Easy Sesame Chicken

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Crispy, sticky, sweet, and savory—Easy Sesame Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that rivals your favorite takeout spot. With tender chunks of golden fried chicken tossed in a glossy, garlicky sesame sauce, this dish is pure satisfaction in every bite. It comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It uses everyday pantry ingredients and delivers a crave-worthy finish with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to home cooking or a seasoned foodie, this sesame chicken will make you feel like a kitchen rock star.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Sesame Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they remain juicy and flavorful after frying. However, chicken breasts work well too if you’re looking for a leaner option. The key is to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

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Ingredients for the Easy Sesame Chicken

Chicken thighs or breasts – These form the protein base. Choose thighs for richer flavor or breasts for a lighter bite.

Cornstarch – Essential for that ultra-crispy exterior when frying.

Soy sauce – Adds salty depth and umami to the marinade and sauce.

Garlic and ginger – Classic aromatics that give the sauce a warm, zesty kick.

Brown sugar and honey – These create the signature sweet stickiness in the sauce.

Rice vinegar – Balances the sweetness with a hint of tang.

Sesame oil – A small but mighty ingredient that infuses the sauce with nutty depth.

Green onions and sesame seeds – For garnish and added texture.

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How To Make the Easy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks and season lightly with salt. Toss the pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated. Let them rest while you heat your oil.

Step 2: Fry Until Golden

In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until crispy and golden on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened—about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Add the fried chicken to a large bowl, pour the hot sauce over the top, and toss to coat every piece evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

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Serving and Storing Your Sesame Chicken

Serve the sesame chicken fresh and hot, ideally right after tossing in the sauce so it stays crispy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to regain some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.

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What to Serve With Easy Sesame Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Light and fragrant, it soaks up that glossy sesame sauce beautifully.

Garlic Green Beans

A crunchy, garlicky contrast that balances the richness.

Fried Rice

Double down on the comfort with classic egg-fried rice or veggie fried rice.

Asian Slaw

A tangy, crunchy salad brings in freshness and color.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple and crisp, it complements the sweet and savory chicken.

Dumplings

A side of steamed or pan-fried dumplings turns this into a full feast.

Egg Drop Soup

Light and comforting, it’s a lovely warm-up to this bold dish.

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Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you love this sticky, crispy sesame chicken, you’ll definitely want to try these:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with chili flakes? Did you try it with air-fried chicken instead?

I love seeing how everyone brings their own flair to it. Ask questions or share your tips—we’re all here to help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated dinner ideas and Asian-inspired recipes on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your next go-to weeknight meal!

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