Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken

Introduction

Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken is the answer when you crave something that packs bold flavor, irresistible crunch, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. This crowd-pleasing dish combines golden, crunchy chicken bites with a glossy, aromatic sesame sauce, making it both comforting and restaurant-worthy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends, this recipe simplifies a takeout favorite right at home.

Why Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken Stands Out

What makes this dish shine is the crispy coating on the chicken, staying light and crunchy under a glossy sauce that’s sticky, nutty, and fragrant with toasted sesame. The aromatic combination of garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds lifts it beyond your usual fried chicken, while a quick homemade sauce brings out deep umami notes and a touch of sweetness. This is a meal that’s as visually impressive as it is satisfying to eat.

Crafting the Perfect Sesame Sauce

For a standout sesame chicken, the sauce is key. Start by using a quality toasted sesame oil, and balance it with soy sauce’s salty punch, rice vinegar’s tang, brown sugar’s sweetness, and a dash of red pepper for subtle heat. Fresh minced garlic and ginger give aromatic depth, while toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and crunch. Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.

The Secret to Extra Crispy Chicken

Use a cornstarch-based coating for the chicken pieces—this guarantees a shatteringly crisp exterior that won’t go soggy once sauced. Fry the chicken in small batches to keep the oil temperature hot (which is vital for maximum crunch), then drain on a wire rack for best results. Whether you use boneless thighs or breasts, the outcome is deliciously crispy every time.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken

Serve this dish over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal, or alongside sautéed bok choy and snap peas for added texture and nutrition. A sprinkling of extra toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions elevates the presentation and flavor. It’s perfect for family-style sharing or serving at gatherings—just double the recipe as needed!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately four servings, each providing about 420-480 calories depending on portion size and frying method. While it’s an indulgent treat, pairing it with lots of vegetables or serving smaller portions makes it fit well into a balanced meal plan.

Recap: Why You’ll Love Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken

Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken is the ultimate homemade takeout dish: extra crunchy, flavorful, and covered in a sticky-sweet sesame glaze everyone will love. It’s a fantastic flex recipe for impressing guests or breaking out of your dinner routine.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe with CookifyAI to generate a neatly organized shopping list with ingredients sorted by store section — it’s the easiest way to streamline your grocery run and meal prep for the week!

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, pat chicken pieces dry. Season with salt and pepper. Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with a mix of cornstarch and flour.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip chicken pieces first in the egg, then dredge in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry, whisking, and simmer until thickened and glossy (1-2 minutes). Stir in toasted sesame seeds (and chili for heat, if using).
5. Toss and Serve: Add crispy chicken to a large bowl, pour sauce over, and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately over steamed rice with extra veggies or your sides of choice.

Weekly Meal Planning

Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken is a fantastic fit for your weekly meal plan, whether as a main dish or part of an Asian-inspired menu. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan your cooking days and automatically consolidate ingredients across your week.

Meal Planning Benefits include:

• Totals all ingredient quantities across your planned recipes for efficient shopping
• Keeps your shopping list organized by grocery store sections
• Prevents overbuying and running out of key supplies
• Makes your meal prepping process smoother and more organized

Pro tip: When adding multiple recipes, use CookifyAI’s scheduling to spot overlapping ingredients (like eggs or sesame oil) and buy exactly what you need for the week — reducing food waste and shopping time.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy your extra-crispy, flavor-packed Asian Sesame Chicken—and let CookifyAI make your meal planning and shopping easier every step of the way!