If you’re on the hunt for a foolproof, flavor-packed meal that’s ready to spark big smiles at your dinner table, look no further than this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe. All at once crispy, sticky, sweet, and just a tad savory, it’s a weeknight hero that tastes like you picked it up from your favorite takeout spot — but made effortlessly in your home kitchen. This recipe will make you wonder why you ever dialed up for delivery in the first place.

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for this dish is a breeze, and you probably have most of these items in your pantry already. Each ingredient in this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe builds up the flavor layers, from crisp exterior to sweet-salty-sticky sauce and that signature sesame finish.

Soy Sauce: The backbone of our sauce, lending that deep, satisfying umami and rich color.
Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness to balance out the sweetness and brings true takeout flavor home.
Brown Sugar: For that glossy, sweet coating that clings to each crispy bite.
Cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens the sauce so it’s sticky enough to hug every piece of chicken.
Water: Helps dissolve everything together into a smooth, pourable sauce.
Sesame Oil (for sauce): Infuses the recipe with unmistakable toasty sesame perfume.
Sesame Seeds: Those little flecks add crunch and nutty charm on top.
Cornstarch (for batter): Essential for an airy, crisp tempura-style crust.
All-Purpose Flour: Balances the starch, ensuring your chicken gets golden and crunchy.
Egg Whites: Whipped into the batter for a lighter, irresistible crunch.
Cold Seltzer Water: Keeps the batter refreshing and tender, so it puffs up perfectly when fried.
Chicken Thighs: Juicier than breast meat, these chunks stay tender after frying and soak up all the flavor.
Sesame Oil (for stir-frying): A double dose for the signature sesame taste in every layer.
Crushed Red Pepper: Just enough gentle heat to keep your palate interested (skip or add more as you wish!).
Minced Garlic: Fragrant and punchy, garlic wakes up the sesame sauce beautifully.
Vegetable Oil: For deep frying; choose something neutral like canola, peanut, or sunflower oil.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by combining all the ingredients for your irresistible sesame chicken sauce — soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds — in a bowl. Whisk until the brown sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely. This glossy, flavorful mixture is the magic that transforms simple fried chicken into Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe perfection when you toss it all together at the end.

Step 2: Prepare the Tempura Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk the cornstarch, flour, chilled egg whites, and super-cold seltzer water until the batter just comes together. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are just fine! The chill of the seltzer is your crispy batter’s secret weapon, making every piece puff up light and crunchy when fried.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add your chicken thigh chunks straight into the batter and toss gently so every piece is generously coated. Use a fork or tongs to make sure all sides are covered. This step is what locks in moisture and delivers that mouthwatering, golden crunch our Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe is famous for.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat about three inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. (A kitchen thermometer is helpful here!) Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches — don’t crowd the pan — until they’re golden brown and crispy, usually around 4 to 5 minutes. Let them drain briefly on a wire rack or paper towels while you finish the rest.

Step 5: Assemble and Sauce

In a large wok or skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, letting them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in the prepared sauce, stirring to thicken it into a bubbling, syrupy glaze. Return all the fried chicken to the pan, tossing quickly so every bite is lacquered with that shiny, aromatic sauce.

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes — they add color and extra bursts of taste! A final shower of toasted sesame seeds and plenty of thinly-sliced green onions is classic. Fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra red pepper sesame seeds can make your Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe pop, both visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to a fluffy mound of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a complete meal, try sautéed broccoli, stir-fried snap peas, or a crisp Asian-style slaw. These sides add color and keep the meal light, letting your Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe remain the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or a fun family meal, serve your Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy twist. Another great option? Spooning it onto mini bao buns or even layering it inside a rice bowl with pickled veggies and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Let your imagination have fun — this dish adapts beautifully!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist, though the exterior may soften — making it just as tasty for a quick lunch the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the chicken cool completely after frying and before saucing. Freeze the bare fried pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container for up to two months. Reheat and toss in the fresh sauce when you’re ready for your next Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe craving.

Reheating

The best way to revive leftover sesame chicken is in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until hot and the coating is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the batter can get soggy. If you’ve frozen the chicken, reheat directly from frozen and sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe with chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though it’s a bit leaner than thighs. To keep it juicy, don’t overcook, and consider marinating the chunks briefly in soy sauce for added moisture.

How can I make this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free dinner ready in no time.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

For a lighter spin, you can bake the battered chicken on a wire rack at 425 degrees until crispy, about 20–25 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as shatteringly crisp, but it’s still delicious and much lower in oil.

Is seltzer water really necessary for the tempura batter?

Yes! Cold seltzer creates lift and tender bubbles in the batter, delivering that ultra-light, crispy coating. If you don’t have seltzer, you can use ice-cold water, but seltzer gives the best result for this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe.

What vegetables can I add to customize this dish?

Feel free to stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas along with the garlic and red pepper, before adding the sauce and chicken. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies and color!

Final Thoughts

Cooking up this Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe is pure comfort and a little bit of magic — from the golden crunch to that sticky, sesame-laced glaze. If you’re craving a cozy homemade spin on a takeout favorite, this is your sign to give it a try. Invite friends or family, or tuck in solo; either way, you’re about to serve up smiles and second helpings!