Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Recipe
- The Secret to Extra Crispy Sesame Chicken
- A Sweet and Savory Sauce That’s Perfectly Balanced
- Best Sides to Serve with Sesame Chicken
- Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Sesame Chicken at Home
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This easy Sesame Chicken recipe is crispy, flavorful, and coated in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. With a perfect balance of crunch and taste, it’s a homemade version of a takeout favorite that’s even better than the restaurant version.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own crispy Sesame Chicken at home. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also lets you control the ingredients and flavors. This homemade sesame chicken recipe ensures the perfect crunch while keeping it juicy and flavorful inside. Plus, it’s a great way to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout meal to your own kitchen!

The Secret to Extra Crispy Sesame Chicken
One of the biggest complaints about takeout sesame chicken is that it often arrives soggy. The key to making it extra crispy is a three-step coating process: dredging in cornstarch, dipping in egg, and coating with panko breadcrumbs. This method locks in the juiciness while creating a beautifully crisp exterior. If you want an even crispier result, try double frying the chicken—it makes a world of difference!

A Sweet and Savory Sauce That’s Perfectly Balanced
The secret to this sesame chicken recipe’s addictive flavor lies in the sauce. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, thanks to ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. A touch of garlic and ginger adds warmth, while the sesame oil brings a nutty depth. Tossing the crispy chicken in this sauce ensures every bite is packed with bold flavors.

Best Sides to Serve with Sesame Chicken
While sesame chicken is fantastic on its own, pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice, as it soaks up the sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving it with sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or a refreshing Asian slaw. For a full takeout-style experience, whip up some homemade egg rolls or dumplings.
Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Sesame Chicken at Home
Want to make your sesame chicken taste like it came straight from a Chinese restaurant? Here are some pro tips:
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the sauce—it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. A temperature of around 350°F ensures a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
- Let the fried chicken drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them over the dish.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker glaze.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a crispy sesame chicken dish that’s better than your favorite takeout spot!
This recipe was created by Lila and shared on Lila Cooks. Enjoy making this homemade sesame chicken and impress your family with your cooking skills!


Crispy Sesame Chicken – Better Than Takeout!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge in cornstarch, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions before serving.
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