If you love Chinese takeout, this Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe is one of the easiest dishes to make at home. Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful sesame sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The result is juicy chicken with crispy edges and a glossy, sweet and savory coating.

The best part is that you do not need complicated ingredients or restaurant equipment. With a large skillet or wok, you can make delicious sesame chicken in your own kitchen.

This homemade sesame chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe, family meal, or weekend Chinese food night. Serve it with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Unlike some takeout versions, you can also control the sweetness, saltiness, and amount of oil when you make this recipe at home.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to add this recipe to your dinner rotation.

First, it is easy. The chicken only needs a simple coating before cooking, while the sauce comes together with common pantry ingredients. If you enjoy crispy chicken recipes, you may also like our [Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe], a flavorful 30-minute takeout-style meal.

Second, it is flavorful. Soy sauce provides savory flavor, honey adds sweetness, garlic brings aroma, and sesame oil gives the dish its characteristic nutty taste.

Third, it is crispy. Cornstarch helps create a light, crisp coating around the chicken.

Finally, it is versatile. You can serve sesame chicken with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or even a simple salad.

A traditional Chinese sesame chicken recipe can vary considerably depending on the cook. The popular restaurant-style version found in North America is generally a sweet-savory chicken dish with sesame seeds and a glossy sauce Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe.

Ingredients for Chinese Sesame Chicken

For the chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 egg
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil, or enough for pan-frying

For the sesame chicken sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce, optional

For garnish:

• 1½ tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

How to Make Chinese Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Cut the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents some pieces from becoming dry while others are still undercooked.

Chicken thighs work particularly well if you prefer juicy meat, while chicken breast gives you a leaner option.Looking for another easy takeout-style dinner? Try our [Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe] for a quick and satisfying stir-fry.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding the marinade. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.

Add salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and one egg. Mix everything thoroughly until each piece of chicken is coated.

Allow the chicken to rest for about 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

You don’t need a long marinade for this recipe because the sauce provides most of the flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe

In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour.

Add the seasoned chicken to the mixture and toss until every piece is lightly coated.

Cornstarch is especially useful for creating a crisp surface when pan-frying chicken.

Shake off any excess coating before adding the chicken to the pan. Too much coating can make the pieces heavy and prevent them from becoming evenly crispy.

Step 4: Make the Sesame Chicken Sauce

Before you start cooking the chicken, prepare the sauce.

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Brown sugar, if using

Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger.

Mix everything until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.

Preparing the sauce before cooking makes Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe the process easier because stir-frying moves quickly once the pan becomes hot.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the cooking oil and allow it to become hot.

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer.

Do not overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches.

Cook the chicken for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side, then turn the pieces and continue cooking until golden brown and fully cooked.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 6: Cook the Sesame Sauce Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe

Reduce the heat slightly and carefully remove excess oil from the pan if necessary.

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.

Stir continuously as the sauce begins to heat.

Within a short time, the cornstarch will begin thickening the mixture. You want a glossy sauce that can coat the chicken without becoming overly thick.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add one or two tablespoons of water or chicken broth.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the crispy chicken to the skillet.

Toss everything together until the sauce coats each piece.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Avoid cooking the chicken in the sauce for too long because excessive cooking can soften the crispy coating.

Turn off the heat as soon as the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 8: Add Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken.

Add sliced green onions for freshness and color.

Give everything one final gentle toss.

Tips for Crispy Sesame Chicken

Getting crispy chicken is one of the most important parts of this recipe.

1. Dry the chicken first

Excess moisture can prevent the coating from becoming crisp.

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning it.

2. Don’t overcrowd the pan

When too many chicken pieces are added at once, the temperature of the pan can drop.

Cook in batches when necessary.

3. Use cornstarch

Cornstarch creates a lighter and crispier coating than flour alone.

4. Make the sauce separately

Adding sauce too early can make the coating soft.

For the crispiest result, cook the chicken first and coat it with sauce near the end.

5. Serve immediately

Sesame chicken is best when served shortly after the sauce is added.

The longer the chicken sits in the sauce, the softer the coating will become.

What to Serve With Sesame Chicken

This Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe is delicious by itself, but a few simple side dishes can turn it into a complete meal.

Steamed White Rice

Steamed white rice is one of the easiest choices. The mild flavor of rice balances the sweet and savory sesame sauce.For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can learn more from the [USDA chicken safety guidelines].

