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This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the essence of your favorite takeout straight to your home kitchen. With golden-brown, perfectly crisp chicken tossed in a sweet, savory, and nutty sesame glaze, it delivers a bold yet balanced flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The combination of juicy thigh meat, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a sticky sauce makes it a must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired dinners. It’s surprisingly simple to make and promises a restaurant-quality experience without the fuss.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Chicken powder
Yum yum seasoning (or substitute with MSG or chicken bouillon)
Sugar
White pepper
Baking soda
Minced garlic
Fresh ginger
Sesame oil
Chinese cooking wine
Cornstarch

Sauce

Water
Low-sodium soy sauce
Rice wine vinegar
Sesame oil
Oyster sauce
Brown sugar
Chicken powder
Sesame seeds
Cornstarch

Wet Batter

Cornstarch
Self-raising flour
Ice-cold water

Stir-fry & garnish

Vegetable oil
Garlic
Spring onions (scallions)
Sesame seeds

Directions

Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks. Combine with chicken powder, seasoning, sugar, white pepper, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cooking wine, and a spoonful of cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
For the batter, whisk cornstarch, self-raising flour, and cold water until you get a smooth, thick coating batter.
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350 °F. Dip each chicken piece into the batter and fry in batches until golden brown and crisp. Drain on a paper towel.
In a clean pan, sauté minced garlic briefly. Add the sauce mixture and simmer until it thickens into a sticky glaze.
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, preferably with steamed rice.

Nutrients

Calories: ~540 kcal per serving
Carbohydrates: ~47 g
Protein: ~26 g
Fat: ~28 g
Saturated Fat: ~4 g
Sodium: ~1900 mg
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~22 g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe truly distinguishes itself from standard takeout versions. It offers a harmonious balance between texture and flavor that’s hard to achieve in home kitchens without the right techniques. The double-layered approach—marinating the chicken first and then frying it in a carefully crafted wet batter—produces a crisp yet tender bite in every piece. What really elevates this dish is the sauce. It’s not overly sweet or artificial like many commercial versions. Instead, the sauce has real depth from oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a carefully measured amount of vinegar for acidity. It coats each chicken piece beautifully, offering just the right amount of glaze to complement, not overpower, the crispy shell.

Another standout feature is the thoughtful selection of chicken thighs rather than breasts. Thighs provide richer flavor and more moisture, ensuring that each bite remains juicy even after frying. This detail alone brings the experience much closer to authentic Asian-style cooking, where chicken thighs are preferred for their robust taste.

Lastly, this recipe gives you complete control over your ingredients. No MSG-laden sauces or mystery oils—just real, straightforward pantry staples that deliver big flavor. It’s also adjustable. Whether you want it spicier, a bit sweeter, or with more tang, the sauce can be tweaked to fit your palate. This level of customization is what makes homemade meals truly superior.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The ingredients in this dish were chosen not just for flavor, but also for their functional benefits. Chicken thighs are a lean source of protein and are less prone to drying out, making them perfect for frying. Garlic and ginger bring natural warmth and immune-boosting properties. They also cut through the richness of the fried chicken and elevate the aromatic quality of the sauce.

Sesame oil and sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. They’re known for their nutty fragrance and add a deep layer of umami that enhances the dish’s complexity. The use of rice wine vinegar balances the sweet elements of the sauce with a touch of acidity, helping to brighten each bite. Soy sauce and oyster sauce provide saltiness and depth, while brown sugar lends a subtle molasses flavor that creates the signature sweet-savory balance sesame chicken is known for.

Cornstarch and self-raising flour form the backbone of the batter. Together, they create a light yet crunchy texture that holds up well to the sticky sauce. Even the garnish of scallions and sesame seeds isn’t just for looks—they add a final burst of freshness and texture to round out the experience.

Cooking Tips

To get the most out of this recipe, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, oil temperature is crucial. Maintaining a steady 350 °F ensures the chicken cooks quickly and crisps up properly without becoming greasy. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown before the inside is fully cooked. Too cool, and the batter will absorb excess oil, making it soggy.

Another tip is not to overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in small batches allows the temperature to remain consistent and gives each piece space to crisp up. It’s tempting to rush, but patience pays off here.

Double-dipping in batter or using a slightly thicker coating can also enhance the crunch factor, especially if you love extra crispy textures. If you want to lighten the dish, you can bake the battered chicken at 400 °F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. While the crispiness won’t quite match the fried version, it still yields a satisfying result.

Also, plan your prep ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated the night before, and the sauce can be made and refrigerated for up to three days. That way, the actual cooking time is reduced to just frying and tossing.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Sesame Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. The most classic option is steamed jasmine or long-grain rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce without overpowering the main dish. Brown rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives for those seeking whole grains or low-carb options.

You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers. These add color, texture, and a healthy contrast to the rich chicken. A side of kimchi or pickled cucumbers also offers a tangy counterpoint that complements the dish well.

If you’re looking to turn this into a family-style meal, consider adding egg rolls, hot and sour soup, or even a simple Asian-style salad with sesame dressing. For a party platter, serve the chicken as finger food with skewers, perhaps accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce or chili oil on the side.

For leftovers, it’s best to reheat the chicken in a skillet rather than a microwave. A few minutes over medium heat will revive the crispiness and prevent the coating from turning mushy.

Conclusion

This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is a standout dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the comfort and control of home cooking. From the juicy, marinated chicken to the crispy golden batter and the rich sesame glaze, every component is crafted to maximize both taste and texture. It’s a great recipe for weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something a little special without ordering out.

Beyond the irresistible flavor, what makes this dish truly satisfying is its versatility and approachability. With a few basic ingredients and a little bit of planning, anyone can recreate this takeout classic in their own kitchen. Whether you serve it over rice, pair it with veggies, or enjoy it as a snack, this dish is bound to become a repeat favorite. So the next time you’re craving sesame chicken, skip the delivery app and head to your kitchen—you won’t be disappointed.

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