Easy Sesame Chicken: Crispy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Night

I grew up stirring pots alongside my grandmother, and today I’m thrilled to share my signature Easy Sesame Chicken. In just 30 minutes, you get tender chicken bites coated in a crispy, golden crust, then glazed in a sweet-savory sesame sauce. First, coat cubed chicken in cornstarch and fry until crispy. Next, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Then, toss chicken in sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or noodles. This quick dish brings that takeout-style crunch home, making it a top choice among yummy simple recipes and easy dinner ideas for beginners!

Looking for Good Things To Make For Lunch or dinner? Easy Sesame Chicken delivers that Crispy Chicken Takeout Style without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re asking What To Do For Dinner or hunting down Fun Things To Make For Dinner, this recipe fits the bill. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it qualifies as Ez Food Recipes and Easy Dinner Ideas For Beginners. With pantry basics and a handful of steps, you’ll master Chicken Take Out at home. Let’s dive into this Good Recipes For Dinner Easy Main Dishes that everyone will rave about!

easy-sesame-chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken

This quick, 30-minute sesame chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a sticky-sweet sesame glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main
Cuisine: asian
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
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For Garnish and Serving
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 2 stalks green onions sliced
  • steamed rice or noodles to serve

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry, then toss with cornstarch until well coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken in batches; cook until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.
  4. Remove chicken, drain excess oil, and wipe pan clean.
  5. Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in the same pan.
  6. Bring sauce to a simmer, stirring until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  7. Return chicken to pan; toss until fully coated in glaze.
  8. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  9. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-style meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

To make this gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. For a plant-based option, substitute tofu or cauliflower. Leftovers keep well if stored separately from the sauce.

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The Story & Inspiration Behind Easy Sesame Chicken

A Personal Memory

When I was eight, my grandmother taught me how to whip up simple sauces in her warm kitchen. Back then, I never imagined adding sesame seeds to my chicken would spark such joy. However, the moment I tasted that sticky, nutty glaze—cradled by crispy chicken—I fell in love. Over the years, I tweaked her basic marinade into what I now call Easy Sesame Chicken. Each time I serve it, I remember those laughter-filled afternoons, mixing, tasting, and adjusting together. Moreover, working with my kids now adds fresh delight, as they sprinkle sesame seeds with wide-eyed excitement.

Why This Recipe Matters

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe matters because it bridges nostalgia and convenience. Instead of ordering Chicken Take Out, you create that authentic, Crispy Chicken Takeout Style in your own home. Additionally, it fits into any routine—whether you need Good Things To Make For Lunch or a hearty dinner. It’s also versatile: swap chicken for tofu, adjust sweetness, or skip frying for an air-fryer treat. In addition, it champions real ingredients, so you control sodium and sugar. Therefore, this recipe transforms typical Yummy Simple Recipes into something memorable.

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Ingredients & Instructions

Ingredients You Need for Easy Sesame Chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken ingredients displayed in bowls on a marble surface
Easy Sesame Chicken: Crispy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Night 5
IngredientQuantity
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)1½ lbs
Cornstarch½ cup
Vegetable oil3 tbsp
Soy sauce (low-sodium)⅓ cup
Honey3 tbsp
Rice vinegar2 tbsp
Sesame oil1 tsp
Garlic (minced)2 cloves
Fresh ginger (grated)1 tsp
Sesame seeds (toasted)2 tsp
Green onions (sliced)2 stalks
Steamed rice or noodlesAs needed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Sesame Chicken

Step-by-step cooking process for Easy Sesame Chicken in 4 panels
Easy Sesame Chicken: Crispy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Night 6
  1. Pat chicken dry, then toss with cornstarch until well coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken in batches; cook until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.
  4. Remove chicken, drain excess oil, and wipe pan clean.
  5. Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in the same pan.
  6. Bring sauce to a simmer, stirring until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  7. Return chicken to pan; toss until fully coated in glaze.
  8. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  9. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-style meal.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas

Smart Swaps & Variations

First, if you prefer a lighter version, skip frying and air-fry chicken at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Then, make a gluten-free batch by swapping tamari for soy sauce and arrowroot for cornstarch. Moreover, for a plant-based twist, substitute cubed tofu or cauliflower florets—just adjust cooking time. Additionally, you can turn this into a low-carb dish by serving over zucchini noodles. Finally, if you love heat, stir in ½ tsp of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Sesame Chicken over jasmine rice or egg noodles for a classic experience. Alternatively, plate it alongside steamed broccoli and snap peas for a balanced meal. For meal prep, divide portions into airtight containers, storing sauce and chicken separately to maintain crispiness. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding sauce when warmed through. You can also toss leftovers into wraps or salads for a quick lunch—perfect when searching for Good Things To Make For Lunch. Ultimately, this recipe adapts to your schedule and taste buds.

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Health Benefits of Easy Sesame Chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken offers a solid protein boost, supporting muscle repair and satiety. Moreover, sesame seeds deliver calcium, iron, and healthy fats. Additionally, garlic and ginger provide antioxidants that aid digestion and immunity. By using low-sodium soy sauce and moderate honey, you keep sugar and sodium in check, fitting balanced diet goals. Furthermore, serving with colorful vegetables adds fiber, vitamins A and C, and extra crunch. Therefore, this dish aligns with keto-friendly tweaks or whole-food meal plans. Ultimately, you enjoy a nutrient-rich dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Conclusion

Easy Sesame Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen while staying simple enough for first-time cooks. You’ll love the contrast of crispy chicken and glossy sesame glaze, plus the satisfaction of mastering a popular Chicken Take Out favorite. Whether you need Fun Things To Make For Dinner or reliable Ez Food Recipes, this dish checks every box. Best of all, it honors my grandmother’s teachings—celebrating connection, creativity, and family. So grab your wok or skillet, invite the kids to help, and transform any night into a memorable feast. Let’s keep sharing recipes that turn every meal into sweet memories!

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FAQs About Easy Sesame Chicken

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder. The texture and flavor remain just as delightful.

How do I store leftovers?

Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet, then combine with sauce to keep chicken crispy.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Marinate chicken up to 2 hours ahead, then coat and fry when ready. You can also pre-mix sauce, storing it in the fridge until cooking.

What sides pair well with Easy Sesame Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice work beautifully. For extra veggies, serve alongside broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad.

 

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