Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken is a crispy, saucy, and slightly sweet Chinese-inspired dish that brings restaurant flavor to your home kitchen. With tender chunks of chicken coated in a sticky sesame glaze, this easy homemade version skips the takeout line while delivering bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. Serve it over rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

For the chicken:
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
cornstarch
egg
salt
black pepper
oil (for frying)

For the sauce:
soy sauce
rice vinegar
brown sugar or honey
ketchup
garlic (minced)
ginger (grated)
sesame oil
water
cornstarch (to thicken)
toasted sesame seeds
green onions (for garnish)

directions

In a bowl, whisk egg with salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.

Dredge chicken pieces in cornstarch until fully coated.

Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water. Bring to a simmer.

Mix cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then add to the sauce. Stir until thickened.

Toss the fried chicken with the sauce until fully coated.

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for a spicy kick.
Stir in steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
Swap white rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet to preserve crispness or microwave until hot.
Freeze chicken separately from sauce for best texture; reheat and combine when ready.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best cut of chicken?
Thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too.

Is it very sweet?
It has a mild sweetness—adjust sugar to taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check other ingredients.

Do I have to use sesame oil?
It adds signature flavor, but you can omit or substitute if needed.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Fry in batches and coat with sauce just before serving.

Can I use store-bought sesame sauce?
Yes, but the homemade version has better flavor and control.

Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s flavorful without being too spicy.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just scale ingredients and fry in batches.

Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway.

Conclusion

Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken is a deliciously easy way to enjoy your favorite takeout dish at home. With crispy chicken and a sticky, savory-sweet glaze, it’s full of flavor and ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something truly satisfying, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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