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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Dinner / Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

    Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

    Published: Mar 28, 2020 by Anna 56 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Easy Sesame Chicken is a battered chicken fried in a pan and coated with sesame sauce. Popular Asian takeout dish, made easily at home.

    If you like to cook takeout at home, you may also like my recipe for Korean Beef Tacos or Orange Chicken. I serve them all with my Instant Pot Rice.

    Overhead shot of sesame chicken served on white rice in white bowl.

    Thursdays in our house are for Asian dinners. If I am not making my Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls, I am whipping up this Easy Sesame Chicken. There is an additional step of dipping the chicken in the batter, comparing to the other recipes, but it's totally worth it and very quick. As always, my goal is to make the recipe as easy as possible.

    This Easy Sesame Chicken is so flavorful and delicious, you will add it to your weekly menu. It's so easy to make, and since the sauce can be made ahead of time and the recipe calls for chicken thighs, this recipe is a budget-friendly time-saver. Perfect for busy weeknights!

    Ingredients:

    • boneless chicken thighs
    • egg
    • cornstarch
    • salt and pepper
    • olive oil
    • sesame oil
    • soy sauce
    • rice vinegar
    • brown sugar
    • garlic and ginger
    • water or chicken stock
    • sesame seeds

    Instructions:

    • Cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, cornstarch, salt and pepper.
    • Add cut chicken to the egg mixture and stir to coat.
    • Heat up olive oil in a pan and drop coated chicken pieces to cook. It's easier to do that in two batches to make sure each piece is cooked.
    • Next, pour the sauce mixture over chicken and simmer on medium-low heat until the sauce thickens.
    Side shot of battered chicken in sesame sauce in white pan.

    Chicken breast vs. thighs

    One difference you can see in this recipe compared to my other Asian dishes, is that it calls for chicken thighs. You can, of course, use boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces. However, most Sesame Chicken recipes use chicken thighs. They have more flavor because it's dark meat. It also makes this dish very budget friendly.

    The sauce:

    Sesame chicken sauce is very similar to Teriyaki Sauce, but with more sesame flavor and more vinegar. It's less sweet and more sour with a delicious nutty flavor. All thanks to the sesame oil. A very potent and popular ingredients in Asian cooking. You only need 1 teaspoon of it to add a rich nutty flavor to the sauce. You can adjust the sauce to your taste and add more brown sugar or honey. Don't forget to add the sesame seeds. I prefer toasted.

    The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to use it OR you can make a larger batch, simmer in saucepan until thickened and store in jar with lid. Use in any Asian dishes.

    Side shot of chicken on white rice in a serving bowl.

    Variations:

    • spicy: add 2 teaspoons of sweet chili sauce to the sauce ingredients before adding to chicken. Add crushed red peppers if you like even more heat.
    • baked: instead of frying the chicken in a pan, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange coated chicken on sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in 375 degrees F.
    • skinny: to cut down on calories, skip the cornstarch coating for chicken and brown chicken pieces in olive oil in pan. Add sauce and simmer until thickened.
    • honey: add 3 tablespoons of honey in place of brown sugar, to sauce mixture. Whisk and add to chicken.
    • stir fry: add Asian vegetable mix (available in the frozen section in grocery stores) and noodles or cooked rice to the chicken mixture in the pan. Heat everything up and serve!
    Overhead shot of Asian chicken on white rice with chopped green onions.

    More easy Asian dinners:

    • Quick and Easy Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
    • Easy Cashew Chicken
    • Easy Mongolian Beef
    • P. F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps
    • Orange Chicken

    You can find all of our Asian dishes in our recipe round up.

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

    Chicken with sesame sauce on rice in a bowl.

