Crispy Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Savory Sauce

This Crispy Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Savory Sauce is one of my favorite homemade takeout-style dinners. With golden fried chicken pieces tossed in a sticky sesame glaze, every bite is packed with bold flavor and satisfying crunch. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and better than anything I could order from a restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this sesame chicken comes together in less time than it takes to order delivery. The chicken stays crispy even after being coated in the sauce, and the glaze hits that perfect balance between sweet, salty, and just a little tangy. Whether I serve it over steamed rice, with noodles, or alongside stir-fried veggies, this dish always hits the spot. It’s quick, family-friendly, and customizable—what more could I ask for?

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the sesame sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Water
• Sesame seeds (toasted)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2. In one bowl, I beat the eggs. In another, I mix the cornstarch and flour.

3. I dip the chicken into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.

4. I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. I transfer the pieces to a paper towel-lined plate.

5. To make the sauce, I whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, water, and cornstarch in a saucepan.

6. I bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

7. I toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until fully coated.

8. I sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy sesame chicken: I add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

• Baked version: I bake the breaded chicken in a 400°F oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of frying.

• Air fryer option: I air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until crispy, then toss with sauce.

• Honey sesame twist: I substitute some of the brown sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.

• Vegetarian: I replace the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower for a meatless version.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat to help maintain crispiness, or I reheat in the air fryer. The microwave works too, though the chicken won’t be as crisp. If I want to prep ahead, I fry the chicken and store the sauce separately, then combine just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, I often use thighs—they’re more flavorful and stay juicy when fried.

How do I make it gluten-free?

I use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for the coating. Cornstarch is already gluten-free.

Why isn’t my chicken crispy?

I make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (about 350°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan. Letting the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying also helps.

Can I double the sauce?

Definitely. If I like extra sauce for rice or dipping, I double the sauce ingredients without changing the rest of the recipe.

What can I serve with sesame chicken?

I love serving it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli and snap peas.

Conclusion

This Crispy Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Savory Sauce is a delicious, homemade version of a takeout classic that always hits the mark. With golden fried chicken and a sticky, flavorful glaze, it’s a dish I love making again and again. Whether I’m cooking for the family or just treating myself to something special, this sesame chicken brings bold flavor and crispy comfort to the table every time.