Name: Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; ¼ cup water; ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (if using fine salt, use a little less); ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 large eggs; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine); Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish); ½ cup ketchup; ½ cup water; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon light sodium soy sauce; ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional for color); 1 stalk green onion, cut into thin slices (greens and whites separated); Oil as needed for cooking and frying

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 10 reviews

Easy Sesame Chicken is a celebration of everything we crave from our favorite takeout spots: tender bites of chicken with a golden, perfectly crisp coating, all wrapped up in a glossy, sweet-and-tangy sauce and finished with a snowfall of toasted sesame seeds. This dish is surprisingly simple to make at home, letting you skip the delivery line while delivering huge flavor in just 30 minutes. It’s my go-to when the craving for comfort hits, but I still want a dinner that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and so much fun to customize.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the secrets to truly great Easy Sesame Chicken is that every ingredient has a purpose—whether it’s for crunch, juiciness, color, or that sticky-sweet finish. You probably have most of these on hand already, and a quick trip to the store will cover the rest!

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless pieces stay juicy and flavorful, the perfect protein for that signature crisp coating.
Water: Helps the chicken stay extra tender during the marinade phase, prepping it for maximum juiciness.
Kosher salt: Brings out all the savory depth in the chicken; just a touch goes a long way.
Baking soda: Secret weapon for a tender bite, plus it helps the coating get light and crispy when fried.
Eggs: They bind the coating to each piece, ensuring every bite is crisply enrobed.
Cornstarch: Key to a shatteringly crisp crust; it’s lighter than flour and fries up beautifully.
Neutral oil: For frying and sautéing—choose any light-flavored oil like canola, vegetable, or sunflower.
Toasted sesame seeds: The finishing touch; they add subtle nuttiness and a bit of crunch as garnish.
Ketchup: The base for the sauce, giving it a bright color and classic takeout flavor.
Granulated sugar: Brings the sweet part of the sweet-and-sour magic to the sauce.
White vinegar: Offers just the right amount of tang to balance out the sweetness.
Soy sauce (light sodium): Adds savoriness and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Dark soy sauce (optional): Deepens the color and adds a richer, more complex taste—totally fine to skip if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Green onion: Both the white and green parts are used for layers of gentle onion flavor and a fresh finish.
Oil (as needed): For frying the chicken and making the sauce—ensure you have enough for a deep, even fry.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the chicken thighs, water, salt, and baking soda in a big mixing bowl. Give everything a vigorous stir so that the chicken soaks up most of the liquid. This quick marinade helps keep the chicken tender and flavors every bite from the inside out. Once absorbed, add the eggs and mix well, ensuring every piece is coated. Finish by adding the cornstarch for that perfectly crisp exterior, mixing until there are no dry pockets left. Drizzle in a bit of oil and stir again—now your chicken is ready for the fryer!

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour about two to three inches of neutral oil into a wok or a tall, heavy-bottomed pan. Turn the heat to medium-high and get the temperature up to 375°F. Using a thermometer is super helpful here to make sure you get that beautiful sizzle and not a greasy, soggy fry!

Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Chicken Sauce

While the oil heats up, mix together your sesame chicken sauce ingredients in a measuring cup or bowl: ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and (if using) dark soy sauce. Stir in the whites and greens of your sliced green onion, separating them for later. Give it a good whisk and set aside—this means all the sweet, tangy flavor is ready to go once your chicken is fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add your coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (fry in batches if needed!). Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring gently and breaking up any clusters as you go. Remove the chicken and let it drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Return the oil to 375°F, then double fry the chicken for another 5 to 6 minutes. This extra fry transforms every piece into golden, crispy, irresistible perfection!

Step 5: Make the Sauce and Toss

Add a splash of oil to a clean wok or large pan and quickly sauté the white part of the green onions until fragrant—this amps up the fresh flavor. Whisk your sauce one more time and pour it into the pan. Let it bubble and thicken, stirring often so the cornstarch does its magic and the sauce turns glossy and thick. Add in all the hot, crispy chicken pieces and toss with gusto until they’re completely coated in that sweet, sticky glaze.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Now you’re ready for the best part! Pile your sticky, glossy Easy Sesame Chicken onto a platter or right over a bowl of steaming rice. Shower everything with toasted sesame seeds and the reserved green onion tops. Call everyone to the table—you just made a restaurant favorite at home!

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

Topping your Easy Sesame Chicken with toasted sesame seeds isn’t just for looks—it adds a toasty aroma and a gentle crunch that’s downright addictive. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of the green part from your sliced onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. If you want an extra pop, a few sliced chilies are perfect for spice fans.

Side Dishes

Pair your sesame chicken with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that saucy goodness, or try it with classic fried rice for the full takeout experience. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or snap peas are the ideal crunchy, emerald-green partners that bring balance and keep the meal feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

While Easy Sesame Chicken shines on its own, you can turn it into a true showstopper with a few fun touches. Serve in lettuce cups for finger-friendly bites, toss over a crunchy slaw for an unexpected salad, or make sesame chicken sliders with sweet Hawaiian rolls for a playful twist at parties. The bright, sticky sauce makes every version irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftover Easy Sesame Chicken tasting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will keep the chicken moist, but if possible, store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the crispiness when you reheat.

Freezing

Sesame chicken actually freezes quite well! Spread any leftover pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. The sauce can be frozen separately in a small airtight container. Use within two months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat Easy Sesame Chicken in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping once, until hot throughout. If you stored the sauce separately, simply rewarm it in a pan and toss the chicken in just before serving. If you’re short on time, microwaving works too—the flavor will be just as delicious, even if the texture isn’t quite as crisp.

FAQs

Is it really better than takeout?

Absolutely! Making Easy Sesame Chicken at home lets you control the quality of the chicken, adjust the sauce to your taste, and skip the heavy-handed oil and excess sugar some restaurants use. You can enjoy it fresh, right as it’s at its crispiest and most flavorful!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken thighs do offer extra juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand. Just be careful not to overcook the breast meat to keep it moist.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Easy! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version (like tamari or coconut aminos), or simply leave it out and add a pinch of salt for depth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Is there a healthier way to fry the chicken?

If you want to lighten things up, try air frying the chicken pieces at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, or bake them in a hot oven on a wire rack, flipping once. You’ll get a golden, crisp bite with far less oil!

Can the sauce be made spicy?

Definitely! Add a squirt of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some finely diced fresh chili to the sauce before cooking. You can adjust the heat level to suit your cravings, making your Easy Sesame Chicken as sweet or as fiery as you like.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished you could whip up takeout-quality sesame chicken in your own kitchen, try this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, fun, and a plateful of crave-worthy flavors right to your table—so grab your chopsticks and tuck in!