    Easy Sesame Chicken

    Author: Anna
    Battered chicken fried in a pan and coated with sesame sauce. Popular Asian takeout dish, made easily at home.
    4.76 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 309 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    for the chicken:

    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite size pieces
    • 1 large egg
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

    for the sauce:

    • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons rice or apple cider vinegar
    • ¾ teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
    • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
    • ½ cup of water or chicken stock

    to serve:

    • rice
    • steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, carrots, baby corn

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.
    • Cook rice and steam vegetables. Set aside.
    • In a small bowl, whisk egg with cornstarch, salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces to the batter and stir well.
    • In a large skillet, heat up 1 tablespoons of olive oil. Place chicken, piece by piece, in pan and cook on all sides until the batter is golden and slightly brown. It's easier to cook the chicken in two batches, using 1 tablespoon of oil each time.
    • Once the chicken is done, pour sauce mixture over it and simmer on medium low heat until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
    • Serve chicken over rice with a side of steamed vegetables.

    Notes

    Play with the recipe and make other versions: 
    • spicy: add 2 teaspoons of sweet chili sauce to the sauce ingredients before adding to chicken. Add crushed red peppers if you like even more heat.
    • baked: instead of frying the chicken in a pan, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange coated chicken on sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in 375 degrees F.
    • skinny: to cut down on calories, skip the cornstarch coating for chicken and brown chicken pieces in olive oil in pan. Add sauce and simmer until thickened. 
    • honey: add 3 tablespoons of honey in place of brown sugar, to sauce mixture. Whisk and add to chicken.
    • stir fry: add Asian vegetable mix (available in the frozen section in grocery stores) and noodles or cooked rice to the chicken mixture in the pan. Heat everything up and serve!
    Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 1475mg | Potassium: 362mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1.9mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Daniel says

      December 02, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      This recipe has been a hit to my ego that I might never recover from. I have made grave errors throughout my life, but finally, I have been bruised by falling to rock bottom. In all honesty I forgot to use low sodium soy sauce and it was hella salty.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 19, 2022 at 9:53 pm

        Haha! I hope you gave it another try with a low-sodium soy sauce, Daniel!

        Reply
    2. Susan says

      March 03, 2022 at 10:46 pm

      4 stars
      Tried today after I purchased the sesame seeds I had run out of! Otherwise I thought I had all necessary ingredients. I did not have low-salt soy but reduced required salt and probably should have eliminated altogether. Was way too salty for me. I will make again for sure hoping to be perfect next time. My two chicken breasts were large but still had sufficient sauce. BTW I do know what to do with the sesame seeds but laughed to realize the recipe didn't state. The pictures were beautiful. I served over white rice with steamed broccoli.

      Reply
    3. Tanya says

      January 05, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing! My roommates loved it too, its a keeper recipe. After reading the previous comments I cut the soy sauce in half, and we all agreed it was perfect that way. Used a gluten free soy sauce for this.

      Reply
    4. Dawn Robertson says

      May 01, 2021 at 4:27 pm

      3 stars
      Really, really salty. I used liquid aminos to make it gluten free. I should have left out the added salt. I like salt, but this was too salty even for me. It is overpowering. I made the recipe as written but used skinless boneless breasts cut into chunks. I cut up some baby carrots and added them with some roasted baby peppers and scallions at the end of the simmering. Next time I’ll make it with no salt and see how it is. Served it over brown jasmine rice.

      Reply
      • Charity says

        June 15, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        It's interesting that you say that because I didn't have enough soy sauce, so I ended up using the little bit I had (about 1/4 cup) and mixing it with water for the recipe. It came out perfect. That might be a solution if yours is too salty.

        Reply
    5. esther aponte says

      February 21, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      Delish!!! My picky eaters loved it!! Better without the batter for ckn and just a little less salt next time

      Reply
    6. Elisha says

      January 25, 2021 at 11:51 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely amazing! The whole family loved it.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 05, 2021 at 10:43 pm

        Yay! Thank you, Elisha!

        Reply
    7. John Burton says

      October 28, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      I recognize the egg and cornstarch mix as velveting, but I've only ever seen it done with egg whites. Does the inclusion of the yolk make a difference?

