Easy Sesame Chicken bites smothered in a sticky, sweet sesame sauce taste just like your favorite Chinese takeout, but way better because you made them at home. I'll never forget the first time I tried making this on a Tuesday night when I was too tired to go out-the smell of toasted sesame oil and garlic filling the kitchen convinced me I'd never need to order delivery again. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have, which makes it perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
If you're craving more quick Asian-inspired dinners, try my Easy Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe or this Easy Sausage and Kale Casserole recipe for another family favorite, and don't miss my Easy Squash Casserole recipe to round out the meal.
Why You'll Love Easy Sesame Chicken
Quick weeknight dinner. You can have this on the table in half an hour, which is faster than waiting for delivery.
Better than takeout. Homemade Chinese takeout means you control the quality of ingredients and the amount of sauce, and trust me, it tastes so much fresher.
Simple ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry-soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a few other basics.
Crispy and tender. The Easy Sesame Chicken thighs stay juicy on the inside while getting perfectly golden on the outside, and that tangy chicken sauce clings to every piece.
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Easy Sesame Chicken Ingredients
Here's a simple breakdown of what goes into this Asian Easy Sesame Chicken stir-fry.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredients Quantities
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce: Adds salty, umami depth to the sauce and forms the savory base.
- Water: Thins the sauce just enough so it coats the Easy Sesame Chicken without being too thick.
- Toasted sesame oil: This is what gives the dish that distinctive nutty, toasted flavor. Don't skip it.
- Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky texture.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tanginess that brightens up all the other flavors.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings warmth and a little spice that makes the sauce feel alive.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth and pairs beautifully with the ginger.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce as it simmers so it clings to every piece of Easy Sesame Chicken .
- Sesame seeds: These little seeds add texture and reinforce that nutty sesame flavor.
For the Chicken:
- Cooking oil: Used to fry the Easy Sesame Chicken until it's golden and crispy.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicier and more tender than breasts, making them perfect for stir-frying.
- Egg: Helps the cornstarch coating stick to the Easy Sesame Chicken and creates a light, crispy texture.
- Cornstarch: Coats the Easy Sesame Chicken and gives it that slightly crispy exterior we all love.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch seasons the Easy Sesame Chicken and balances the flavors.
- For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice soaks up the sauce and makes this a complete 30-minute dinner recipe.
- Green onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Stir everything together until it's well mixed and set it aside while you work on the Easy Sesame Chicken .
Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Trim any extra fat from the Easy Sesame Chicken thighs, then cut them into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Toss the chicken pieces in the egg mixture until every piece is nicely coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the coated Easy Sesame Chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken cook without moving it for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy. Flip the pieces, breaking them into smaller clumps as you go, and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden all over.
Add the Sauce: Once the Easy Sesame Chicken is fully cooked, pour the prepared sauce right over the chicken in the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat each piece. Let the sauce bubble and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and clings to the chicken beautifully. Turn off the heat.
Serve: Spoon the sesame Easy Sesame Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked jasmine rice. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish and a little color.
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken breast instead of thighs: You can use boneless skinless Easy Sesame Chicken breast, but keep in mind it can dry out faster. Cut it into small pieces and don't overcook.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
Extra vegetables: Toss in some broccoli florets, snap peas, or sliced bell peppers when you add the sauce for a heartier meal.
Spicy sesame chicken: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
Honey sesame chicken: Swap half the brown sugar for honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Equipment for Easy Sesame Chicken
Small bowl: For mixing the sauce ingredients together.
Large bowl: To coat the Easy Sesame Chicken in the egg and cornstarch mixture.
Large skillet: A wide skillet gives the Easy Sesame Chicken room to crisp up without steaming.
Whisk: Makes it easy to blend the egg and cornstarch smoothly.
Cheese grater: For grating fresh ginger, which releases way more flavor than the jarred stuff.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftover sesame Easy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, which is totally normal.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked Easy Sesame Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Expert tips
Don't overcrowd the pan. If you pile too much Easy Sesame Chicken in the skillet at once, it'll steam instead of getting crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
Use chicken thighs. They're more forgiving than Easy Sesame Chicken breast and stay juicy even if you cook them a minute too long.
Let the chicken sit. When you first add the Easy Sesame Chicken to the hot skillet, resist the urge to move it around. Letting it sit helps it develop that golden, crispy coating.
Grate fresh ginger. Fresh ginger has so much more flavor than the powdered kind. A small cheese grater makes it easy.
Taste and adjust. Before serving, taste the sauce. If you want it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you want it tangier, add a splash more rice vinegar.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook sesame chicken?
It takes about 15 minutes to cook the Easy Sesame Chicken and thicken the sauce, with another 15 minutes for prep. So you're looking at 30 minutes total from start to finish. My mom always says this is the recipe to make when you're racing the clock but still want something homemade.
Can I use chicken breast for sesame chicken instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use Easy Sesame Chicken breast, but it tends to dry out more easily than thighs. Cut it into small, even pieces and watch the cooking time closely. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, which is why I prefer them.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Jasmine rice is the classic choice, but you can also serve it with fried rice, steamed vegetables, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps. A side of sautéed broccoli or snap peas adds a nice crunch and balances the richness.
Can I make sesame chicken ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and cut the Easy Sesame Chicken ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture. If you do make it ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet. The coating won't be quite as crispy, but it'll still taste delicious.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Easy Sesame Chicken
Easy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. prep
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, 2 tablespoon cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into small, 1-inch pieces. Toss chicken in the egg and cornstarch mixture to coat. prep
- Heat 2 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom. flip
- Carefully flip the chicken, breaking up pieces as you go. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown on all sides. stir
- Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss to coat, and let the sauce simmer and thicken. Stir gently to avoid breaking the crispy coating on the chicken. finish
- Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions. assemble
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