If there’s one dish that brings equal parts excitement and comfort to my table, it’s this Sesame Chicken Recipe. Imagine savory-sweet, golden chicken bites cloaked in a glossy, sesame-studded glaze, served over fluffy rice and showered with fresh scallions. This is not only better (and healthier!) than your favorite takeout, but also absolutely doable at home. This Sesame Chicken Recipe shines as both a busy weeknight champion and a dinner-party showstopper—you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Sesame Chicken Recipe is that it lets a handful of humble ingredients shine in truly vibrant ways. Each element— from the savory soy sauce to that pop of sesame— plays an important role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few personal notes:

Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless breasts, cut small for quick, even cooking and maximum crisp edges.
Kosher Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, mellow heat to balance out the sweetness.
Ginger Powder: Works with the fresh ginger for deep, lingering warmth.
Arrowroot (or Cornstarch): Key for crisping the chicken and thickening the sauce without heaviness.
Toasted Sesame Oil: The signature flavor—nutty, aromatic, and completely irresistible.
Avocado Oil: Neutral and great for high-heat sautéing, ensuring the chicken cooks to golden perfection.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch wakes up the dish with subtle heat (add more if you like it spicy!).
Minced Garlic: Four cloves for big flavor and aroma—don’t settle for less!
White Rice: Cooked and ready to cradle the chicken’s beautiful sauce—short grain or jasmine both work well.
Scallions: Sliced fresh for a burst of color and gentle onion crunch at the end.
Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Salty and savory, but not overpowering—keep things balanced and gluten-free if needed.
Monk Fruit Sweetener (or Coconut Sugar, Honey): Adds that classic glossy-sweet note without overdoing the sugar.
Tomato Paste: Brings a surprising richness and color to the sauce.
Seasoned Rice Vinegar: For a delicate tang that brightens every bite.
Sesame Seeds: Stirred in for crunch and sprinkled on top for a final flourish.
Fresh Grated Ginger: Extra zing that really makes this Sesame Chicken Recipe sing.
Filtered Water: For mixing up the slurry—don’t skip it, as it helps the sauce cling to every bite.

How to Make Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Toss your cubed chicken with salt, pepper, ginger powder, arrowroot, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Mix it right on the board or in a big bowl—making sure each piece is evenly coated. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and helps the chicken crisp when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Batches

Heat your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the avocado oil, wait until it’s shimmering, and then spread half of your chicken out in a single layer. Sear for about 5–6 minutes, flipping once so you get a gorgeous golden crust. Remove with a slotted spoon, set aside, and repeat with the rest. Don’t crowd the pan—this keeps the chicken beautifully crisp.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sesame Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, your sweetener of choice, tomato paste, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and freshly grated ginger. This glossy sauce is what’s going to make your Sesame Chicken Recipe absolutely unforgettable.

Step 4: Prepare the Arrowroot Slurry

Quick science lesson: Mix arrowroot or cornstarch with a splash of filtered water to make a smooth slurry. This magic thickener will transform your sauce from runny to glossy and luscious in seconds flat.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Add a final splash of toasted sesame oil to your pan (don’t wipe it!) and toss in those red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the room starts to smell amazing.

Step 6: Start the Sauce

Pour in about half your sauce mixture and let it bubble for a minute, stirring well to scrape up all those golden chicken bits left behind. Now’s when the kitchen really starts smelling irresistible!

Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return your crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss to coat. Add the rest of the sauce, then slowly drizzle in your arrowroot slurry, stirring constantly. Watch as everything thickens into the sticky, shiny wonder you crave. Keep stirring for another two minutes so the sauce hugs every piece.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Spoon that glossy Sesame Chicken Recipe over bowls of steamed rice. Top with extra sesame seeds and a shower of sliced green onions for crunch and color. Grab your chopsticks (or a fork!), and dig in while it’s piping hot and stunningly fragrant.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish for this Sesame Chicken Recipe is a heavy sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a mound of freshly sliced scallions. A few extra pinches of chili flakes or chopped cilantro can give each serving your signature touch—don’t be shy!

Side Dishes

You simply can’t go wrong with an extra helping of fluffy white or jasmine rice, but for a lighter plate, steamed broccoli or crisp snow peas are absolute dream partners. Other favorite sides? A cool cucumber salad or simple stir-fried bok choy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the chicken onto little lettuce cups for a fun hand-held party appetizer, or serve in a big family-style platter for that “wow” moment at the table. For lunchboxes or meal prep, layer with rice and veggies in containers for instant, envy-inducing leftovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers (lucky you)? Cool them completely, then store the Sesame Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit more as it sits, but a quick stir revives everything beautifully.

Freezing

This Sesame Chicken Recipe is freezer-friendly! Simply let the chicken and sauce cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—perfect for stocking up on homemade “takeout.”

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat your chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a teaspoon or two of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, in short bursts, stirring between each session to ensure even warming and keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Sesame Chicken Recipe, offering even juicier bites and extra flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same steps.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, your Sesame Chicken Recipe will be completely gluten-free. Double-check the other ingredients to make sure they fit your dietary needs too.

What makes the sauce thick and glossy?

The combination of arrowroot or cornstarch mixed with water (the slurry) is the secret. It thickens the sauce quickly and gives it that beautiful, clingy glaze you see in restaurant-style sesame chicken.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce to bring the heat up a notch. Customize it to your spice preference—the Sesame Chicken Recipe is incredibly adaptable.

How do I prep this meal for a crowd?

Double (or triple!) the recipe, and use your largest skillet or even a wok. Keep each batch of cooked chicken warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. Serve on a big platter with plenty of rice and garnishes for easy family-style dining.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted takeout-worthy sesame chicken at home without a fuss, this Sesame Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. The flavors are bold, the glaze is dreamy, and making it is an absolute joy. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to dinner!