      Reply
    8. Isabel says

      August 20, 2020 at 7:18 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was so good!!! I am so happy I found this recipe. I made this for my boyfriend and I when he was at work, when he got home I was just finishing up and he loved it!

      Reply
    9. Stacey says

      August 18, 2020 at 5:37 pm

      Delicious! Even picky husband said this was the best Chinese recipe I have tried!
      Doubled the recipe, added a can of sliced water chestnuts, and broccoli. Yum!
      Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Ashura S says

        May 11, 2022 at 1:51 pm

        5 stars
        One of the best meals I ever made and I am a picky eater. I adjusted the salt and honey to my preference. I never coated chicken in eggs and cornstarch before, it definitely added to the taste in my opinion. Add desired vegetables.

        Reply
    10. Julie says

      April 02, 2020 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      This dish was absolutely delicious and a family favorite! 😋😋😋 Didn’t change a thing. Only thing I did was also sautéed some cut up pieces of red and yellow bell pepper and pineapple and some of the green onion, and served this on the side.

      Reply
    11. jen says

      March 31, 2020 at 10:26 am

      Great recipe! just eliminate the salt!

      Reply
    12. Eden says

      March 29, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      This was SUPER delicious! We can't wait to make it again!

      Reply
    13. Krissy Allori says

      March 28, 2020 at 9:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love sesame chicken! This is a really great recipe that is easy to make. My family loved it too.

      Reply
    14. wilhelmina says

      March 28, 2020 at 8:11 pm

      5 stars
      I am obsessed with this sesame chicken! It is SO good. I will for sure be making a double batch of the sauce next time!

      Reply
    15. Jack says

      January 05, 2020 at 8:11 pm

      Half a cup of low sodium soy sauce is way to salty, this dish is supposed to be on the sweet side.

      Reply
    16. Kim says

      October 14, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      Twas quite delicious last night. However I'm gluten free, and gluten free soy sauce doesn't come in a low sodium version, so I used 1/3c soy sauce which was just too salty. I'm thinking next time only 1/4c soy sauce and maybe more broth?
      My husband likes I but thinks maybe it's too sweet, can we half the brown sugar? Or will that affect the sauce consistency?
      Also, wondering how to get a nice crispy chicken piece, can I omit egg and fry the chicken just coated in coarnstarch, S&P?

      Thank you! Once perfected, this will go in my box.

      Reply
      • Skye says

        October 14, 2019 at 1:57 pm

        More chicken broth will work to replace some of the soy. Fry the chicken with just cornstarch, but leave out the salt if that is a problem. Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar, the sugar police won't come after you.

        Reply
      • iris says

        November 01, 2019 at 7:36 am

        I have to avoid all things gluten, and I've discovered gluten-free San-J Organic Tamari Sauce, which is also available in Reduced Sodium (which is what I buy due to high blood pressure). In this and all recipes calling for salt, I either cut the amount in half or add just a pinch. Depending on recipe, you might not need it. Tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. The San-J has a wonderful flavor, and has worked in recipes that call for the gluten-full soy sauce. I believe it's also sold as not organic which would then be less expensive. Highly recommend it. As for sugar, my husband is diabetic, so I use 2 tsps Truvia Brown Sugar Blend and 1 TBS homemade brown sugar. If you don't want (or need to use) the Truvia, perhaps you can reduce the sugar to 2 TBS.

        Reply
      • Chris says

        November 02, 2019 at 3:38 am

        Using just cornstarch and only 1tbsp oil per batch will NOT give you a nice crunchy chicken...ever. You must make a "tempura" type of batter and fry it in a bit more oil.

        Reply
    17. Sukh says

      August 24, 2019 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      Made this recipe 2 times already. Very nice . Kids loved it. Better than restaurant.
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Anna says

        August 24, 2019 at 9:04 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    18. Amelio Delapontik says

      May 22, 2019 at 4:46 am

      5 stars
      this is my first recipe, quick and delicious meal

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 23, 2019 at 12:37 am

        Thank you so much, Amelio!

