Crispy, golden chicken tossed in a sweet, savory sesame sauce—this homemade sesame chicken is crunchy, flavorful, and even better than your favorite takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden chicken with a perfectly sticky sesame sauce.

• Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors in every bite.

• Quick and easy to make at home—better than takeout!

• Served over rice for a complete, family-friendly meal.

• Can be made with chicken thighs or breast for flexibility.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 2 large eggs (beaten)

• 1/2 cup sesame oil (divided)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp ginger (freshly grated)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)

• 3 green onions (sliced)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Cooked sesame or jasmine rice (for serving)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare for Frying

Mix flour and cornstarch in one dish, and beat eggs in another. Dredge chicken in flour mix, dip in eggs, then coat again in flour mix.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat 1/4 cup sesame oil in a skillet or wok. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk remaining 1/4 cup sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.

Step 5: Coat Chicken in Sauce

Return chicken to skillet, pour sauce over, and toss to coat. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving during frying.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute cornstarch for flour and use gluten-free soy sauce.

Can this be baked instead of fried?

Yes, bake coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I store leftovers?

Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve over fresh rice.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Sesame Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and better than takeout! The sticky sesame sauce paired with tender chicken makes a perfect weeknight dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.