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Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that brings together tender chicken, a tangy-sweet sauce, and that signature nutty sesame finish. With this recipe, you’ll get the perfect balance of crispiness, flavor, and a glossy glaze that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
First, pat the chicken dry and place it in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this dry mixture until they’re evenly coated. Shake off any excess, and set the chicken aside.
Heat a generous layer of vegetable oil in a sturdy pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of coated chicken—it should sizzle right away), carefully add the coated chicken. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess oil.
While the chicken cools slightly, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder (or minced garlic), ginger if using, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into a clean pan or wok set over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
Add the fried chicken back into the pan, toss it well in the thick sauce, and sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds. Stir briefly until the chicken is evenly coated. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color.
This Golden Sesame Crispy Chicken is a treat for anyone craving bold flavor with a sweet-and-tangy twist. It’s a nice fit for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or if you simply want a restaurant-style meal at home. You can easily make it healthier by baking or air-frying the chicken rather than deep-frying, and you can add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or tweak it to your liking, this sesame chicken will add a delicious spark to your dinner routine.
