Name: Easy Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces; 0.5 cup cornstarch; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 0.25 cup honey 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tsp cornstarch 2 tsp water 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted sliced green onions, for garnish

If you love takeout-style sesame chicken, you’re going to be amazed by how simple and satisfying it is to recreate this dish at home. This Easy Sesame Chicken is everything you crave: crispy chicken bites tossed in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce that clings perfectly to each piece. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner you can whip up in less than 30 minutes, and it tastes even better than your favorite restaurant version.

Whether you’re serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or pairing it with stir-fried veggies, this sesame chicken delivers major flavor with minimal fuss. The sauce is made from pantry staples, the chicken is lightly battered and pan-fried (no deep-frying needed!), and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and scallions takes it over the top. If you’re new to homemade Asian-style dishes, this is a great place to start.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice here. They’re tender, flavorful, and stay juicy when cooked. Chicken breast also works well if you prefer a leaner option, just be careful not to overcook it so it doesn’t dry out.

Ingredients for the Easy Sesame Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (for slurry)
1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Sliced green onions, for garnish

How To Make the Easy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add a touch more oil if needed, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat every piece in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

How to Serve and Store Easy Sesame Chicken

Serve the chicken hot over freshly cooked jasmine or basmati rice, or even noodles. Add steamed broccoli or snow peas on the side to balance out the meal.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the coating crispy—a microwave works in a pinch, but may soften the texture. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying. Also, let the chicken sit for a minute after tossing in the sauce before serving to help it set.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken on a wire rack at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. It won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.

Is this sesame chicken spicy?

No, this version is sweet and savory. You can add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want heat.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely! If you like it extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.

What veggies pair well with sesame chicken?

Steamed broccoli, snap peas, baby bok choy, or a simple cabbage slaw are great choices.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Easy Sesame Chicken made your dinner rotation, you’ll love diving into these other bold and satisfying dishes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for something rich and comforting.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re in the mood for pasta that wows.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken for a hands-off creamy option.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti if you’re after a cozy one-pot dinner.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a baked dish with extra melty magic.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s just a click away when the craving hits. Follow Nina Dishes on Pinterest for daily new recipes.

Have you tried this Easy Sesame Chicken? Tell me in the comments how it turned out! Did you use chicken thighs or go with breast meat? Maybe added some chili for a spicy kick?

I love hearing how you make these meals your own. Let’s keep cooking creatively together!

Easy Sesame Chicken

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Easy Sesame Chicken is a quick and flavorful takeout-style dinner made at home in under 30 minutes. With crispy chicken tossed in a glossy sesame sauce, it’s sweet, savory, and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights and better than your favorite restaurant version.