        Reply
    19. Donna says

      May 07, 2019 at 4:13 am

      5 stars
      Just whipped this up for tea when I get home from work. Quick & simple recipe with bags of flavour. I'll be making this again & again. Delicious.

      Reply
    20. Jennifer says

      February 05, 2019 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      I totally enjoyed this dish.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        February 10, 2019 at 12:54 am

        Yay! Thanks, Jennifer!

        Reply
    21. June says

      January 21, 2019 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe and I've tried many! The use of a big cast iron skillet lets me do the chicken in one batch and it gets really nicely browned. The sauce is the perfect amount, I get irritated when cooking Asian dishes if there's no sauce left for my rice! Or if it's too thin. This is so easy and so delicious I will make it again and again. Don't skip the sesame oil, it's really important for the right flavor. I knew the addition of some kind of batter would help but I didn't want anything heavy. Perfect!! My son always wants Chinese takeout and always orders general tso's chicken, and even he said he likes this better. Did not think that was possible. I served with pan seared broccoli and basmati rice. Yummy!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 22, 2019 at 1:20 am

        Hi June! Haha! I made sure there is enough sauce to pour over the dish once plated. I am so happy to know it was a hit! Thank you so much for giving it a try and for your wonderful comment!

        Reply
    22. Josie says

      October 17, 2018 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        October 18, 2018 at 3:12 pm

        Thank you, Josie!

        Reply
    23. Kristen Ward says

      August 16, 2018 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      I saw this recipe on Pintrest and had to try it. I am almost done cooking it. Looks and smells delicious!! Thanks for sharing (:

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        August 18, 2018 at 10:50 pm

        Hi Kristen! Yay! I am so excited for you to try it! Let me know how you like it! 😀

        Reply
    24. Kristine says

      August 07, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        August 09, 2018 at 11:02 pm

        Thank you, Kristine!

        Reply
    25. Karen says

      July 23, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      My husband *very* occasionally makes dinner when I'm all tapped out, and stir-fried chicken is his one dish beside BBQ chicken wings. I'm going to pass this along to him 😉

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 23, 2018 at 10:54 pm

        Awesome! I hope you both love it!

        Reply
    26. Krista says

      July 19, 2018 at 9:58 am

      I have been wanting a new chicken recipe to try! I think this is it!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:51 pm

        I hope you love it, Krista!

        Reply
    27. Des says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:55 am

      5 stars
      This is what's for dinner!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:51 pm

        Yay! I hope you love it, Des!

        Reply
    28. Jacque Hastert says

      July 19, 2018 at 7:35 am

      5 stars
      Nothing beats an easy dinner that I would usually order in.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:51 pm

        Right? So easy and so tasty! 😀

        Reply
    29. Dee says

      July 18, 2018 at 11:36 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! This dish looks restaurant quality!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:51 pm

        Thanks so much, Dee!

        Reply
    30. Delaney says

      July 18, 2018 at 9:17 pm

      This chicken looks so juicy!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:52 pm

        It really is! I hope you will get a chance to try it!

        Reply
    31. Dorothy says

      July 18, 2018 at 7:17 pm

      You've made it easy for me to have my favorite take out at home! I also want to try all of your other versions!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:53 pm

        Thank you, Dorothy! I am glad you love it.

        Reply
    32. Amanda says

      July 18, 2018 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      My family absolutely love these, they cannot get enough!!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:53 pm

        Yay! That's awesome, Amanda! Thank you!

        Reply
    33. Grace says

      July 18, 2018 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      Those photos look so delicious. I've got my ingredients and am trying it tonight!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:53 pm

        Yay! I hope you love it, Grace! Let me know!

        Reply

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    Crunchy Creamy Sweet Anna

    Hi, I'm Anna! Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family approved!

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