I laughed about My Little Pony – we went through that phase last year for a bit – not all those ponies are nice, are they??
Jameson Fink says
Agree on those restaurant sauces. Waaaay to sweet and sugary.
Debra @ Bowl Me Over says
I love sesame chicken and you’re right, your version looks so much tastier (and better for you!) Yum!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I have to admit that I really do love the unhealthy take away version of honey sesame chicken but I rarely do order it! You definitely have given me an excuse to make your honey chicken recipe, I just love that it’s a lightened up version.
Amber @ Homemade Nutrition says
Oh my goodness this looks amazing!! I can’t wait to try it!
Olivia Schwab says
This looks great! I’m going to have to try this soon!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
I LOVE that you reduced the sugar in this. I prefer to save the sugar and extra calories for consuming dessert. 🙂 Looks delish! Pinned!
Miss Angie says
Yum! That looks GOOD!
Brooke Knipp says
This looks delicious! And I love that it has less sugar than the typical sesame chicken recipe. Thanks for the great idea!
Yaitza says
This looks amazing! I love the lighter side to this, thanks for sharing.. definitely a most try!
[email protected] says
Sara, this is PINNED to my board! Love it, our daughter will go bananas over it, her favorite all time meal is Sesame chicken. I have done a baked version myself, but will be adding yours to mine 🙂
Christina Boyer says
This looks so good, I think I’ll look into making it this week. The only meat I really like is chicken and it’s hard not to get bored with it- So thanks for sharing.
annabelt - geeks diet says
This is a great idea – and it can be hard to avoid both fat and sugar!
Tirralan @ Tinseltown Mom says
Wow, this looks incredible. Definitely making for my family.
Shana says
That looks so good! Can’t wait to try the recipe!
Rowan says
I’ve pinned this – it looks incredible!! Thank you 🙂