Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe That Kids Love

Sesame chicken brings together a delightful harmony of flavors that dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

The dish represents a perfect balance between crispy textures and rich, savory notes that make mouths water instantly.

Ancient culinary traditions inspire this crowd-pleasing meal, blending sweet and tangy elements into a memorable dining experience.

Chinese-inspired cuisine offers incredible versatility through techniques that redefine simple ingredients into extraordinary plates.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together, creating restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Fragrant spices and carefully selected seasonings elevate this classic favorite from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crispy, golden-brown morsels coated in a glossy sauce promise a meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and sophisticated taste preferences.

How to Make Sesame Chicken That Rivals Takeout

Step 1: Whip Up The Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Sweet chili sauce
• Minced garlic
• Cornstarch

Whisk everything until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Set aside and let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken Coating

Grab two shallow dishes for your chicken transformation.

• Eggs
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper

In the second dish, spread out some all-purpose flour.

Dunk each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then roll generously in flour until completely covered.

Step 3: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat a large skillet with canola or avocado oil over medium heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan. Cook each batch until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. Watch the heat to prevent burning.

Step 4: Bring The Sauce Alive

Slide the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Pour your prepared sauce into the empty space. Let it bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes. Gently toss the chicken to coat every single piece with the glossy sauce.

Step 5: Create The Final Masterpiece

Spread steamed rice on a beautiful plate. Top with your saucy sesame chicken. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad. Enjoy hot and fresh!

Chef’s Tip: For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.

Tips for Crispy Chicken and Balanced Sesame Sauce

• Coat Carefully: Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated with egg mixture and flour for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat while frying to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Thicken Strategically: Let the sauce simmer briefly to reach the ideal consistency, creating a glossy, clingy coating for maximum flavor.
• Batch Cook Wisely: Fry chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy instead of crispy pieces.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle fresh green onions and sesame seeds just before serving to add a burst of color, texture, and extra layer of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Sesame Chicken the Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Separate chicken from rice before freezing in a freezer-safe container, where it will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through to 165°F, which helps maintain its crispy texture and prevents dryness.

What Pairs Well with Sesame Chicken for Dinner

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, sweet sesame sauce, balancing the chicken's savory flavors with its bright, refreshing notes.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious base that enhances the chicken's sweet and tangy glaze.
• Match with Asian-Inspired Slaw: A zesty coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing provides a crunchy, tangy contrast to the tender, glazed chicken, adding textural excitement to the meal.
• Refresh with Green Tea: Smooth, slightly grassy green tea cleanses the palate between bites, offsetting the dish's richness and complementing its Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Sesame Chicken Flavors

• Spicy Kick Sesame Chicken: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for a fiery flavor profile. Incorporate diced jalapeños into the sauce for extra heat.
• Citrus Infusion Sesame Chicken: Add fresh orange or lime zest to the sauce. Include a splash of citrus juice for a bright, tangy undertone that complements the sesame flavors.
• Nutty Coating Sesame Chicken: Mix crushed almonds or chopped peanuts into the flour mixture. Create a crunchy exterior that adds texture and a rich, nutty dimension to the classic recipe.
• Honey Ginger Sesame Chicken: Replace some honey with fresh grated ginger. Incorporate minced ginger into the sauce for a warming, aromatic twist that elevates the traditional sesame chicken.

Why Sesame Chicken Is the Sweet and Savory Favorite Everyone Loves

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance across your taste buds with every bite of this sesame chicken.
• Crispy Texture Delight: Experience the satisfying crunch of perfectly golden-brown chicken coated in a light, crispy layer that locks in juicy tenderness.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust the spice level and swap ingredients to suit different tastes, making this recipe a versatile option for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.

Ingredients for Sticky and Crispy Sesame Chicken

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce, Ketchup: Base for a tangy and savory sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Honey, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that balance the sauce's flavor and create a glossy finish.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma characteristic of Asian-style dishes.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Introduces a gentle heat and extra flavor complexity.
• Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic warmth to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect clingy consistency.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main dish component.
• Eggs: Helps create a sticky base for the coating to adhere to the chicken.
• Cornstarch, All-Purpose Flour: Dry ingredients that create a crispy exterior when fried.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Canola Oil, Avocado Oil: Neutral oils perfect for achieving a golden, crispy chicken coating.

• White Rice, Brown Rice: Classic base that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a light, sharp flavor and visual appeal.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and traditional Asian-inspired presentation.

Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken brings Chinese-American restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen with crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces glazed in a tangy sweet sauce. Perfectly coated in toasted sesame seeds, this classic dish offers restaurant-quality comfort that satisfies cravings in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large eggs

Coating and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Cooking and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant, glossy sauce by whisking together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, unified blend.
2. Create a delicate egg wash by combining eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, thoroughly blending the ingredients into a light, creamy mixture.
3. Prepare a separate flour station, creating a pristine coating environment for the chicken pieces.
4. Delicately dunk each chicken morsel first into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage, then gracefully transfer to the flour station, coating each piece thoroughly with a fine, even layer.
5. Warm a generous amount of canola or avocado oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating the perfect golden-brown cooking environment.
6. Carefully introduce chicken pieces into the heated oil, working in strategic batches to maintain optimal cooking temperature and prevent overcrowding.
7. Fry the chicken until each piece achieves a gloriously crisp, golden-brown exterior and reaches complete internal doneness, approximately 10 minutes, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
8. Strategically shift the perfectly cooked chicken to one side of the skillet, creating space for the sauce transformation.
9. Pour the prepared sauce into the empty skillet section, allowing it to simmer and thicken for 1-2 minutes, developing a rich, glossy consistency.
10. Gently integrate the chicken into the bubbling sauce, ensuring each piece receives a luxurious, even coating.
11. For an extra luscious glaze, continue cooking on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, intensifying the sauce’s depth and shine.
12. Plate the glistening sesame chicken atop a bed of fluffy rice, crowning the dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a delicate dusting of sesame seeds for a final flourish of flavor and texture.

Notes

• Quick, homemade sauce balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors perfectly for restaurant-style chicken.
• Coating technique ensures crispy exterior while keeping chicken tender and juicy inside.
• Cooking method guarantees golden-brown chicken that absorbs delicious sauce without becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg