My obsession with Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken began at first bite: tender, golden-fried chicken smothered in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce, finished with a confetti of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. If you’ve ever craved that irresistible crunch and sticky, finger-licking glaze from your favorite Asian restaurant, this homemade version delivers all that—and more! It’s shockingly simple, astonishingly flavorful, and comes together in under an hour. This is comfort food dialed up, easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to impress guests. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll see why it’s called Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this sesame chicken is blissfully straightforward, yet every component is carefully chosen to maximize crave-worthy flavor and texture. Each item brings something unique, from crispy coating to that luscious sticky sauce and tempting garnishes.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, these are far more flavorful than chicken breast for maximum taste.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a shatteringly crisp exterior when the chicken is fried.
- All-Purpose Flour: Adds a little heft and golden color to the crust—don’t skip it.
- Eggs: Help the coating cling to every bite-sized piece for the ultimate crunch.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken, making every bite flavorful from the inside out.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral-tasting and perfect for frying up the chicken until perfectly golden.
- Soy Sauce: The salty, savory backbone of the sauce—use a good-quality one for best results.
- Honey: Brings sweetness to balance the salt and tang.
- Ketchup: Adds color, a touch of tang, and that classic takeout vibe.
- Rice Vinegar: Offers a subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the sauce’s sweetness and gives extra stickiness.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way for irresistible nutty flavor.
- Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the sauce to just the right, glossy consistency.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds zing and a fragrant finish to the dish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Don’t skip these—they add both crunch and toasty flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions: For a burst of fresh color and a gentle mild bite as garnish.
How to Make Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly. This early seasoning is vital—it infuses every bite with flavor and makes sure your chicken isn’t bland inside that crisp coating.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Crack your eggs into a shallow dish and whisk them well. In a second dish, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour thoroughly. This dual-station setup makes it easy to coat each piece of chicken for a beautifully crisp shell.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Working one piece at a time, dip the seasoned chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Then roll it in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing lightly so that the coating sticks. Lay the coated pieces on a tray as you work.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Pour about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Once the oil is hot (a small drop of batter should sizzle instantly), fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning so every side is crisped and golden. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
Step 5: Make the Signature Sauce
Now comes the magic! In a medium saucepan, mix together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts to simmer, add your cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Toss and Finish
Add the hot, crispy chicken straight into the sauce and toss to coat every piece generously. Transfer to a serving platter, then scatter on the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The sight and scent alone will have everyone running to the table for this Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken!
How to Serve Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t skip the final flourish—garnishes bring both flavor and beauty to your Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, while sliced green onions provide a pop of fresh color and a gentle bite. For a little extra, toss on some thinly sliced red chili for vibrant heat or a drizzle of chili crisp if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
To enjoy this dish at its finest, serve it over steaming white jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice—the sauce soaks in and flavors every grain. For a complete meal, pair with simple steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a medley of stir-fried Asian vegetables. If you’re going for that true takeout experience, some homemade fried rice or egg rolls on the side never hurt!
Creative Ways to Present
Take a cue from your favorite takeout spot and serve the chicken in small paper boxes or over a bed of shredded cabbage for a light, modern twist. Party platter? Build a sesame chicken bowl bar with different garnishes and veggie add-ins, letting everyone make their own. Or dish it up family-style in a big platter at the center of your table—there’s something irresistible about digging in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken will remain delicious for up to three days, though that initial crispiness may soften as it sits in the sauce. It’s still fabulous for next-day lunches or meal prep dinners!
Freezing
For best results, freeze the cooked chicken pieces and sauce separately. Lay the fried chicken on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag; store the cooled sauce in a separate airtight container. When you’re ready, reheat both and toss together, and dinner is served again.
Reheating
To bring back some of that original crispy texture, spread leftover chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick fix, the microwave works in a pinch, though the coating won’t be as crisp. Heat sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before combining.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep a close eye while frying, as breast meat cooks faster and can get dry if overcooked. Thighs offer juicier, more flavorful results, but both are delicious.
How can I make Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your other condiments to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Is there a healthier way to cook the chicken?
Yes! For a lighter version, use your air fryer or bake the coated chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get a beautifully crisp finish with less oil, and the sauce will cling just as well.
Can I prep this dish ahead for a party?
Definitely—fry the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day. Store the components separately, and just before serving, reheat the chicken in the oven and warm the sauce, then toss together. This way, the coating stays as crisp as possible.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Regular soy sauce is classic for this recipe, but low-sodium soy sauce works well if you want to control the saltiness. Whichever you choose, try to use a good-quality brand, as the soy sauce forms the foundation of your Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something seriously craveworthy, make this Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken your next kitchen adventure. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the joy on your family’s faces when you bring this golden, glistening platter to the table. Once you try homemade, there’s just no going back—so gather your ingredients and get ready for some happy, sticky fingers!
Print
Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Better Than Take Out Sesame Chicken at home with this delicious recipe. Crispy chicken bites coated in a savory-sweet sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with cornstarch-flour mixture. Fry until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For a lighter version, consider air frying or baking the chicken.
- Serve over rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
