Description
This Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, this quick and easy dish delivers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and nutty flavors. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a homemade takeout experience, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1–2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then coat with flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- In the same skillet, discard most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour sauce mixture into skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add fried chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with sauce.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check other ingredients for gluten content.
Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Store leftovers separately; reheat chicken in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal (per serving)