Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

Who doesn’t love a takeout favorite that brings instant smiles to the table? Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken is the ultimate comfort food — crispy chicken bites coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and so satisfying that you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out in the first place!

Here’s a fun fact: Sesame Chicken actually originated in the United States, inspired by traditional Chinese flavors and adapted for American tastes. The result? A sticky, crunchy, golden masterpiece that’s become a restaurant staple worldwide.

In under 30 minutes, you can recreate this takeout favorite right in your kitchen — fresher, healthier, and just as crave-worthy. If you’ve loved our General Tso’s Chicken or Beef and Broccoli, this one will easily become a new favorite!

🍗 What is Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken?

Despite its name, Sesame Chicken isn’t originally from China — it’s an American-Chinese creation that celebrates balance: crispy fried chicken paired with a glossy, sesame-scented sauce that’s both sweet and tangy.

The “sesame” part comes from the finishing touch — a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds that add a nutty aroma and delicate crunch.

And let’s be honest: when they say “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach,” this dish is proof. Sweet, savory, crispy perfection — ready to win over anyone at first bite!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy & Flavorful: Golden fried chicken coated in a rich sesame glaze — a textural dream come true.

2. Better Than Takeout: Fresher ingredients, less oil, and just as tasty as your favorite restaurant.

3. Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.

4. Customizable: Make it sweeter, spicier, or even air-fried — this recipe adapts to your taste!

5. Budget-Friendly: Restaurant-quality sesame chicken without the delivery fees.

If you love quick, saucy Asian-inspired meals, don’t miss our Sweet and Sour Chicken — another delicious weeknight favorite!

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)

• Oil for frying

• Salt, to taste

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, if possible)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

⏱ Quick Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Season your chicken pieces lightly with salt. Set up three bowls — one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

2. Dredge and Coat
   Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. This triple-layer method ensures maximum crunch!

3. Fry Until Crispy
   Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in small batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

4. Make the Sesame Sauce
   In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens — about 2–3 minutes.

5. Combine and Serve
   Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately for the best crunch!

🍚 What to Serve with Sesame Chicken

Turn your homemade sesame chicken into a full takeout-style feast! Here are some delicious pairings:

• Steamed jasmine or white rice — the perfect base for soaking up that glossy sauce.

• Stir-fried vegetables — broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for color and crunch.

• Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls — because more crunch is always a good idea.

• Cucumber salad — adds refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.

• Drinks: Try a chilled jasmine tea or sparkling water with lemon to balance the sweetness.

Chinese Takeout Sesame Chicken

A quick and easy takeout classic featuring crispy chicken pieces in a sweet and savory sesame sauce that your family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 pieces eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs Or crushed cornflakes or panko

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey Adjust for sweetness
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 pieces green onions, sliced For garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Season chicken pieces with a pinch of salt.
• Set up a dredging station with bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat chicken pieces in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.

Cooking

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture over medium heat. Thicken for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Serving

• In a large bowl, add the fried chicken and pour the sauce over it. Toss gently to coat each piece. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. This dish also freezes well for about a month.

Keyword Crispy Chicken, Quick Dinner, Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Savory, Takeout Recipe