Crispy Sesame Chicken
Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a delicious, flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce, look no further than homemade crispy sesame chicken! This crowd-pleaser is perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a cozy night in. With its crunchy texture and savory glaze, this recipe promises to become a favorite in your household.
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade crispy sesame chicken stands out for several reasons. First, it offers a delightful crunch from the perfectly fried chicken pieces. The sweet and savory sauce enhances the dish, making it irresistible. Additionally, this recipe allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier alternative to takeout versions. Plus, it’s quite simple to make, even for novice cooks!
How to Make Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken
Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up your very own crispy sesame chicken right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided (1 tablespoon and 3 teaspoons)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Directions
- In a medium to large-sized shallow bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Coat each piece of chicken by dipping it into the egg mixture first, then into the flour mixture. Place the coated chicken pieces on a large plate and repeat until all chicken is coated.
- In a deep pot, add about 3-3.5 inches of oil and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Once the oil is heated, fry the chicken in batches, adding about 8 pieces at a time. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In a separate bowl, mix honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
- In a large pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pan and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until thickened.
- Once the sauce is thick, add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated. Drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the top.
- Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve immediately.
How to Serve Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken
Plate the crispy sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions for added flair. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, making for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for maximum crispiness or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying; this will prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Variations
If you want to try something different, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli to the dish. You can also substitute tofu for chicken for a vegetarian version, or use different types of sauces to mix up the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before adding the chicken.
2. What can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can substitute hoisin sauce with barbecue sauce for a slightly different flavor.
3. Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking. However, the texture will be less crispy than frying.
Now you have all the information needed to create your very own homemade crispy sesame chicken! Enjoy the flavors and impress your friends and family with this delightful dish.

Crispy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 pieces eggs
- 0.5 cup flour
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- Oil for frying vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil divided (1 tablespoon and 3 teaspoons)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 0.25 cup honey
- 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
- 0.33 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 0.25 cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium to large-sized shallow bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Coat each piece of chicken by dipping it into the egg mixture first, then into the flour mixture. Place the coated chicken pieces on a large plate and repeat until all chicken is coated.
Cooking
- In a deep pot, add about 3-3.5 inches of oil and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Once the oil is heated, fry the chicken in batches, adding about 8 pieces at a time. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, mix honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Combining
- In a large pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pan and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until thickened.
- Once the sauce is thick, add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated. Drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the top.
- Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve immediately.