I live just outside Asheville, North Carolina, and I’m thrilled to share my Easy Sesame Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender, crispy chicken coated in a glossy sesame glaze that tastes just like your favorite Crispy Chicken Takeout Style meal. I panel the chicken with cornstarch, fry it golden, then toss it in a homemade sauce of soy, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality chicken dish that’s perfect for Good Things To Make For Lunch or a quick dinner. Try this Ez Food Recipe tonight and discover why Easy Sesame Chicken has become one of my Yummy Simple Recipes and go-to Easy Dinner Ideas For Beginners.
Table of Contents
The Story & Inspiration Behind Easy Sesame Chicken
A Personal Memory
When I first cooked Easy Sesame Chicken, I remembered standing on a milk crate next to my grandma in Indiana. She stirred an impossibly large pot of chicken and noodles without measuring a thing. Her confidence in the kitchen inspired me to experiment with flavors. Years later, after drumming in a blues band and working in restaurants from Portland to New York, I developed this Crispy Chicken Takeout Style recipe. Every time I taste that sweet-savory glaze, I feel that same warmth from grandma’s kitchen. Moreover, the crunch of perfectly fried chicken reminds me that, even after near-disastrous roux mishaps or flambé scares, cooking remains my true calling.
Why This Recipe Matters
This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe matters because it bridges comfort and convenience. In addition to being one of those Good Recipes For Dinner Easy Main Dishes, it doubles as a crowd-pleaser for Friendsgiving, supper clubs, or casual Family Fridays. Furthermore, it answers the eternal question: What To Do For Dinner when you crave takeout but want to cook at home. Instead of ordering Chicken Take Out, you can whip up this dish with pantry staples—and you’ll know exactly what goes on your plate. Finally, by mastering this recipe, you gain confidence to tackle other Fun Things To Make For Dinner.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients You Need for Easy Sesame Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1½ pounds, cut into 1″ pieces |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tablespoon, grated |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame seeds | 1 teaspoon, toasted |
| Scallions | 2, sliced |
Easy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken pieces dry, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water.
- Discard excess oil from the skillet, then return it to medium heat.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and simmer until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the glaze.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Sesame Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water.
- Discard excess oil, then return skillet to medium heat.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and simmer until it thickens slightly, stirring constantly.
- Add fried chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat every piece.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Smart Swaps & Variations
If you want to lighten this dish, swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even turkey cutlets. For a low-carb version, dredge in almond flour instead of cornstarch. Vegetarians can substitute crispy tofu or cauliflower florets to keep that satisfying crisp. Additionally, if you crave spice, stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes. Thus, you create a fun twist and make this recipe one of your go-to Ez Food Recipes and Easy Dinner Ideas For Beginners.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve Easy Sesame Chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. For Good Things To Make For Lunch, pack leftovers in meal prep containers with fresh broccoli or snap peas. Moreover, you can turn this into a noodle bowl by tossing in soba or rice noodles. To store, place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Finally, garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds to refresh flavors.
Health Benefits of Easy Sesame Chicken
Easy Sesame Chicken delivers lean protein from chicken thighs, which supports muscle repair and growth. In addition, ginger and garlic pack antioxidants that boost immunity and fight inflammation. Sesame seeds add healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like magnesium and calcium. By choosing a moderate amount of honey and using a minimal amount of oil, you keep sugars and calories in check. If you prefer a keto or low-carb lifestyle, simply serve over cauliflower rice to reduce total carbs. Thus, this recipe fits a balanced diet, fuels your body, and still feels like a treat.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving a Crispy Chicken Takeout Style experience or exploring new Good Recipes For Dinner Easy Main Dishes, Easy Sesame Chicken has you covered. This recipe brings together crunchy chicken, a glossy sesame glaze, and a hint of ginger-ginger warmth—everything you need for a memorable meal. Moreover, it doubles as a versatile Ez Food Recipe that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love how quick and delicious this dish turns out. Now, gather your ingredients and get cooking—your family deserves this Yummy Simple Recipe tonight!
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FAQs About Easy Sesame Chicken
Can I make Easy Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute tamari for soy sauce and use cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Ensure all other ingredients, like rice vinegar, are certified gluten-free.
How long does leftover Easy Sesame Chicken last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve crunch and sauce consistency.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
Serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple green salad. You can also offer it over rice noodles or cauliflower rice for low-carb options.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients, fry chicken in batches, and divide into containers. This makes an excellent Good Things To Make For Lunch option.
