How to Make Restaurant-Style Sesame Chicken: A Foolproof Recipe

Did you know a typical serving of restaurant sesame chicken recipe packs about 500 calories with 20g of fat and 54g carbs?

We can create this popular Chinese-American dish at home in just 30 minutes – significantly faster than waiting for takeout. The best sesame chicken recipe balances sweet and savory flavors, often enhanced with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and taste.

When learning how to make sesame chicken, you’ll discover it’s surprisingly straightforward. The sauce typically includes honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and sesame oil, all combining to create that authentic restaurant-style flavor. Additionally, the chinese sesame chicken recipe can be made healthier by using less oil and sautéing instead of deep frying.

The secret to a crispy sesame chicken recipe lies in the technique called “velveting” – coating chicken with cornstarch and egg to keep the meat tender while creating that perfect crispy exterior. This method allows the sesame chicken sauce recipe to adhere beautifully to each piece.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through our foolproof method to create restaurant-quality sesame chicken that costs significantly less than ordering from P.F. Changs or Panda Express. Let’s get cooking!

Gathering the Right Ingredients

The first step to creating perfect sesame chicken at home is selecting quality ingredients. Gathering everything in advance ensures a smooth cooking process that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Choosing between chicken breast and thighs

The debate between white and dark meat comes down to flavor, texture, and budget. Chicken thighs remain the preferred choice for authentic sesame chicken recipe because they naturally contain more fat, resulting in juicier, more flavorful results. Furthermore, thighs are typically more budget-friendly than breasts.

Chicken breasts offer a leaner alternative with slightly less fat content. However, they require careful cooking to prevent drying out. If you prefer white meat, ensure you cut the pieces uniformly and avoid overcooking them.

Regardless of your choice, the velveting technique will help keep either cut tender and moist throughout cooking.

Essential pantry items for the sauce

The magic of chinese sesame chicken recipe lies in its distinctive sauce. To create that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, you’ll need:

• Soy sauce – Provides the umami foundation; low-sodium varieties work best
• Rice vinegar – Adds brightness and acidity to balance sweetness
• Sesame oil – Imparts the signature nutty flavor; look for toasted varieties for deeper flavor
• Sweeteners – Typically brown sugar, honey, or a combination of both
• Aromatics – Fresh garlic and ginger create the authentic flavor base

One surprising ingredient in traditional sesame chicken sauce recipe is ketchup. Although unexpected, it contributes natural MSG from tomatoes plus additional spices, vinegar, and sweetness that creates the distinctive flavor profile.

For proper thickness, cornstarch serves as the essential thickening agent in the sauce. Most recipes call for making a cornstarch slurry (2 parts water to 1 part cornstarch) before adding to the sauce.

Optional add-ins for extra flavor

Once you’ve mastered the basic crispy sesame chicken recipe, consider these flavorful variations:

For spicy versions, incorporate sweet chili sauce or red pepper flakes. Those seeking deeper flavor might add Shaoxing wine, a traditional Chinese cooking wine that enhances the dish’s complexity.

If you’re looking to make a complete meal, stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas complement the dish perfectly. To add textural contrast, consider incorporating roasted cashews or almonds.

For an extra sesame punch, increase the amount of toasted sesame seeds or add black sesame seeds for visual contrast.

Prepping the Chicken for Crispiness

The secret to restaurant-quality sesame chicken lies in properly preparing the chicken. Creating that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside requires specific techniques used by professional chefs.

How to cut the chicken evenly

Uniform pieces are crucial for consistent cooking in any sesame chicken recipe. Cut boneless chicken into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. For easier slicing, try this chef’s trick: place chicken in the freezer until partially frozen—firm but not solid. This makes achieving uniform pieces significantly easier, especially when working with slippery chicken breast.

Always slice against the grain (the direction of muscle fibers) to achieve more tender results. This cutting technique is particularly important when using chicken breast, which naturally has less fat than thighs.

Making the egg and cornstarch coating

The magic behind crispy sesame chicken recipe involves a special coating. In a bowl, combine equal parts flour and cornstarch (typically ½ cup each), then add ½ teaspoon baking powder. This combination prevents gluten development while creating a light, airy crust.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs or egg whites. Some recipes use whole eggs while others use only whites for a lighter coating. Consequently, dip chicken pieces first in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the dry mix. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure proper adhesion.

Let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking. During this time, the coating adheres properly to the chicken, ensuring it won’t fall off during frying.

Tips for velveting the chicken

Velveting is essentially a Chinese tenderizing technique that creates ultra-tender chicken. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to remove excess moisture
• For extra tenderness, add ½ teaspoon baking soda to your marinade
• Cold seltzer water in the batter creates air pockets for enhanced crispiness
• Avoid overmixing the batter—a slightly lumpy consistency yields better results

Oil temperature is critical—aim for 350°F to prevent greasy, soggy chicken. Furthermore, fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature throughout cooking.

Making the Perfect Sesame Chicken Sauce

Creating that perfect glossy sauce is what elevates homemade sesame chicken to restaurant quality. The interplay of flavors must be precisely balanced to achieve that mouthwatering result you crave.

