Description
Skip the takeout and make this Crispy Sesame Chicken at home! Tender, golden-fried chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce, delivering bold flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and better than your favorite restaurant version—perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In one bowl, beat eggs. In another, combine cornstarch and flour.
- Dip chicken in egg, then dredge in flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
- Bring sauce to a simmer, stirring until thickened and glossy.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- To bake: cook coated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Substitute honey for part of the brown sugar for a honey-sesame twist.
- Make it vegetarian with crispy tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Store sauce and chicken separately if prepping ahead to keep it crispy.
