Go Back
A plate of savory sesame chicken with a rich sauce and sesame seeds.

Proven way to grow 5 Sesame Chicken recipes

This recipe provides a simple yet effective method for preparing delicious sesame chicken, yielding five distinct recipe variations from a single base. It's perfect for meal prepping or exploring different flavor profiles.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Basic Sesame Sauce
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
Garnish
  • toasted sesame seeds
  • sliced green onions

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Medium bowls
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, then pat them dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Basic Sesame Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Set aside.
Combine and Serve (Basic Version)
  1. Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet used for the chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve immediately with rice and steamed vegetables.

Notes

For varied recipes, separate the cooked chicken and basic sauce into five portions. Then, customize each portion with additional ingredients like orange zest, sriracha, pineapple chunks, or broccoli florets to create distinct flavor profiles. This recipe provides a foundational base for exploring multiple sesame chicken variations efficiently.