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People always ask me for Good Things To Make For Lunch or What To Do For Dinner. That’s why I created this Easy Sesame Chicken recipe. This short, Ez Food Recipes article gives you a Yummy Simple Recipes answer in under 30 minutes. I’ll take you through every step, from Crispy Chicken Takeout Style coating to a sweet, tangy sesame sauce. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this Chicken Take Out favorite feels like a gourmet meal at home. It’s one of the Good Recipes For Dinner Easy Main Dishes you’ll want on repeat.
The Story & Inspiration Behind Easy Sesame Chicken
A Personal Memory
I still remember the first time I tasted Easy Sesame Chicken at my friend’s house. My best friend, Melissa, whipped it up for a casual weeknight meal. I watched with wide eyes as she dredged each boneless chicken piece in seasoned flour and then fried it until it turned a golden-brown. The kitchen filled with the irresistible crunch and sweet, nutty aroma of sesame. Honestly, I felt like I was biting into the best Crispy Chicken Takeout Style dish ever. As I took that first bite, I thought, “I have to recreate this at home!”
Ever since, I’ve adapted that moment into my own version. My kids, Ella and Max, help me shake the chicken in the cornstarch mix; my husband, Daniel, handles the sauce whisking. We laugh as they sneak pieces straight off the tray. This Easy Sesame Chicken reminds me why cooking becomes Fun Things To Make For Dinner and why a simple dish can spark such joy. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch or brainstorming What To Do For Dinner tonight, this recipe turns routine into a food adventure.
Back then, I scribbled notes on a scrap of paper, determined to balance sweetness, salt, and that toasted sesame flavor perfectly. Over time, I ditched complicated techniques and simplified the process, turning it into one of my favorite Ez Food Recipes. I hope this Easy Sesame Chicken sparks memories of your own kitchen experiments and encourages you to treat every meal as a chance to create. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you’ll make the kind of meal that becomes a family tradition.
Easy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Work in batches if needed.
- While chicken cooks, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
- When all chicken is crispy, drain excess oil, then pour sauce over chicken in the skillet.
- Toss chicken to coat and simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes each piece.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and half of the green onions; toss gently to combine.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with remaining green onions. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why This Recipe Matters
This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe matters because it bridges the gap between Easy Dinner Ideas For Beginners and the crave-worthy flavor of restaurant-style dishes. In under 30 minutes, you’ll master a recipe that stays juicy inside, crispy outside, and bursting with a sticky, savory-sweet sauce. Plus, you don’t need fancy equipment—just a skillet, a bowl, and basic pantry staples. These qualities make it one of the Good Recipes For Dinner Easy Main Dishes you’ll reach for again and again.
Beyond convenience, this dish fits into various menus. Serve it as a standalone entrée with steamed greens, or toss it into a tasty bowl alongside rice and veggies for a balanced, protein-packed meal. Even as a lunch option, it shines. Next time you wonder “What To Do For Dinner?” or need Good Things To Make For Lunch, turn to this recipe. It promises consistent results, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor, reinforcing why it’s a go-to for home cooks of all levels.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients You Need for Easy Sesame Chicken
Gather these simple ingredients to prepare Easy Sesame Chicken in a flash. The cornstarch coating gives that signature crispiness, while the sauce balances tangy, sweet, and nutty notes. Check out the table below before you start.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces | 1.5 pounds |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Honey | ¼ cup |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Green onions, sliced | 2 stalks |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Sesame Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Work in batches if needed.
- While chicken cooks, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
- When all chicken is crispy, drain excess oil, then pour sauce over chicken in the skillet.
- Toss chicken to coat and simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes each piece.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and half of the green onions; toss gently to combine.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with remaining green onions for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or mixed veggies.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Smart Swaps & Variations
If you want to keep this dish gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a low-carb version, skip the cornstarch dredge and lightly coat chicken in almond flour. You can substitute chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian twist. Feel free to adjust sweetness by reducing honey or swapping maple syrup, and boost spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes. These plant-based and keto-friendly adjustments make this recipe accessible to many diets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Easy Sesame Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. For lighter fare, pile it on a bed of fresh mixed greens and drizzle extra sauce. Leftovers work great in lettuce wraps or as a protein topping for grain bowls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness. You can also prep chicken and sauce separately for meal prep—just toss together at mealtime for that just-made experience.
Health Benefits of Easy Sesame Chicken
Easy Sesame Chicken delivers a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and moderate carbs. Chicken thighs or breasts provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Sesame seeds contribute plant-based healthy fats and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, supporting bone health and energy production. Fresh garlic and ginger add more than flavor—they offer antioxidants that support immunity and digestion.
By controlling oil amounts and choosing low-sodium soy sauce, you keep sodium and fat in check. Pairing this dish with fiber-rich vegetables or whole grains enhances digestion and vitamin intake. If you follow a balanced diet or work toward weight management, you’ll appreciate how this recipe fits into a diverse meal plan. Additionally, the recipe adapts to low-carb lifestyles by using almond flour or skipping the breading, making it friendly for keto or paleo approaches.
Conclusion
Easy Sesame Chicken proves that restaurant-quality meals can come from your home kitchen without stress or fancy gadgets. With its Crispy Chicken Takeout Style appeal, this dish satisfies cravings and elevates your meal rotation. Whether you’re exploring Easy Dinner Ideas For Beginners or looking for Fun Things To Make For Dinner, this recipe wins every time. Embrace its flexibility—swap proteins, adjust sweetness, or pair with your favorite sides to make it uniquely yours.
From my family’s kitchen to yours, I hope this Easy Sesame Chicken becomes a go-to on busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. You’ll create delicious memories and enjoy the joy of cooking. So gather those simple ingredients, heat up your skillet, and let the aroma of sesame and garlic fill your home. Happy cooking!
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FAQs About Easy Sesame Chicken
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can. Chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster. Watch closely to avoid drying out the meat. Adjust frying time by 1–2 minutes per side based on thickness.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch for rice flour or tapioca starch. Use tamari in place of soy sauce. These simple changes keep the same great flavor without gluten.
Can I meal prep Easy Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely. Cook and cool chicken, then store sauce separately. Reheat chicken in a skillet until warm and crispy, add sauce, and toss. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover sesame chicken?
For maximum crispiness, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Avoid the microwave—it can make the coating soggy. Heat until just warmed through.