Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken, known for its battered and deep-fried chicken and sweet- savory flavor profile, is popular in Chinese-American cuisine. It’s typically high in sugar, calories and carbs thanks to the sauce and deep frying. My lighter take uses chicken breasts, a sugar-free substitute, and just enough oil to get it crisp. Then, the chicken is coated in a glossy, sticky sauce and finished with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This recipe includes the rice, but you can also swap it for brown fried rice or cauliflower fried rice to make it feel more like Chinese takeout. Tommy loves sesame chicken and gave my healthier version two thumbs up! More healthy Chinese-inspired dishes you should try are Kung Pao Tofu, Broccoli Beef, and Orange Chicken.

What Is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame Chicken is a Chinese-American dish, like General Tso’s Chicken or Orange Chicken, that focuses on balancing sweet and savory flavors with a bit of tang. The sauce’s sweetness is often balanced with a hint of acidity and saltiness, making it incredibly addictive.

Sesame Chicken Ingredients

This easy sesame chicken recipe has two parts: the chicken and the sauce. First, we’ll talk about what you’ll need for the chicken. The recipe card contains the exact measurements.

Crispy Chicken: I’m usually a dark meat girl, but I loved these crisp bite-sized chicken breast pieces that are tender on the inside and coated in the best sauce. Healthier than Takeout: My version is lighter than traditional recipes without all the added sugar. Dietary Restrictions: It’s high-protein, dairy-free, gluten-free (if made with tamari), and Weight Watchers-friendly.

If you make this sesame chicken recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!

Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts to reduce the calories. If you prefer, you can use skinless chicken thighs. Seasoning: Season the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, and ginger powder. Arrowroot or Corn starch gives the chicken a thicker coating, which gets crispy when pan-fried. Oil: I use avocado and toasted sesame oil to cook the meat. The avocado oil has a higher smoke point, and the sesame adds a good toasty flavor. Red Pepper Flakes for a bit of spice Garlic enhances the flavor and gives the dish an amazing aroma. White Rice: Serve the sesame chicken over rice to soak up the sauce. Scallions for color

And here are all the ingredients for the Sesame Chicken Sauce.

Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce is the base of this sauce. Gluten-free tamari also works. Sweetener: I used monk fruit, a low-calorie, low-carb sweetener, but any kind, like coconut sugar or honey, will work too. Tomato Paste some recipes call for ketchup but tomato paste gives the sauce a more complex flavor. Seasoned Rice Vinegar has more flavor and sweetness than regular vinegar, but you can substitute regular rice vinegar if that’s all you have. Toasted Sesame Oil and Sesame Seeds provide nutty flavor. Ginger: Use fresh ginger for a stronger, better flavor. Slurry: To thicken the sauce, create a slurry with arrowroot or cornstarch and water.

How to Make Sesame Chicken

Season and cook the chicken, make the sauce, and combine everything for the best sesame chicken that will satisfy your takeout craving. See the recipe card below for the complete instructions.

Variations

Chicken: Substitute boneless, skinless thighs. Keep it mild and omit the red chili pepper flakes. Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce with tamari. Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Vinegar: Replace seasoned rice vinegar with regular.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame chicken is commonly served with steamed rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains or noodles. For variation, serve it with brown fried rice, cauliflower fried rice, or steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas or bell peppers.

Storage

Leftovers will keep for 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Thaw the container in the fridge the day before eating and microwave it until warm.

More Stir-Fry Chicken Dishes You’ll Love

Chicken and Broccoli Chicken and Zucchini Stir-Fry Kung Pao Chicken Zoodles Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry Asian Peanut Noodles with Chicken Sesame Chicken - 57Sesame Chicken - 58Sesame Chicken - 48Sesame Chicken - 23Sesame Chicken - 62Sesame Chicken - 29Sesame Chicken - 77Sesame Chicken - 94Sesame Chicken - 95Sesame Chicken - 73Sesame Chicken - 89Sesame Chicken - 45Sesame Chicken - 92Sesame Chicken - 20