The Ultimate Sesame Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Sticky, and Irresistible!

If you’re craving delicious, restaurant-quality sesame chicken but want to make it at home, you’ve come to the right place! This easy honey sesame chicken recipe delivers crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory sticky Asian glaze, topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to make the best sesame chicken recipe—perfectly crispy, flavorful, and better than takeout! Plus, we’ll share pro tips, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

---

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Recipe

✅ Better than takeout – Crispy, juicy chicken with a sticky-sweet glaze.
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✅ Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, and crispiness to your liking.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Stays delicious when reheated.
✅ Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

---

Ingredients for the Best Sesame Chicken

To make this authentic sesame chicken recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 0.70 lb (300g) boneless chicken thigh or breast – Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too.
• 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch – The secret to ultra-crispy chicken!
• 1 egg white – Helps the coating stick.
• Oil for frying – Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

For the Marinade:

• 1 tsp sesame oil – Adds nutty depth.
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce – For umami flavor.
• 1 tsp garlic paste (or minced garlic) – Essential for aroma.
• ¼ tsp baking soda – Tenderizes the chicken.
• ½ tsp sugar – Balances flavors.
• ¼ tsp black pepper – Adds mild heat.

For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:

• 2 tbsp honey – Natural sweetness.
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce – Salty-savory base.
• 2 tbsp ketchup – Adds tang and thickness.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil – Enhances richness.
• 1 tbsp brown or white sugar – For extra caramelization.
• 1 tbsp vinegar – Balances sweetness.
• 3 tbsp water – Thins the sauce slightly.

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds – For crunch and aroma.
• 2-3 spring onions (scallions), sliced – Fresh finish.

---

 The Secret to Crispy Sesame Chicken – Best Coating & Frying Techniques

If you’ve ever wondered how Chinese restaurants achieve that perfectly crispy sesame chicken, the secret lies in the coating and frying method. Many home cooks struggle with soggy or greasy chicken, but with the right techniques, you can make ultra-crispy sesame chicken every time.

Why Cornstarch or Potato Starch Works Best

Unlike regular flour, cornstarch or potato starch creates a lighter, crispier crust. Here’s why:

• Less gluten – Flour contains gluten, which can make coatings dense. Starch keeps it light.
• Higher heat resistance – Starch crisps up faster without absorbing too much oil.
• Thinner, crunchier texture – Flour tends to be doughy, while starch gives a delicate crispness.

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, some chefs use a 50-50 mix of starch and flour, but pure starch is best for maximum crispiness.

The Egg White Trick for Adhesion

A common mistake is skipping the egg white wash before coating. Here’s why it matters:

• Acts as a glue – Helps the starch stick evenly to the chicken.
• Creates a thin barrier – Prevents the chicken from steaming inside the coating.
• Enhances crispiness – Egg proteins contribute to a golden, crunchy exterior.

Alternative: If you’re out of eggs, a light spray of oil before dredging can help the coating adhere.

The Right Oil & Temperature for Frying

• Best oils: Use neutral, high-smoke-point oils like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil.
• Ideal temperature: 350°F (175°C) – Too low, and the chicken absorbs oil; too high, and it burns before cooking through.
• Fry in batches – Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temp, leading to soggy chicken.

Double-Fry Method for Extra Crispiness (Popular in Korean fried chicken):

1. First fry (325°F / 160°C) – Cooks the chicken through.
2. Drain and rest for 5 minutes.
3. Second fry (375°F / 190°C) – Makes the coating extra crunchy.

Baking or Air Frying Option

If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake or air-fry:

• Baking: Coat chicken, spray with oil, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway.
• Air frying: Spray coated chicken with oil, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 mins.

Note: While not as crispy as deep-frying, these methods still deliver great texture with less oil.

