Name: Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; Sesame seeds to taste (for garnish); Chopped scallions to taste (for garnish); 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced

If you’ve been craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, crispy texture, and a touch of sweetness, this Sesame Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and guaranteed to impress anyone at your table.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you can have dinner on the table without sacrificing taste or quality.
Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The coating of cornstarch gives the chicken an irresistible crunch that pairs beautifully with the sticky sauce.
> Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar creates a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and satisfyingly sweet.
Customizable Garnishes: With sesame seeds and freshly chopped scallions, it’s easy to add fresh bursts of flavor and color to this dish.

The image shows a close-up of small, golden-brown chicken pieces cooked in a black pan with a shiny dark sauce coating each piece. The chicken pieces are arranged closely together, and the sauce has a thick, smooth texture. Scattered on top are white sesame seeds and bright green sliced scallions, adding color contrast to the rich brown chicken and dark sauce. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sesame Chicken, crispy sesame chicken recipe, quick sesame chicken, easy sesame chicken, Asian-inspired chicken dishes

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients for this Sesame Chicken Recipe may seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in constructing the perfect flavor and texture profile. From the tender chicken breasts to the luscious honey-and-soy sauce, every element complements each other beautifully.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, small piles of cornstarch, glossy brown sugar crystals, light amber honey drizzle, dark soy sauce in a small spill, fresh minced garlic cloves, sprigs of bright green chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds scattered artfully, and a small amount of golden toasted sesame oil, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sesame Chicken, crispy sesame chicken recipe, quick sesame chicken, easy sesame chicken, Asian-inspired chicken dishes

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cook, they absorb the sauce wonderfully; you can also use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Cornstarch: It creates that signature crispy coating on the chicken without feeling heavy or greasy.
Olive oil: Used to achieve a golden sear; any neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil works just fine too.

Sauce ingredients (brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil): These build the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors every bite needs.
Sesame seeds and scallions: Fresh garnishes that add texture and a lovely nutty crunch on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by combining the sauce ingredients: brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, water, cornstarch, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk them together in a small bowl until completely smooth. This mix will transform into the luscious glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch pieces for bite-size goodness. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle evenly with cornstarch, and toss until every piece gleams with a light coating. This step ensures your chicken turns delightfully crispy when cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken in Batches

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces in two batches, giving each batch about 4 minutes on one side, then flipping with tongs to cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want each piece to be golden brown and fully cooked through—around 165°F internally.

Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Sauce

Once all your chicken is cooked, return the first batch to the skillet along with the second, then pour the sauce in. Stir gently and let it bubble for about 30 seconds to a minute until it thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. That shiny, sticky glaze is exactly what makes this Sesame Chicken Recipe so addictive!

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture. On top of the rice, there is a second layer of bite-sized pieces of meat covered in a thick, shiny, dark brown sauce. Thin slices of green onions are scattered over the meat, adding a fresh green contrast. White sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding small white details. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sesame Chicken, crispy sesame chicken recipe, quick sesame chicken, easy sesame chicken, Asian-inspired chicken dishes

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the chicken for that classic nutty crunch, and chop fresh scallions on top to add a pop of green freshness and mild oniony flavor. These simple touches bring elegance and personality to the dish, making it look restaurant worthy.

Side Dishes

Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or buttery noodles to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw that offers refreshing texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the sesame chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or even as a filling in lettuce wraps when you’re craving something light and vibrant. For parties, arrange the chicken on a platter with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions, and serve with small bowls of extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your sesame chicken, cool it completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep its best quality for about 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat sesame chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve its crispiness and saucy goodness. Microwave reheating works too but can soften the crisp coating a bit.

FAQs

Can I make this Sesame Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, simply swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your cornstarch hasn’t been cross-contaminated with gluten.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch can be excellent substitutes to achieve that same crispy texture on the chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully—they offer extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How spicy is this Sesame Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is mild and sweet by default, but you can easily add a kick by tossing in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce when cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something wonderfully comforting about this Sesame Chicken Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to serve guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with these crispy, saucy bites as much as I do!

Sesame Chicken Recipe