Crispy Sesame Chicken has always been my weeknight lifesaver. I’m the voice behind Skiny Taste, sharing quick, nourishing dinners for busy moms. This 5-ingredient, 30-minute recipe turns a chaotic evening into a small celebration. With a golden crust and glossy sesame glaze, it tastes like joy. It’s the kind of dish I reach for to feed a family. And it helps me reclaim the evening without sacrificing flavor. If you crave something satisfying and simple, you’re in the right place. Let’s cook with confidence and joy.

Crispy Sesame Chicken Special: What Makes It Unique
Crispy Sesame Chicken is the weeknight hero I reach for when the clock is ticking. I love how this 5-ingredient dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, giving me a restaurant-worthy crust without the fuss. The glossy sesame glaze turns humble chicken into something luminous—sticky, sweet, and savory. On busy days, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and grown-ups alike, and the pantry-friendly ingredients mean I can pull it off even when the fridge is light. It feels like a little celebration plated for family meals and solo wins alike.
Why this quick, crave-worthy dinner hits the spot
Its magic lies in speed, simplicity, and texture. The 5-ingredient base keeps prep calm, while the crunchy crust and glossy glaze satisfy both kids and adults. It’s comforting, versatile, and forgiving—exactly what a busy life needs.
Crispy Sesame Chicken: Why You’ll Love It
I love how Crispy Sesame Chicken turns a weeknight rush into a small triumph. It’s ultra-easy, quick, and forgiving, so I can feed the family without a meltdown in the kitchen. The crust stays crisp, the sauce is glossy and balanced, and every bite tastes comforting yet fresh. For busy moms and professionals, it’s reliable weeknight magic you can count on—even when time feels tight. I reach for it confidently.
Ingredients for Crispy Sesame Chicken
I love how this 5-ingredient plan keeps weeknights calm. Each item plays a role, from the crust to the glossy glaze. Crispy Sesame Chicken comes together fast, so you can reset after a long day.
Chicken coating and staples:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the sesame sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Notes: This section includes optional tamari for gluten-free diets and substitutions (e.g., honey vs. maple). Exact quantities are listed above and printed in the bottom-friendly card.
How to Make Crispy Sesame Chicken
Here’s how I pull off Crispy Sesame Chicken in six simple steps so you can snag a quick weeknight dinner with ease.

Step One — Prep and Coat the Chicken
I season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a touch of soy sauce. Dredge in cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs to coat. Tip: keep batches small to maintain crispiness.
Step Two — Fry the Chicken
Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C) in a skillet. Fry in batches 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a rack or paper towels. Tip: avoid overcrowding to keep the crust crisp.
Step Three — Make the Sesame Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer. This creates a glossy sesame glaze that coats every piece. For gluten-free, swap in tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Step Four — Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and becomes glossy.
Step Five — Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the sauce until evenly coated. Use tongs to avoid breakage and keep the crust intact.
Step Six — Finish and Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete weeknight meal.
Tips for Success
- I keep the chicken pieces dry before coating to maximize crust adhesion.
- I fry in small batches to avoid soggy crust.
- For gluten-free, I use tamari and double-check all sauces are GF-friendly.
- I reheat leftovers in a skillet to regain crispiness, not in the microwave.
- I tweak glaze sweetness with honey or a splash of rice vinegar to taste.
- I plan ahead and mise en place to keep weeknights smooth.

Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes Crispy Sesame Chicken come together smoothly. I grab sturdy, easy-to-clean gear and simple swaps for what you already own at home.
- Heavy skillet or wok
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Wire rack or paper towels
- Small saucepan for sauce
- Mixing bowls
- Optional: thermometer for precise oil temp
Variations
- Bake Crispy Sesame Chicken instead of frying: 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 15–20 minutes, flipping once. This version keeps the crust crisp with less mess and oil.
- Gluten-free version: use tamari in place of soy sauce throughout the recipe.
- Spicy sesame twist: add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of chili paste to the sauce for a gentle heat.
- Protein swap: use chicken thighs for juicier meat; adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.
Serving Suggestions
For Crispy Sesame Chicken, I love these serving ideas to keep weeknights easy, cozy, and satisfying for the whole family.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed greens.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Pair with green tea, sparkling water, or a light lager for balance.
Crispy Sesame Chicken Meal-Prep Friendly Variations
Crispy Sesame Chicken scales well to meal prep, so I often prep ahead on Sundays. I cook the chicken and the sauce separately, then toss them together just before serving to keep that crust crisp and the glaze glossy. That little separation saves you from soggy leftovers and a lukewarm glaze.
For the week ahead, I portion the chicken, brown rice, and steamed vegetables into sturdy mason jars, ready for grab-and-go meals. Keep the sesame sauce in a separate container to avoid sogginess and to let everyone mix their own glaze at the table. When it’s mealtime, I reheat the chicken in a skillet for 2–3 minutes and toss with the warmed sauce.
A little prep tweak is pre-mixing the dry coating and pre-portioning the wet batter to cut cleanup. This makes weekday dinners feel like a practiced routine rather than a frantic scramble. Crispy Sesame Chicken stays comforting and family-friendly, even when time is tight.
FAQs
Can I bake Crispy Sesame Chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 15–20 minutes, turning once, until cooked through and crisp. A convection oven helps with extra surface crisp. In my kitchen, this bake method is a reliable weeknight dinner option when the skillet is in use.
Is Crispy Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check sauce ingredients. The recipe as written can be GF-friendly with those substitutions. I always double-check the ketchup and sauces for hidden gluten, especially when cooking for others with sensitivities.

How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving if you want a crusty outer texture. I often keep the sauce separate for meal prep and mix at serving to preserve texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness or tang?
Tweak the honey or rice vinegar to taste. If you prefer sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey; for tang, add a touch more rice vinegar. My trick is to add a splash at a time and taste as I go, so the glaze stays balanced with the sesame notes.
Final Thoughts
I reach for Crispy Sesame Chicken on cluttered weeknights like a trusted friend. It gives me speed without sacrificing soul—five ingredients, one sizzling skillet, and a glossy glaze that tastes like a tiny celebration. The crunch still makes me smile, even after a long day, and I love that the sauce pulls everything together in a cheerful, familiar kiss of sesame. This dish fits gluten-free needs, kid-pleasing palates, and my meal-prep plans, so I can whisper yes to dinner and yes to a few extra minutes for myself. Tonight, you’ll taste comfort, confidence, and a little kitchen sparkle every night.
Print
Crispy Sesame Chicken is 5-Ingredient Delicious Quick Easy.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Sesame Chicken is a quick 30-minute, 5-ingredient dish that delivers crispy bite-sized chicken tossed in a glossy sesame sauce for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the sesame sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Dip each piece into cornstarch, then into the beaten eggs to coat.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss crispy chicken pieces in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce throughout the recipe.
- To keep the chicken extra crisp, allow the fried pieces to drain on a rack instead of paper towels.
- Adjust sweetness or tang by adding more honey or rice vinegar to suit your taste.
- Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet to regain crispiness.
- For a lighter version, bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 plate)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Crispy Sesame Chicken, 5-ingredient dinner, quick weeknight meal, Chinese-American, sesame glaze