Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Takeout Favorite Made at Home

Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Takeout Favorite Made at Home

  
Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken

Craving the sweet, savory, and slightly nutty flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish? Look no further than this homemade Sesame Chicken recipe! With crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a sticky sesame sauce, this dish is easy to make and tastes even better than restaurant versions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Better Than Takeout: Fresh, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients.

  • Crispy & Saucy: Perfectly crispy chicken coated in a rich, glossy sauce.

  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes!


Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp ginger powder

  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1-2 tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

  • Steamed white rice or fried rice

  • Steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables

  • Sliced green onions for garnish


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with beaten egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well to coat.

  2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

2. Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

  3. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Make the Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using).

  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in toasted sesame seeds.

4. Coat the Chicken

  1. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

  2. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

5. Serve

  1. Serve the sesame chicken over steamed rice or noodles.

  2. Pair with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.


Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken

  • Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry the chicken once at a lower temperature (325°F/160°C) to cook through, then fry again at 375°F (190°C) for extra crispiness.

  • Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

  • Make It Spicy: Add extra chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: The sauce and chicken can be made ahead and combined before serving.


Why This Recipe Works for West Slope Foodies

At WestSlopeFood.org, we’re all about bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. This Sesame Chicken recipe is a perfect example—simple, delicious, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.



This homemade Sesame Chicken is a delicious alternative to takeout, with crispy chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s easy to make. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—it’s too good not to pass along

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