How to Make Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken is a dish from Chinese cuisine, or rather from the versions of Chinese cuisine that reached the West, especially Chinese-American cuisine.
It consists of breaded and fried boneless chicken pieces, served with a thick, glossy sauce made with honey and soy sauce, and finished with sesame seeds.
The honey gives the sauce a very appealing sweet touch; in fact, we could easily call this chicken honey chicken.
It’s a very tasty and easy dish to prepare, although not exactly light. The chicken is coated and fried, and the sauce contains sugar and honey. Still, it’s a truly delicious recipe to enjoy once in a while.
For this recipe, the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces (about two bites each). Because they’re small, they fry quickly. The best cuts are:
- Chicken breast
- Boneless thighs (juicier and more flavorful)
Thighs are not difficult to debone, but asking the butcher to do it makes preparation even easier.
The chicken is breaded in a slightly different way than usual. Instead of coating first in flour and then egg, here the chicken is:
- First marinated in beaten egg
- Then coated in flour mixture
The result is an extra crispy coating straight from the pan.
The sauce combines sweet and savory flavors typical of Asian cuisine: soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, sugar, honey, and cornstarch for thickening. It resembles sweet and sour sauce but is more flavorful. The honey gives it a thicker, glossy appearance, almost like a light lacquer over the chicken.
The sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and can be made in advance. Add the chicken just before serving, since the breading loses crispness quickly once coated.
Some recipes include sesame oil to enhance the flavor. It’s optional but included in this version.
For serving, nothing beats boiled white rice. Basmati rice works beautifully, but any variety pairs well with the sauce.
Table of Contents
How to Make Sesame Chicken?
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 700 g |
| Beaten egg | 1 |
| Milk | 3 tbsp (45 ml) |
| Mustard | 1 tbsp (15 g) |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup (65 g) |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup (74 g) |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp (15 ml) |
| Garlic, diced | 1 clove |
| Honey | 2 tbsp (30 ml) |
| Soy sauce | 1/3 cup (80 ml) |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup (120 g) |
| Brown sugar | 3 tbsp (45 g) |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp (30 ml) |
| Sesame oil (optional) | 1 tbsp (15 ml) |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp (8 g) |
For the Finishing Touch
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spring onions | 2 |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tbsp |
Method:
For the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into approximately 2 cm cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the egg with milk and mustard. Season lightly.
- In another bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
- Heat enough oil in a saucepan over medium heat (about 180°C).
- Coat each chicken piece first in the egg mixture, then in the flour mixture.
- Fry 7–8 pieces at a time for about 5 minutes, until golden brown.
- Place on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
Read Also: How to Clean a Burnt Pot?
For the Sauce and Finishing Touch
- Dice the white part of the spring onion and slice the green part for garnish.
- Heat a pan with a little oil and cook the white onion part for 3 minutes until softened.
- In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Add the sauce to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the chicken and toss until fully coated.
- Serve topped with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.
Video Guide 📽️
Tips for Making Sesame Chicken Thighs
- Separate the leg from the thigh for smaller portions and better flavor balance.
- If sesame oil is unavailable, olive oil can be used as a lighter alternative.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Baking at 200°C until golden can reduce fat content, though the coating may be slightly less crispy.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Add the chicken to the sauce just before serving. Keeping it too long in the sauce softens the coating.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated before combining with the chicken.
Conclusion
Sesame chicken is a flavorful combination of crispy fried chicken and a sweet-savory glossy sauce. While it’s not the lightest dish, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something comforting and indulgent.
Served with white rice and topped with sesame seeds, it’s a satisfying meal that brings together texture, flavor, and aroma in every bite.
