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Sesame Chicken

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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!

Crispy sesame chicken in a pan, coated in a sweet and savory sauce and sesame seeds.

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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.

Coated chicken breast pieces on a sheet pan, ready to be fried.

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.

Fried chicken breast pieces on a sheet pan.

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.

Crispy chicken in a pan with sesame sauce.

I typically serve my sesame chicken over steamed rice. Other great options are quinoa, chow mein noodles, or zucchini noodles.

Crispy sesame chicken served over steamed rice.

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

Crispy sesame chicken in a pan, coated in a sweet and savory sauce and sesame seeds.
4.86 from 14 votes
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Sesame Chicken

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!

Course Dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword sesame chicken
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 392 kcal
Author Dinner at the Zoo

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
  • 1/2 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

  1. Place the eggs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine

  2. Place the flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a shallow bowl or on a plate. Stir to combine.

  3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the flour. Repeat the process with all of the chicken.

  4. Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F

  5. 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

  6. Drain the chicken on paper towels

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.

Recipe Notes

The sauce can be made up to two days before you plan to serve it.

Nutrition Facts
Sesame Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 392 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 123mg 41%
Sodium 1648mg 69%
Potassium 518mg 15%
Total Carbohydrates 41g 14%
Sugars 26g
Protein 24g 48%
Vitamin A 5.4%
Vitamin C 3.4%
Calcium 6%
Iron 10.8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This post was originally published on April 14, 2015 and was updated on September 26, 2018 with new content.

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Comments

  6. 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 🙂

    Reply

  13. 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.

    Reply

  16. 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??

    Reply

  19. 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!

    Reply

  22. 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!

    Reply

  39. 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!

    Reply

  42. 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 🙂

    Reply

  44. 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!

    Reply

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