How To Make Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame chicken is one of those dishes that makes everyone happy. That sweet, sticky, savory sauce with a sprinkle of sesame seeds over crispy chicken. It is pure comfort food. I used to order it from takeout places all the time. Then I learned how easy it is to make at home. In this post, I will share many ways to make sesame chicken. From the classic stovetop version to slow cooker, air fryer, and even instant pot. You will find a method that fits your schedule.

Sesame Chicken Recipe

This first recipe is the classic Sesame Chicken Recipe that tastes just like your favorite takeout. The chicken gets crispy chicken texture from a light cornstarch coating. Then it is tossed in a sweet sesame glaze with garlic chicken flavors. I love how the sauce thickens and sticks to every piece. Serve it over rice with steamed broccoli. It is a chicken dinner that never fails. The blog has all the tips for getting that restaurant quality crunch at home.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons water mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch (slurry)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

How To Make

• In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well coated.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Add chicken in a single layer. Cook until golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
• Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
• Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.

Homemade Sesame Chicken Recipe

Homemade Sesame Chicken Recipe gives you control over every ingredient. No MSG, no preservatives, just real food. This homemade sesame version uses simple pantry staples. The sesame sauce is sweetened with honey and brown sugar. I use soy sesame flavors with fresh garlic and ginger. The chicken stays crispy chicken even after tossing in the sauce. My family says this is better than any takeout we have ever had. The blog has a printable recipe card for easy cooking.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 green onions, chopped

How To Make

• In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch until coated.
• In another bowl, mix beaten eggs with flour, garlic powder, and salt to make a thin batter.
• Dip each cornstarch coated chicken piece into the batter.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3 minutes.
• Toss fried chicken in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe is for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of steps. Easy sesame means fewer ingredients and less cleanup. I use a skillet chicken method with a simple sesame glaze. No deep frying needed. Just cook the chicken in one pan, then add the sauce. It comes together in under 20 minutes. This weeknight dinner has saved me many times. The blog shows you exactly how to get that sticky sauce without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Cooked rice for serving

How To Make

• Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until lightly coated.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat.
• Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil.
• Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve over rice.

Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe keeps all the flavor but cuts the calories. Healthy sesame uses less sugar and no deep frying. I bake the chicken instead. The sesame sauce is made with coconut aminos or low sodium soy. This baked chicken version is still sticky and satisfying. Serve it over broccoli chicken style or in chicken bowls with brown rice. You will not miss the takeout version. The blog has the full nutrition information.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 cups steamed broccoli

How To Make

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Arrange on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes until golden.
• In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3 minutes.
• Toss baked chicken with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Serve with steamed broccoli.

Sesame Chicken Recipe Crockpot

Sesame Chicken Recipe Crockpot is the ultimate set it and forget it meal. Crockpot chicken becomes so tender after slow cooking. The sesame glaze develops deep flavor over several hours. Slow cooker meals like this are perfect for busy days. Just add everything in the morning and come home to dinner. The chicken shreds easily or stays in chunks. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The blog has the exact cook times for perfect results.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Green onions for garnish

How To Make

• Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken.
• Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours.
• Remove chicken and shred or leave whole. Pour the liquid from the crockpot into a saucepan.
• Bring the liquid to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
• Return chicken to the crockpot and pour the thickened sauce over. Stir gently.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Sesame Baked Chicken Recipe

Sesame Baked Chicken Recipe is perfect for nights when you want to avoid the stovetop. Baked chicken gets crispy edges without all the oil. I use sesame thighs because they stay extra juicy. The sesame glaze bakes right into the meat. This is a one pan meal with minimal cleanup. The oven does all the work. Serve with rice or roasted vegetables. The blog shows you how to get that sticky, saucy finish straight from the oven.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Cooking spray

How To Make

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
• Place chicken on the baking sheet. Brush or pour half the sauce over the chicken.
• Bake for 20 minutes. Flip chicken and brush with remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake another 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
• Serve hot with extra sauce from the pan.

Sesame Chicken Recipe Air Fryer

Sesame Chicken Recipe Air Fryer gives you that crunchy, sticky chicken without deep frying. The air fryer makes the chicken perfectly crispy chicken in minutes. Then you toss it in a sweet sesame sauce. It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. This air fryer method is my new favorite. The chicken comes out golden and crunchy. The sauce sticks beautifully. The blog has the exact temperature and time settings for perfect results.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How To Make

• In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
• Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray.
• Place chicken in a single layer in the basket. Spray the top of the chicken lightly.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• While chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
• Remove chicken from air fryer. Toss with the sauce.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Sesame Chicken Recipe Sauce

Sesame Chicken Recipe Sauce is the heart of the dish. This sesame sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. It uses honey, soy, garlic, and ginger. It turns into a thick sesame glaze that clings to every piece of chicken. You can use this sauce on stir fry, chicken bowls, or even tofu and veggies. I make a double batch and keep it in the fridge. The blog has the full recipe with measurements and storage tips.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons water mixed with 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

How To Make

• In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then pour into the saucepan.
• Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
• Remove from heat. Stir in sesame seeds.
• Use immediately or store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Sesame Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Sesame Chicken Recipe Instant Pot is a lifesaver on busy nights. Instant pot cooking makes the chicken fall apart tender. The sesame glaze infuses into every bite under pressure. No need to pre cook anything. Just dump, seal, and go. This one pot meal is ready in under 30 minutes. Serve over rice for a complete dinner. The blog has the step by step for perfect results every single time.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Green onions for garnish

How To Make

• Place chicken thighs in the instant pot.
• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and chicken broth.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken.
• Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Do a quick release. Carefully open the lid.
• Remove chicken and set aside. Turn the instant pot to saute mode.
• Add the cornstarch slurry to the liquid in the pot. Stir and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
• Return chicken to the pot. Toss to coat.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve.

Sesame Chicken Recipe Stir Fry

Sesame Chicken Recipe Stir Fry comes together faster than takeout delivery. Chicken stir fry is all about high heat and quick cooking. The sesame sauce coats everything beautifully. I add broccoli chicken style for extra veggies. It is a true skillet chicken meal with barely any cleanup. This asian stir fry is perfect for using up vegetables in your fridge. The blog shows you the exact order to add ingredients for perfect texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Cooked rice for serving

How To Make

• Toss sliced chicken with cornstarch until coated.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
• Add chicken and stir fry for 4 to 5 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the same pan. Add broccoli and bell pepper. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
• Return chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything.
• Stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve over rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can. Thighs stay juicier, but breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook breast meat or it will become dry.

How do I make sesame chicken less sweet?

Reduce the honey or brown sugar by half. Add a little more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to balance the flavors.

Can I freeze sesame chicken?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. The sauce may thin out slightly.

What can I serve with sesame chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or quinoa. Vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or bok choy are great on the side.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Use cornstarch as a coating and make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Do not overcrowd the pan. For baked or air fryer versions, do not skip the cornstarch.

Is sesame chicken gluten free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Also check that your other ingredients like vinegar and honey are gluten free.

Conclusion

Sesame chicken is one of those meals that feels special but is so easy to make at home. Whether you want the classic stovetop version, a healthy sesame baked chicken, or a crockpot chicken that cooks while you work, there is a recipe here for you. I hope you try the air fryer or instant pot methods too. They save so much time. Pick the one that fits your day, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a homemade sesame chicken dinner. Your family will thank you.