Crispy Sesame Chicken

The aroma of crispy chicken wafts through the kitchen, mingling with the rich notes of sesame and soy. This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and fry, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of coating the chicken and tossing it in a sweet and spicy sauce ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.

This recipe is for anyone craving a delicious Asian-inspired meal without the need for takeout. You can whip it up for busy weeknights or meal prep for lunch on the go. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days to enjoy later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken pieces become irresistibly crispy when fried.
• A mix of sweet and spicy flavors that complement each other perfectly.
• Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile for serving over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to make your Crispy Sesame Chicken.

For the Chicken Coating

• 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the Sauce

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

For Serving

• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Vegetables for serving (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers)
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken can be replaced with tofu.
• Honey can be swapped with maple syrup.
• Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
• Red pepper flakes can be adjusted for heat preference.

How to Make It

Follow these straightforward steps to create your Crispy Sesame Chicken.

Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Dip chicken pieces in the mixture and shake off excess.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep pan and fry chicken until golden brown and crispy.

Make the Sauce

In another skillet, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until combined.

Toss the Chicken

Toss the fried chicken in the sesame sauce until well coated.

Serve It Up

Serve over rice or noodles with fresh vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds.

How to Store It

Fridge: store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, the texture will change.
Reheat: microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve extra crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, or the chicken will steam.
• Let the chicken rest for a minute on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
• Taste the sauce before tossing to adjust sweetness or spice.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed broccoli and bell peppers for added crunch.
• Pair with jasmine rice for a traditional touch.
• Mix with noodles for a fun twist on a classic.