Balancing sweet, salty, and tangy flavors

The magic of an authentic sesame chicken sauce recipe lies in its harmonious flavor profile. Most restaurant-style versions combine:

• Sweet elements – brown sugar, honey, or both (typically ¾ cup brown sugar)
• Salty components – soy sauce (2-4 tbsp) and sometimes oyster sauce
• Tanginess – rice vinegar (2 tbsp) or white vinegar (⅛ cup)
• Aromatic base – garlic, ginger, and sometimes scallions
• Signature sesame element – toasted sesame oil (2 tbsp) and seeds

Many chefs add ketchup (2-3 tbsp) which contributes tanginess and sweetness simultaneously. Moreover, chicken broth (about 1 cup) provides depth without overpowering other flavors.

How to thicken the sauce properly

Achieving that perfect clingy consistency requires proper thickening. First, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water. Never add dry cornstarch directly to hot liquid as it will clump.

Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Subsequently, allow the sauce to bubble for 1-2 minutes until it becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon. The sauce should reach a thin syrup-like consistency.

Common mistakes to avoid

About 76% of home cooks report burning their sauce by leaving it too long on heat. Therefore, maintain constant stirring and remove from heat once it reaches desired thickness.

Another common error is insufficient simmering time. In fact, if your sauce remains thin, simply mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir into the sauce.

Skipping the cornstarch entirely is a critical mistake—this ingredient is essential for both chicken coating and sauce thickening. Without it, your sauce won’t properly adhere to the chicken, resulting in a disappointing dish rather than restaurant-quality results.

Cooking and Combining Everything

Now that your chicken is prepped and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together for the perfect sesame chicken recipe. The final cooking method you choose can make a significant difference in the outcome of your dish.

Pan-frying vs. deep-frying methods

Pan-frying requires only 3-4 tablespoons of oil to coat your skillet, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. Simply heat oil in a pan until very hot, then cook the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, approximately 6-7 minutes total. Pan-frying provides excellent control over the cooking process and creates less mess in your kitchen.

Deep-frying, on the other hand, produces that restaurant-style ultra-crispy exterior. Heat oil to precisely 350-375°F (177-190°C) and fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and float to the surface. Although this method uses significantly more oil, many chefs insist it delivers that authentic crispy sesame chicken texture.

Nonetheless, for those seeking healthier options, baking or air-frying can produce crispy results without the extra oil. These methods keep the breading intact and minimize cleanup.

When to add the sauce

Once your chicken is crispy and fully cooked, briefly set it aside. First, sauté aromatics like garlic and green onions for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add your prepared sauce mixture to the pan and stir immediately as it begins to bubble and thicken.

After the sauce reaches the desired consistency, add the chicken back into the pan. Quickly toss everything together until each piece is thoroughly coated. Indeed, this final combination should take no longer than 1-2 minutes to prevent the chicken from losing its crispiness.

Final garnishes and plating tips

Prior to serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the finished dish. Furthermore, sliced green onions add fresh color and flavor contrast. Consider these additional plating options:

• Serve over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce
• Pair with steamed broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal
• For presentation, arrange in a mound with garnishes cascading down the sides

Serve your homemade chinese sesame chicken recipe immediately while still hot and the sauce is glossy for the most authentic restaurant experience.

Conclusion

The journey to mastering restaurant-style sesame chicken certainly requires attention to detail, but the results are unquestionably worth the effort. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the essential techniques that professional chefs use – from properly cutting chicken to the magical velveting process that ensures tender meat with a crispy coating. Furthermore, we’ve uncovered the secret sauce balance that gives sesame chicken its irresistible flavor profile.

Most importantly, this homemade version saves you money while allowing complete control over ingredients. The satisfaction of creating this takeout favorite at home comes not just from the delicious results, but also from knowing exactly what goes into your meal.

Remember that practice makes perfect. Your first attempt might not match your favorite restaurant’s version exactly, but each time you prepare this dish, you’ll refine your technique. Many home cooks find their version eventually surpasses restaurant quality because it’s freshly made and customized to their exact taste preferences.

After mastering this basic recipe, you can confidently experiment with variations – perhaps adding vegetables for extra nutrition or adjusting the sauce sweetness to suit your palate. Above all, cooking should be enjoyable, so don’t stress over perfection right away.

We hope this guide helps you bring the authentic flavors of Chinese-American cuisine into your kitchen. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q1. What makes sesame chicken unique in Chinese cuisine? Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory glaze. The sauce typically includes soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, giving it a distinct nutty flavor. It’s often garnished with toasted sesame seeds, which add both texture and visual appeal.

Q2. What are the key ingredients needed for making sesame chicken at home? The main ingredients for sesame chicken include boneless chicken (breast or thighs), cornstarch, eggs, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds. You’ll also need vegetable oil for frying and optional ingredients like ketchup or chili sauce for added flavor.

Q3. How can I achieve restaurant-quality tenderness in my chicken? To get tender chicken like restaurants, try the “velveting” technique. This involves coating the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and egg before cooking. Additionally, marinating the chicken in a mixture containing baking soda can help break down the meat’s fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.

Q4. What’s the secret to getting crispy chicken in Chinese dishes? Chinese restaurants often achieve crispy chicken by using a combination of cornstarch and flour for coating. Some recipes also incorporate baking powder for extra crispiness. Double-frying the chicken – first at a lower temperature, then at a higher temperature – can also result in an extra crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Q5. How do I balance the flavors in sesame chicken sauce? To create a well-balanced sesame chicken sauce, combine sweet elements (like honey or brown sugar) with salty (soy sauce) and tangy (rice vinegar) components. Add aromatic ingredients such as garlic and ginger, and finish with sesame oil for the signature flavor. Adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences, and use cornstarch to thicken the sauce to the right consistency.