Chinese Fried Rice

For an even more filling dinner, serve sesame chicken with homemade fried rice.

You can internally link this article to your existing Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe at Home article.

Chicken Noodles

If your readers prefer noodles, sesame chicken pairs well with stir-fried noodles.

You can also link to your existing Easy Chinese Chicken Noodles Recipe – Better Than Takeout article.

Steamed Vegetables

Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans are simple options. Their fresh texture provides a nice contrast to the crispy chicken.

How to Store Leftover Sesame Chicken

If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool before placing it in an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.

Keep in mind that the chicken coating will become softer after refrigeration because it has been covered with sauce.

For the best texture, reheat the chicken in a skillet or air fryer rather than using only a microwave.

If using a skillet, heat the chicken over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I Make Sesame Chicken Without Deep Frying?

Yes.

This recipe uses pan-frying rather than deep-frying, which makes it convenient for a normal home kitchen.

You can also experiment with an air fryer.

Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil and cook it in a preheated air fryer until golden and cooked through, turning halfway.

Cooking times vary between air fryers, so always check that the chicken is completely cooked before serving.

Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?

Absolutely.

For spicy sesame chicken, add chili sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or a little chili oil to the sauce.

Start with a small amount and increase it according to your taste.

You can also add thinly sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking the garlic and ginger.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs?

Yes. Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for sesame chicken because they tend to remain juicy during high-heat cooking.

Chicken breast is also delicious and provides a leaner option.

Whichever cut you choose, cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at approximately the same rate.

How to Make the Sauce Less Sweet

If you prefer a more savory sesame chicken, reduce the honey or brown sugar.

You can also increase the rice vinegar slightly to add brightness to the sauce.

The ideal balance is sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and nutty from the sesame oil.

Start with less sweetener and adjust after tasting the sauce

How to Make Restaurant-Style Sesame Chicken at Home

The secret to restaurant-style sesame chicken isn’t just the sauce.

Texture is equally important.

Start with dry chicken, use a light cornstarch coating, cook the chicken in batches, and avoid drowning the chicken in sauce.

The sauce should cling to the chicken rather than pool heavily at the bottom of the plate.

Fresh garlic, ginger, toasted sesame seeds, and green onions also make a noticeable difference.

For another restaurant-style chicken dinner, readers can try your Authentic Chinese Kung Pao Chicken Recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Sauce

Too much sauce can make crispy chicken soggy.

Add just enough sauce to coat the chicken.

Cooking on Very Low Heat

A hot skillet helps the chicken develop a golden exterior.

If the pan is too cool, the chicken may absorb oil instead of becoming crispy.

Adding Chicken Too Early

Make sure the oil and pan are hot before adding the chicken.

Skipping Sesame Oil

Sesame oil adds the characteristic nutty aroma associated with this dish.

You don’t need a huge amount. Even a small quantity can add plenty of flavor.

Not Toasting the Sesame Seeds

Toasting sesame seeds briefly can make them more fragrant and flavorful.

Watch them carefully because they can burn quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinese sesame chicken made of?

Chinese sesame chicken is commonly made with bite-sized chicken, a crispy coating, and a sweet-savory sauce containing ingredients such as soy sauce, honey or sugar, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. Sesame seeds and green onions are commonly used as toppings.

Is sesame chicken spicy?

Usually, sesame chicken is not very spicy. Its main flavor is sweet and savory. However, chili sauce or red pepper flakes can easily be added if you prefer heat.

What makes sesame chicken crispy?

A light coating containing cornstarch helps create a crisp exterior. Cooking the chicken in batches also helps maintain a good pan temperature.

Can I prepare sesame chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cut the chicken ahead of time. For the best texture, cook and sauce the chicken shortly before serving.

What rice goes best with sesame chicken?

Steamed white rice is the simplest option, but fried rice is also an excellent pairing.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe is an easy way to enjoy a takeout-style dinner at home. The combination of crispy chicken, glossy sesame sauce, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds makes this recipe flavorful without requiring complicated cooking techniques.

Once you understand the basic method, you can easily adjust the sweetness, spice, and sauce consistency to suit your family. Store leftover Sesame Chicken safely and refrigerate it promptly. For more information, see the [USDA food safety recommendations].

Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete Chinese-inspired dinner.

If you enjoy homemade Chinese food, save this recipe and try more recipes from Chinese Foodly. From crispy chicken dishes to noodles and stir-fries, there are plenty of easy recipes to explore.