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Easy Sesame Chicken

Restaurant-quality crispy sesame chicken with a perfect sweet-savory glaze, featuring a double-coating technique for maximum crispiness and a glossy sesame sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sesame Sauce
  • cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Method
 

  1. Set up three shallow dishes: combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in one bowl, beat the eggs in another, and have a clean plate ready for coated chicken pieces.
  2. Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally back into the flour mixture for a second coat. Let the coated pieces rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces in batches of 6-8 pieces for about 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. While the chicken rests on paper towels, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a glossy consistency, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sesame seeds.
  5. Add the crispy chicken to the warm sauce and toss gently until every piece is beautifully glazed. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Mix sauce ingredients the night before for better flavor. Let coated chicken rest 5 minutes before frying for better coating adhesion. Avoid overcrowding fryer to maintain oil temperature. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat in 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Can be baked at 425°F for 20-25 minutes as healthier alternative.