Crispy Sesame Chicken is one of those timeless dishes that bridges comfort food with bold takeout flavor. With its perfectly fried golden bites coated in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sesame glaze, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or satisfyingly crunchy—this dish delivers on every level.
A Flavor-Packed Asian-Inspired Favorite
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Sesame Chicken
This isn’t your average chicken dish. It’s the kind of meal that leaves people asking for seconds—and the recipe. Think juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a crackly crust, tossed in a thick glaze with deep umami from soy sauce, a kiss of heat from chili paste, and the toasted nuttiness of sesame seeds. It’s fast enough for weeknights and crowd-pleasing enough for weekends.
Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Sesame Sauce:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (chili garlic paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- ½ tablespoon neutral cooking oil (like canola)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, finely sliced for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss in your chicken chunks and stir until each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes while your oil heats up.
2. Fry the Chicken
Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy—about 4–6 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Toast the Sesame Seeds
In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 2–3 minutes, shaking often. Transfer to a bowl as soon as they’re fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce
Using the same skillet (wiped clean if needed), add ½ tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add in soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and chili paste.
In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Pour it into the sauce and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy—this takes about 2–3 minutes.
5. Combine & Serve
Toss the crispy chicken into the skillet and coat every piece in that sticky sesame glaze. Once fully coated and warmed through, plate the chicken and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Chicken
- Cornstarch is key. It gives the chicken that signature light, crunchy shell.
- Double fry for extra crunch. For even crispier results, fry the chicken a second time for 1–2 minutes before tossing it in the sauce.
- Don’t crowd the oil. Fry in batches to maintain the oil’s temperature and achieve even crispiness.
What to Serve with Crispy Sesame Chicken
Make it a full meal with these classic sides:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Green Beans – Add freshness and balance.
- Egg Rolls or Potstickers – For that full takeout experience.
- Chilled Asian Cucumber Salad – Light, tangy, and refreshing.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the chicken (without sauce) in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to revive the crispiness. Warm the sauce separately and toss before serving.
FAQs About Crispy Sesame Chicken
Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–25 minutes. Flip halfway and spray lightly with oil for a golden finish.
What if I don’t have sambal oelek?
Swap with sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Not recommended. For that signature crunch and flavor infusion, fresh battered and fried chicken is best.
If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade takeout recipe, Crispy Sesame Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s indulgent, flavor-packed, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just craving a better-than-takeout night in, this dish won’t disappoint.
