Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy chicken, sweet and savory sauces, and irresistible sesame flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, busy weeknights, or low-carb meals, these Sesame Chicken Recipes are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
From classic crispy versions to healthier options like air fryer bites or lettuce wraps, there’s a recipe for everyone. Let’s dive in and explore each recipe in detail.
Classic Crispy Sesame Chicken With Sweet Soy Glaze
The classic crispy sesame chicken is a restaurant favorite that you can make at home. The secret is in creating a perfect balance of crunchy coating and sticky sweet soy glaze.
Ingredients & tips:
- Boneless chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Lightly coated with cornstarch or flour for crispiness
- Fried or baked until golden
- Tossed in a sweet soy sauce mixed with sesame oil, honey, and garlic
Why this recipe works:
- Crispy exterior with tender inside
- Sweet and savory sauce enhances every bite
- Sesame seeds add texture and flavor
Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a classic dinner experience.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken before frying.
Minute Weeknight Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry
Short on time? This minute sesame chicken stir-fry is your go-to recipe for a fast, flavorful meal.
Key steps:
- Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly in a hot pan
- Stir-fry with bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli
- Toss with a quick sauce of soy, sesame oil, garlic, and a dash of honey
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving
Benefits:
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Minimal cleanup
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Pair it with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken for Busy Evenings
If you want set-it-and-forget-it convenience, the slow cooker sesame chicken is ideal. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you don’t have time to stand by the stove.
How to make it:
- Place chicken pieces, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and a splash of sesame oil in the slow cooker
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours
- Add cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce
Why slow cooker works:
- Deeply infused flavors
- No need to watch the stove
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
Serve with rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Baked Sesame Chicken With Honey Garlic Sauce
For a healthier twist, baked sesame chicken uses less oil but still delivers amazing flavor and texture.
Baking tips:
- Coat chicken with a mixture of panko, sesame seeds, and spices
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy
- Toss with a homemade honey garlic sauce
Advantages:
- Lower in calories than fried versions
- Crispy outside, juicy inside
- Easy for batch cooking
This recipe works perfectly for meal prep or family dinners where you want something quick, tasty, and healthier.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites
Air fryer recipes are a game-changer. Sesame chicken bites cook quickly and come out golden and crunchy with minimal oil.
Air fryer tips:
- Cut chicken into small, even pieces
- Lightly coat with cornstarch and seasonings
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes
- Toss in a sesame glaze and serve immediately
Benefits:
- Quick and easy
- Healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken
- Perfect for appetizers or lunchboxes
Pro Tip: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps for Low-Carb Dinners
For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, sesame chicken lettuce wraps are fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
How to make:
- Cook chicken in sesame garlic sauce
- Add shredded carrots, chopped water chestnuts, or bell peppers
- Spoon into large lettuce leaves
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions
Why this recipe is great:
- Light and refreshing
- Perfect for low-carb or gluten-free diets
- Easy to customize with veggies and sauce
Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken Every Time
- Use fresh sesame seeds: Toast them lightly for extra aroma.
- Balance sweet and savory: Adjust honey, soy, or garlic to taste.
- Cook chicken evenly: Cut pieces uniformly to avoid overcooked or undercooked bites.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: For crispy chicken, cook in batches if necessary.
- Garnish last: Add sesame seeds and green onions right before serving for the best presentation.
Why Sesame Chicken Recipes Are So Popular
- Flavor-packed: Sweet, savory, and nutty all in one bite
- Versatile: Can be baked, air-fried, slow-cooked, or stir-fried
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love it
- Customizable: Adjust sauce, spice level, or veggies as desired
These recipes make it easy to enjoy restaurant-quality sesame chicken at home without compromising on taste or convenience.
FAQs Abouts Sesame Chicken Recipes
- What is the best way to make crispy sesame chicken at home?
To make crispy sesame chicken, coat bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs, then bake or fry until golden. Toss in a sweet soy glaze with sesame seeds for maximum flavor. - Can I make sesame chicken quickly for weeknights?
Yes! The Minute Weeknight Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry uses thinly sliced chicken and quick-cooking vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings. - How does slow cooker sesame chicken work?
Place chicken, sauce ingredients, garlic, and ginger in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Add a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce for a tender, flavorful dish. - Is baked sesame chicken healthier than fried?
Yes, baking uses less oil while still delivering crispy, juicy chicken. Coating with panko and sesame seeds ensures great texture without deep frying. - Can I make sesame chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cut chicken into small pieces, lightly coat with cornstarch, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Toss in sesame glaze and serve immediately. - Are sesame chicken lettuce wraps low-carb?
Yes! Using lettuce instead of rice or tortillas makes this dish keto-friendly and low in carbohydrates. Add fresh vegetables and sauce for a satisfying, light meal. - What vegetables go well with sesame chicken?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, shredded carrots, and water chestnuts pair well with sesame chicken, whether in stir-fries, wraps, or bowls. - Can I prepare sesame chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, store in airtight containers, and reheat when ready. For best texture, toss the chicken in sauce just before serving. - How do I prevent sesame chicken from becoming soggy?
Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer. Cook in batches if needed and toss in sauce at the end to maintain crispiness. - Can I adjust the sweetness or spice in sesame chicken recipes?
Absolutely! Modify honey, sugar, or soy sauce for sweetness and add chili flakes or sriracha for heat. Adjust to taste for a personalized dish.