Asian-Style Crispy Sesame Chicken 

Make the ultimate Crispy Sesame Chicken at home! Tender chicken chunks coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

If you’re loving this recipe, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other quick and satisfying recipes. For a simple appetizer that’s full of flavour, check out our Easy Turkey Wontons—they’re perfect for any gathering. If you’re in the mood for sushi-inspired bites, these Baked Salmon Sushi Cups bring that popular TikTok trend straight to your table.

Need a speedy dinner? Our 15-Minute Udon Noodles is a go-to for busy weeknights. Or, spice things up with Japanese Spicy Tuna Onigiri or my homemade Turkey Wontons an easy snack with a kick. Also, this Sticky Chinese Pork Belly and this Korean BBQ Beef Bowl (easy melt-in-your-mouth Bulgogi) will make you enjoy a very nice meal.

Why This Recipe Works

If there’s a recipe that makes me feel like a kitchen wizard, it’s this one. Crispy sesame chicken ticks all the right boxes: golden chunks of perfectly crispy chicken, a sticky, delicious sauce that clings to every bite, and a meal that looks like you ordered takeout but tastes way better. Plus, it’s fast, easy, and requires no fancy gadgets. Whether it’s a cosy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe has your back.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick to Make: Done in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the takeout; this is cheaper and tastier.

What You’ll Need

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for the juiciest results.

Step-by-step instructions

Making this recipe is so easy, you’ll feel like a weeknight dinner pro in no time! Just coat your chicken , fry it up until it’s golden and crispy, and let the sticky, sweet sauce work its magic. Before you know it, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, takeout-style at home – no stress, no mess.

This crispy recipe looks fancy enough to impress your guests, but it’s effortless enough for a busy night. It’s the kind of “dinner magic” we all love.

1. Prep the Meat: Cut your chicken (or turkey) into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to marinate—because patience is a virtue. While that’s happening, lightly beat an egg in another bowl and pour it over the chicken. Sprinkle in the cornflour and mix it up. You want it coated, not swimming in cornflour.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix flour with a touch of paprika (for color, obviously). Now, dredge your meat pieces in this mixture, shaking off the excess like you’ve seen chefs do on TV. We’re aiming for crispy, not doughy.

3. Fry the Chicken: Heat up enough oil in a pan or wok to cover about an inch of the bottom. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by tossing in a small piece of chicken and watching it sizzle), start frying in batches. You want them crispy and golden, so 3–4 minutes on each side should do the trick. Drain on paper towels. Easy peasy.

4. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce: In a clean pan, mix together sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, honey, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Heat over medium and stir until the sauce is well combined. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, just enough to thicken it up a little.
5. Toss and Serve: Once your sauce is ready, toss the crispy chicken in it, making sure each piece gets a good coating. Serve it over rice or rice pilaf (or whatever carbs you like, no judgment). Top with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for that extra touch.

This is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re eating takeout—but you actually made it at home with minimal effort. Serve it up, and watch everyone act impressed.

A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap for turkey breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Use sriracha for a spicier kick.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for tamari for the gluten-free option.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• Nutty: Top with crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan to keep it crispy.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fluffy steamed rice, a crunchy cucumber salad, or even some sautéed green beans for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with some sides like steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, noodles or crispy wontons for a well-rounded meal​.

Tips and Tricks

• Let the sauce cool for a minute before tossing the chicken bites—it helps the coating stay crisp.
• Use a non-stick pan for easier cleanup.

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Asian-Style Crispy Sesame Chicken 

Claudia

Juicy chicken bites coated in a crispy crust, tossed in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sesame sauce. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this easy-to-make dish pairs wonderfully with rice and fresh veggies.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 486 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• 2 Small bowls
• 1 Large bowl
• Kitchen tongs (optional)

Ingredients

  

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Chicken and Coating

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp cornflour cornstarch
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp garlic granules
• 2 tsp paprika
• 3 chicken breast fillets or 4 turkey breast steaks (around 500 gr/1.1 pounds) chopped into bite-size pieces

Sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp soy sauce

To fry

• vegetable oil I used sunflower oil

To Serve

• Steamed rice or rice pilaf with short vermicelli
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• Small bunch of spring onions chopped

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Cut 3 chicken breast fillets (or 4 turkey breast steaks) into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large bowl and add 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic granules, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss to coat the meat evenly and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• While the chicken marinates, lightly beat an egg in a separate bowl. Pour the beaten egg over the chicken, mixing until well coated. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons cornflour, ensuring all pieces are evenly covered.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

• In another bowl, combine 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon paprika. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

• Heat enough sunflower oil (or any vegetable oil) in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil depth is about an inch. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce

• In a clean wok or large pan, combine all the sauce ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 4 tablespoons soy sauce. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the mixture is well combined. Let the sauce cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

• Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Serve over steamed rice or rice pilaf and garnish with 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
• This easy-to-follow method creates a crispy, sticky, and delicious chicken dish that’s great for any occasion, from cozy dinners to festive holiday meals!

Video

Notes

1. Adjust Spice Level: You can easily modify the heat level of the sauce by adjusting the amount of sweet chili sauce. Add more for extra heat or reduce it if you prefer a milder taste.
2. Coating the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the flour mixture before frying. This helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown texture everyone loves.
3. Resting the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a couple of minutes to allow the excess oil to drain off, making the coating even crispier.
4. Soy Sauce Choice: For the best results, use a low-sodium soy sauce to avoid making the dish too salty. You can also opt for tamari if you’re gluten-free.
5. Rice Variations: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or rice pilaf, but you could also serve it with noodles or a fresh salad for a lighter option.
6. Storage: If you have leftovers, store the crispy chicken separately from the sauce to keep the coating crispy. Both can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
7. Frying Oil: If you want a healthier alternative, you can shallow fry the chicken using less oil, or opt for an air fryer for a crispy finish with less oil. 

 

Nutrition Facts

Asian-Style Crispy Sesame Chicken 

Amount per Serving

Calories

486

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

20

g

31

%

Saturated Fat

 

3

g

19

%

Trans Fat

 

0.03

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

4

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

11

g

Cholesterol

 

149

mg

50

%

Sodium

 

1991

mg

87

%

Potassium

 

801

mg

23

%

Carbohydrates

 

35

g

12

%

Fiber

 

1

g

4

%

Sugar

 

22

g

24

%

Protein

 

41

g

82

%

Vitamin A

 

664

IU

13

%

Vitamin C

 

3

mg

4

%

Calcium

 

43

mg

4

%

Iron

 

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 41gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 149mgSodium: 1991mgPotassium: 801mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 664IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg

Keyword chinese sticky sauce, Crispy Sesame Chicken

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