Craving a homemade takeout fix that checks all the right boxes for flavor, crispiness, and pure comfort? Easy Sesame Chicken is my favorite go-to weeknight dinner when I want something downright irresistible but totally fuss-free. Crispy bits of tender chicken get tossed in a glossy, sweet-tangy sesame sauce with just the right hit of savory richness. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and the whole family will be fighting over the last sticky piece in the pan. Trust me, this is a dish that’ll have you skipping the delivery apps and reaching for your skillet instead!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Easy Sesame Chicken is just how friendly and straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component plays a unique role in building those signature flavors and textures: juicy bites of chicken, a sauce with just the right balance, and a dusting of toasty sesame seeds to bring it all home.
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juicy flavor in every bite.
- Water: A splash keeps the chicken moist and helps with the marinade.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the meat’s natural flavors; if you’re using fine salt, just sprinkle in a little less.
- Baking Soda: Secret weapon for super tender chicken—it changes the pH to keep things soft!
- Eggs: Bind the coating and create a crisp outer shell when fried.
- Cornstarch: Provides a light, crunchy crust and thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Neutral Oil: Any mild, high-heat oil like canola or sunflower is perfect for frying.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Essential for finishing; their nutty aroma and gentle crunch are a must.
- Ketchup: Yes, really! It brings color, gentle acidity, and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances tang and salt with sweet complexity—don’t skip it.
- White Vinegar: Brightens everything up and makes the sauce pop.
- Soy Sauce (light sodium): Adds umami and salt; light sodium keeps things balanced.
- Dark Soy Sauce (optional): For gorgeous color and an extra layer of depth, but you can skip if you don’t have it.
- Green Onion: Both whites and greens get used—don’t toss those tops!
- Oil (as needed): You’ll need enough for shallow frying the chicken to crisp perfection.
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks (about 1 inch pieces—they’ll cook evenly and stay juicy). Place them in a bowl with the water, kosher salt, and baking soda. Stir well and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. This simple step works wonders for tenderness and flavor, ensuring your Easy Sesame Chicken comes out juicy, not dry.
Step 2: Coat and Prep the Chicken
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add your marinated chicken, followed by the cornstarch. Gently toss until each chunk is well-coated, creating a light batter that becomes ultra crispy in the pan. This little bit of cornstarch is the trick for that classic, shatteringly crisp texture we all crave.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While your chicken sets, mix together all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, water, sugar, white vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauces, and the white part of the green onion. Whisk until smooth. This Easy Sesame Chicken sauce is a flavor powerhouse, transforming basic pantry items into pure magic.
Step 4: Fry Up Some Crispy Chicken
Heat about an inch of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces until golden and crisp on all sides—about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain on a wire rack or paper towel. This step creates that irresistible crunch that sets homemade Easy Sesame Chicken apart!
Step 5: Toss with Sauce and Finish
Drain the oil from your skillet and wipe it out. Return the pan to medium heat, pour in your sauce, and simmer until glossy and just thickened—about 2 minutes. Add the chicken back in and toss generously to coat every piece. Sprinkle over the green onion tops and a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds. Now, your kitchen smells like pure happiness!
How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
Easy Sesame Chicken deserves to look just as amazing as it tastes. The finishing touch is a shower of toasted sesame seeds for nutty aroma, plus a sprinkle of sliced green onions for color and freshness. If you love a little extra, toss on a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few slivers of fresh chili for gentle heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser alongside fluffy steamed rice (whites, jasmine, or even brown all work) to soak up every bit of sticky-sweet sauce. If you’re aiming for a full takeout night at home, sauté up some snow peas, broccoli, or a medley of your favorite stir-fried vegetables for crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Easy Sesame Chicken into a playful feast? Pile it high in a large communal bowl for a family-style dinner, or serve in lettuce cups for fun, hand-held bites. You can even skewer individual pieces for party appetizers that disappear in a flash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Sesame Chicken keeps beautifully! Store cooled chicken (sauce and all) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The coating stays surprisingly crisp, and the flavors grow even deeper as they meld.
Freezing
Want to make life easy? You can freeze Easy Sesame Chicken in individual portions. Let it cool, then place in freezer-safe bags or containers. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately, and use within two months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and a bit crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—it won’t have the same crunch, but the flavor will still hit all the right notes. A quick toss in a hot skillet is perfect for restoring texture!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay moister during frying, chicken breast can be used if you prefer a leaner bite. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast dries out a little quicker than thighs.
Is Easy Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check your ketchup and cornstarch brands, this dish can be easily made gluten-free. Always read your labels to be sure!
Can I air-fry instead of deep fry?
Yes, you can! Simply spray your cornstarch-coated chicken with a little oil and air-fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking once or twice. The result isn’t identical but is still deliciously crisp.
What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?
Don’t worry at all—dark soy sauce gives a deeper color and slightly richer taste, but your Easy Sesame Chicken will still taste amazing if you skip it.
How spicy is this dish?
Easy Sesame Chicken is meant to be sweet and savory more than spicy, so there’s no built-in heat. If you love spice, add some chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to taste!
Final Thoughts
Making Easy Sesame Chicken at home is pure comfort and so much fun—I promise the taste rivals your favorite restaurants, and you’ll feel like a total kitchen rockstar! Whether for a special dinner or a treat-yourself weekday, give this recipe a go and see why it’s a staple in my kitchen. Happy cooking!
