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’m not much of a sesame chicken kinda gal, but I have to admit… This does look quite delicious!
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!
This is such a great recipe and seems easy to make. My mom would love this recipe.
This looks so delicious, I love sesame chicken. I loved the way made it light. Will try it. Thanks for sharing.
One of my faves when we go out. Can’t wait to make it at home.
i much prefer making my own sesame chicken instead of take out. so i will have to try this version of the recipe!
Looks so delicious! I’d fancy a chicken right now. Sesame is my favorite add to dishes, makes the taste so much more interesting!
My family would LOVE this! Looks too good!!!
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!
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.
This looks like a recipe my entire family would enjoy! Saving for later.
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.
I made this and it is sooooooo good! I love the sauce!
My sister made this for her family and I got to have some leftovers. I made her give me the recipe too! So good!
I’m so glad you and your sister enjoyed it!
Better than take out!
Sara, this looks delicious! As usual, your picture makes me want to reach into your screen and serve myself!
Looks fantastic and LOVE that I can now eat it without the guilt. One of my favorite dishes. 🙂
This looks amazing! I am going to have to give this a try for hubby and me!
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!
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!