This Sesame Chicken delivers takeout magic at home with extra-crispy bites coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce. Unlike soggy delivery versions, ours stays ultra-crunchy thanks to a cornstarch double-fry method. Perfect over rice or noodles for a faster-than-delivery weeknight win!
Why This Recipe Wins:
✔️ Double-fried for maximum crispiness that lasts
✔️ Sauce thickens perfectly (no runny mess!)
✔️ Customizable heat level (mild to spicy)
✔️ Meal-prep friendly (sauce stores for days)
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🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken thighs, 1″ cubes
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ tsp white pepper
- Neutral oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sambal oelek (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
For Serving:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced scallions
- Steamed broccoli
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep Chicken
- Marinate: Toss chicken with egg white, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Coat: Add cornstarch and mix until every piece is fully coated (like a dry batter).
2️⃣ Double-Fry
- First fry (350°F): Fry chicken in batches for 3 mins until lightly golden. Drain on rack.
- Second fry (400°F): Refry for 1-2 mins until deep golden brown and crispy.
3️⃣ Make Sauce
- Sauté aromatics: In a wok, cook garlic and ginger in 1 tsp oil for 30 secs.
- Combine sauce: Add honey, soy, vinegar, sambal, and sesame oil. Simmer 2 mins until thickened.
4️⃣ Toss & Serve
- Coat: Add chicken to sauce and toss just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately.
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Key Notes:
- High protein from chicken thighs
- Lower carb option: Reduce honey by half
- Sodium alert: Use low-sodium soy sauce if needed
🌟 Pro Tips
✅ Extra crispy secret: Let coated chicken sit 5 mins before frying for better adhesion.
✅ No deep fryer? Use 1″ oil in a Dutch oven and thermometer.
✅ Meal prep: Store sauce and fried chicken separately; re-crisp chicken in air fryer.
�✨ Better-Than-Takeout Sesame Chicken (Sticky, Crispy & 30-Minute!)
Description
Juicy chicken thighs get a cornstarch crust, fried twice for irresistible crunch, then tossed in a 5-ingredient sauce with honey, soy, and toasted sesame. Served with steamed broccoli and sesame seeds for the ultimate fakeout takeout.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
For Serving:
Instructions
Prep Chicken
- Marinate: Toss chicken with egg white, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Coat: Add cornstarch and mix until every piece is fully coated (like a dry batter).
Double-Fry
- First fry (350°F): Fry chicken in batches for 3 mins until lightly golden. Drain on rack.
- Second fry (400°F): Refry for 1-2 mins until deep golden brown and crispy.
Make Sauce
- Sauté aromatics: In a wok, cook garlic and ginger in 1 tsp oil for 30 secs.
- Combine sauce: Add honey, soy, vinegar, sambal, and sesame oil. Simmer 2 mins until thickened.
Toss & Serve
- Coat: Add chicken to sauce and toss just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 24g
- Protein 36g72%
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Key Notes:
- High protein from chicken thighs
- Lower carb option: Reduce honey by half
- Sodium alert: Use low-sodium soy sauce if needed
