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Quick Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe 30-Minute Easy Homemade Meal

quick crispy sesame chicken - featured image

A quick and easy crispy sesame chicken recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, featuring a double coating for extra crunch and a perfectly balanced sweet-savory sesame sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for shallow frying
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In one bowl, mix all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
  3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mix, pressing gently to coat evenly. Repeat dipping and dredging once more for double coating.
  4. Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to cover about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F or 74°C). Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  6. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Pour into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat.
  7. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Place fried chicken in a large bowl, pour warm sauce over, and toss gently to coat evenly without losing crispness.
  9. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

Double coating the chicken ensures extra crispiness that holds up well to the sauce. Keep oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to maintain crispness. For gluten-free, use almond flour and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame chicken, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, 30-minute meal, homemade sesame chicken, weeknight dinner, double coating, sweet and savory sauce