Dinner

Sesame Chicken Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Introduction

Sesame chicken is a deliciously savory and sweet dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful sauce and toasted sesame seeds make every bite irresistible. Serve it over jasmine rice for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

The image shows a white round plate with two main layers of food. On the left side, there is a generous pile of golden-brown fried chicken pieces covered in a thick, glossy dark brown sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and bright green chopped scallions. On the right side, there is a neat mound of fluffy white rice topped with scattered green scallions, creating a fresh contrast in color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface which adds a clean and elegant backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ Tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
2 Tbsp cooking oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 large egg
2 Tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
Salt and pepper, a pinch each
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
2 whole green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and ½ tablespoon of cornstarch to create the sauce mixture.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cut the chicken thighs into pieces and coat them thoroughly in this mixture.
Step 3: Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and fry until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir continuously and cook until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all the chicken pieces.
Step 5: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken just before serving.
Step 6: Serve the sesame chicken hot on a bed of steamed jasmine rice.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs will remain juicier.
For extra crunch, lightly coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before frying.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Swap jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.

Storage

Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to maintain the sauce’s texture and chicken’s tenderness. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent dryness.

How to Serve

A white plate holds two main layers of food placed side by side, on the left is a pile of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in shiny dark brown sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and topped with chopped green onions for color. On the right, a neat serving of white rice shows separate grains, garnished with small chopped green onions. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the chicken dry before coating to ensure even cooking and proper sauce adherence.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar if I don’t have any?

You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute, but use slightly less to avoid overpowering the dish with acidity.

Matteo Rossi