Chinese Sesame Chicken
Indulge in the rich, savory-sweet flavors of Chinese Sesame Chicken, a takeout favorite you can now master at home. This family-friendly recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs, lightly coated in a crispy cornstarch-flour blend before being perfectly fried to golden perfection. The highlight is the glossy sesame sauce, infused with honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger for a balanced sweetness and umami depth. The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions, adding crunch and a pop of color. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy sesame chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, making it a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner. Perfect for lovers of Chinese cuisine, this recipe captures all the flavors of classic sesame chicken—without needing takeout!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp water
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- 2 scallions (sliced thinly)
Instructions
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp water to the chicken. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in this mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess coating.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 3–5 minutes per batch). Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
In a separate saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, ketchup, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Heat over medium-low, stirring until smooth.
Add garlic and ginger to the sauce, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Transfer the fried chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and gently toss until the pieces are evenly coated.
Garnish the sesame chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1432 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 131.7 g | 169% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.7 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 406 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.6 g | ||
| Protein | 26.9 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 59 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 383 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
