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Home » Dinner » Sesame Chicken

Published: September 26, 2018 Last Modified: April 23, 2020 By Sara 199 Comments

Sesame Chicken

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Sesame Chicken Recipe | Crispy Chicken | Asian Chicken #sesame #chicken #asian #dinner #dinneratthezoo

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.

Sesame Chicken Recipe | Crispy Chicken | Asian Chicken #sesame #chicken #asian #dinner #dinneratthezoo Sesame Chicken Recipe | Crispy Chicken | Asian Chicken #sesame #chicken #asian #dinner #dinneratthezoo

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 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 finished 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 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

  • Cream Cheese Wontons
  • Egg Rolls
  • Chicken Chow Mein
  • Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
  • Beef and Broccoli

Sesame Chicken Video

Crispy sesame chicken in a pan, coated in a sweet and savory sauce and sesame seeds.
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4.97 from 111 votes

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
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 392kcal
Author Sara Welch

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
  • 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

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

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 1648mg | Potassium: 518mg | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1.9mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

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

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Filed Under: Asian Food, Dinner

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    Comments

    1. Wanda says

      February 4, 2022 at 1:36 pm

      Making it right now, can not wait to eat it.

      Reply
    2. Diane says

      February 2, 2022 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this many times! However, I cook the chicken in a bit of oil for about 5 minutes then add the sauce mixture! I don’t use much oil so there isn’t much of a need to drain it. I also I don’t let the sauce sit for too long because you don’t want it to get too thick. And I throw the garlic in with the sauce it’s a great lazy version for people like me!

      Reply
    3. Geena says

      February 1, 2022 at 2:27 pm

      Would I be able to substitute shrimp for the chicken? Looking to use what I have at the moment. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        February 2, 2022 at 12:07 pm

        That’s fine, shrimp will take less time to cook!

        Reply
    4. Mo says

      February 1, 2022 at 1:45 pm

      Can you bake the chicken to avoid all the oil? 👀 I don’t have an air fryer 😩

      Reply
      • Sara says

        February 2, 2022 at 12:07 pm

        I haven’t tested it this way so I’m not sure if it would work or not!

        Reply
    5. Megan says

      January 27, 2022 at 5:46 pm

      I never comment and I have made your recipes for quite a bit. But today I had to stop and say this is so delicious. I don’t know if I will ever waste another $ on take out Chinese again!!! Thanks

      Reply
    6. Joe says

      January 27, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      great recipe ! next time I would leave out the toasted sesame oil I find it very overpowering ! really fun putting it together !

      Reply
    7. Ann says

      January 26, 2022 at 4:17 am

      Is the calories set for each portion?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 27, 2022 at 9:23 am

        Yes it’s per portion!

        Reply
    8. Iluvchinesefood22 says

      January 25, 2022 at 6:55 pm

      5 stars
      This is a very tasty recipe. I toss in some frozen veggies and simmer them in the sauce. There is too much sesame oil for my personal tastes so next time I’ll add less. Highly recommend!

      Reply
    9. Erika says

      January 16, 2022 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this several times using both chicken and tofu- both turn out excellent. We watch our sugar intake so I generally sub monkfruit for the brown sugar and use no sugar added ketchup, but keep the honey as written. Delicious every time.

      Reply
    10. Ashley says

      January 10, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      Recipe is wonderful, my family loves it. For some reason, I usually end up with clumps of cornstarch in my sauce. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 11, 2022 at 9:29 am

        I’d just give the sauce a good whisk before you put it in the pan to make sure the cornstarch is well dissolved in the liquid!

        Reply
    11. Linda says

      January 5, 2022 at 5:11 pm

      Does it freeze well ?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 6, 2022 at 10:01 am

        This would not be a great candidate for the freezer as the coating would get soggy!

        Reply
    12. Kriss A says

      December 10, 2021 at 5:58 am

      5 stars
      This was DELICIOUS!! I added shredded carrots and steamed broccoli and made it very authentic. This is my new “the friends are coming over to hang out meal”.

      Reply
    13. Lee says

      November 22, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      I have made this twice and it gets better each time. My husband and I absolutely love it! It takes time, but we put in team work and make it together. Delicious!!

      Reply
    14. Megan says

      November 4, 2021 at 7:20 pm

      Would I be able to cook the breaded chicken in my air fryer ?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 5, 2021 at 9:41 am

        I haven’t tested the recipe this way so I’m not sure if it will work!

        Reply
      • Fgauthi says

        January 18, 2022 at 4:26 am

        I did it in my air fryer and it it worked well.

        Reply
    15. Dannick Baribeault says

      September 29, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      4 stars
      wasn’t sure about the sauce while I was preparing it, the smell made me doubt but once I put it on the heat it smelled way better. the folks enjoyed.

      Reply
      • Brenda says

        October 4, 2021 at 6:50 pm

        I made this for dinner tonight. It was amazing. It was so juicy and moist. The chicken was not saucy and wasn’t dried out. My family loved it. Will be making this again. And I will be making you Marinate Flank Steak for dinner tomorrow night.

        Reply
    16. Heather says

      September 8, 2021 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipie! It’s my daughters favorite!! I cut the ketchup in half and use low sodium soy. Best sesame chicken ever!!!

      Reply
    17. Angelalite Johnson says

      September 7, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      I have literally made this at least 10 times we no longer go out for sesame chicken I use jasmine rice.

      Reply
    18. Lily says

      August 22, 2021 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful the only thing i changed was that I only used 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce. My fanily all loved it. We make it often

      Reply
    19. Lauren says

      August 20, 2021 at 12:38 pm

      This recipe is the absolute best home made version. I tried about 15 other recipes and they didnt come close.

      Reply
    20. Robin says

      August 19, 2021 at 5:52 am

      5 stars
      Everyone in my family ate this with absolutely not a bite left. This is no small feat with my picky kiddos. It was so delicious!!

      Reply
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