---

 The Perfect Sticky Sesame Sauce – Balancing Sweet, Savory & Tangy

The glossy, sticky sauce is what makes sesame chicken irresistible. But getting the right balance of sweet, salty, and tangy can be tricky. Let’s break down the key components of the best sesame chicken sauce and how to customize it.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

1. Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
   • Substitute: Maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar.
2. Soy Sauce – Provides umami depth.
   • Use light soy sauce for saltiness without darkening the sauce too much.
3. Ketchup – Adds a tangy-sweet base and helps thicken the glaze.
   • Substitute: Tomato paste (mixed with a little water and sugar).
4. Sesame Oil – Gives a nutty aroma.
   • Toasted sesame oil has a stronger flavor than regular.
5. Vinegar – Balances sweetness with acidity.
   • Rice vinegar is ideal, but apple cider or white vinegar works.

How to Adjust Consistency & Flavor

• Too thick? Add 1-2 tbsp water or broth.
• Too thin? Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp starch + 1 tbsp water).
• Want more depth? Add 1 tsp oyster sauce or hoisin.
• Prefer spicy? Mix in sriracha, chili flakes, or Sichuan peppercorns.

Pro Tips for a Glossy, Restaurant-Style Glaze

• Reduce the sauce first – Cook it down until slightly thickened before adding chicken.
• Toss quickly – Over-stirring can make the coating soggy.
• Add sesame seeds late – They lose crunch if cooked too long.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Using too much sauce – The chicken should be coated, not swimming in liquid.
❌ Adding sauce to cold chicken – Always toss while the chicken is hot for maximum stickiness.

---

 Serving Suggestions & Leftover Tips

Sesame chicken is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. Plus, we’ll cover how to store and reheat leftovers without losing crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Chicken

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice – The classic choice to soak up extra sauce.
2. Fried Rice or Lo Mein – For a heartier meal.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add freshness.
4. Egg Drop Soup or Hot & Sour Soup – A light starter.
5. Asian Slaw – A crunchy, vinegary contrast to the sweet chicken.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Methods:
  • Oven (Best for Crispiness):
    • Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
    • Place chicken on a rack (to prevent sogginess).
    • Heat for 8-10 minutes.
  • Air Fryer:
    • Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • Microwave (Quick but Less Crispy):
    • Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
    • Heat in 30-second bursts.

Meal Prep & Freezing Tips

• Prep Ahead:
  • Marinate chicken overnight.
  • Mix sauce ingredients in advance.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze uncoated, uncooked marinated chicken for up to 1 month.
  • Cooked sesame chicken can be frozen, but the texture may soften.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic paste, baking soda, sugar, and black pepper.
3. Let it marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, sugar, vinegar, and water.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Add 1 egg white to the marinated chicken and mix well.
2. Dredge each piece in cornstarch or potato starch, shaking off excess.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil (350°F/175°C) in a deep pan or wok.
2. Fry chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Sticky Glaze

1. In a clean pan, heat the sauce until it thickens slightly (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the fried chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and spring onions.
2. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

---

Pro Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

🔥 For extra crispiness – Double-fry the chicken (first at 325°F, then again at 375°F).
🍯 Adjust sweetness – Use more honey for a stickier glaze or reduce sugar if preferred.
🌶 Add heat – Toss in red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
🍗 Baked/Air Fryer Option – Spray coated chicken with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 mins or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 mins.

---

FAQs About Sesame Chicken Recipe

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breast, don’t overcook.

2. What’s the best substitute for cornstarch?

Potato starch works great. Flour can be used but won’t be as crispy.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or oven to retain crispiness.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

---

Serving Suggestions

🍚 Steamed jasmine rice – The classic pairing.
🥦 Stir-fried veggies – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
🍜 Lo mein or chow mein noodles – For a hearty meal.

---

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

| Calories | 396 kcal |
| Carbs | 26g |
| Protein | 39g |
| Fat | 15g |

---

Print

Final Thoughts

This easy sesame chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Chinese takeout flavors but wants a homemade, healthier version. With its crispy texture, sticky-sweet glaze, and nutty sesame aroma, it’s sure to become a family favorite!