Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving that perfect blend of crispy chicken and glossy, sweet-savory sauce but want to skip the takeout line, you’ve just found your new weeknight staple! This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe brings that classic restaurant flavor straight to your kitchen with simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients. Think juicy bites of chicken tossed in a stick-to-your-ribs sauce, finished with a nutty sprinkle of sesame seeds—all ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe lies in its fuss-free ingredients—each one matters, adding just the right punch of flavor, crunch, or caramelized color to bring this classic to life. Let’s break down the essentials for crispy, crave-worthy sesame chicken you’ll want to make again and again.

• Soy sauce: Delivers deep umami and saltiness, balancing out the sweet sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Lends a bright tang that lifts the sauce without overpowering.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses richness that caramelizes beautifully.
• Cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens the sauce to achieve that signature sticky texture.
• Water: Dilutes and perfectly blends the sauce ingredients.
• Sesame oil (divided): Infuses a nutty aroma that truly defines sesame chicken.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for an irresistible crunch and toasty flavor.
• Cornstarch (for batter): Helps create a tender, crispy shell for each chicken piece.
• All-purpose flour: Balances the batter for that airy crispness.
• Egg whites: Lighten the batter, making each crunch extra satisfying.
• Cold seltzer water: Ensures the tempura stays bubbly and crisp as it fries.
• Chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up all that glorious sauce.
• Vegetable oil: Used for deep frying; choose a neutral, high-heat oil for the best texture.
• Crushed red pepper: Gives just a touch of background heat—feel free to adjust to taste!
• Minced garlic: Quick-cooked for 30 seconds, it lifts the sauce with its vibrant aroma.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Sesame Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, water, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until smooth and glossy. This is the backbone of your flavor—don’t skip on whisking, as it prevents clumps and ensures your sauce turns out silky and cohesive when it hits the pan.

Step 2: Prep the Tempura Batter

Grab another bowl and whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup flour, 2 egg whites, and the chilly seltzer water. Mix until just combined—you’re aiming for a slightly lumpy, airy batter, which is the secret to those fabulously crisp edges we all adore in classic sesame chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Toss your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let them rest for a minute or two as you heat your oil, so each bite gets enveloped in that bubbly tempura magic.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the battered chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and ultra-crispy—about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Set cooked chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Build the Flavors in the Wok

In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, cooking briefly (just 30 seconds!) until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil with character and sets the stage for the final toss.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Pour in your prepared sesame sauce, bringing it up to a quick simmer until it thickens and bubbles. Add in your crisp-fried chicken, tossing swiftly until every nook and cranny is glossy and coated. The transformation is instant—sticky, shiny, and ready for the finishing touch. Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy finish.

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Scatter a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch and beauty. For a bit more color and zip, you can also add thinly sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. A drizzle of chili oil gives it a gorgeous sheen and a pop of heat for spice lovers!

Side Dishes

This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe is a superstar alongside a bowl of fluffy steamed white rice or nutty jasmine rice to soak up all that glossy sauce. For a lighter meal, try it with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or an easy cucumber salad. You can even spoon it into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist!

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your family or friends by serving this chicken in a large sharing bowl, topped with a confetti of sesame seeds and a flourish of finely shredded scallions. For a party, skewer the chicken bites and offer the sauce for dipping. Or turn it into a rice bowl layered with fresh greens and pickled veggies—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, although the coating may soften a bit. Re-crisping is easy and will bring it back to life!

Freezing

For longer storage, place cooled cooked chicken (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the sauce separately. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator overnight. This keeps the coating crunchier when reheated.

Reheating

To bring back the signature crunch, reheat chicken in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10-12 minutes, or pop it into an air fryer for extra crispiness. Warm the sauce separately and toss just before serving for that fresh-cooked flavor!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be cautious not to overcook, as breasts can dry out faster than juicy thighs.

How do I keep the chicken crispy even after saucing?

For maximum crunch, let your fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels, and drizzle the sauce just before serving rather than letting it sit.

Is this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe overly sweet?

The brown sugar gives it a gentle sweetness, but the soy sauce and vinegar balance it out. If you like it less sweet, simply reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two!

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Batter is best made fresh right before frying; it stays light and bubbly, which is key for crisp tempura. If needed, mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them just before use.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check all labels to avoid sneaky gluten sources!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe truly captures the joy of homemade takeout—crunchy, saucy, and so satisfying. I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation. Gather your ingredients and make tonight a sesame chicken night—it’s comfort food at its very best!

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