Large skillet or wok: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing sauce, providing even heat distribution.
Cutting board: Needed for chopping ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Sharp knife: Perfect for precise ingredient preparation.
Measuring spoons and cups: Crucial for accurate sauce ingredient measurements.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring chicken and mixing sauce without scratching skillet.
Small bowl: Useful for mixing cornstarch slurry.
Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling chicken pieces during cooking.
Cooking Steps for Sesame Chicken
Chicken Prep Dust chicken pieces with cornstarch until they're completely covered, creating a light, crispy coating that'll make each bite irresistible.
Sizzle and Cook Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken and let it dance around the pan for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until it transforms into a gorgeous golden color and cooks through perfectly.
Flavor Explosion Quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger in the same skillet for a quick 30 seconds to release their aromatic magic. Pour in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sprinkle sesame seeds, stirring everything together until it starts to bubble.
Sauce Magic Whisk in the cornstarch mixture, watching the sauce thicken and become gloriously glossy. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Final Toss Reunite the crispy chicken with the mouthwatering sauce, gently coating each piece and letting everything mingle and warm through for another 2 minutes.
Plate and Enjoy Scatter chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds on top. Serve alongside steamed rice or your favorite grain for a protein-packed meal that'll make taste buds sing.
Notes for Sesame Chicken Flavor
Crispy Chicken Coating: Ensure cornstarch is evenly distributed for a light, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a golden-brown finish.
Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Protein Powerhouse Alternatives: Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use turkey for a leaner protein option that still delivers incredible flavor.
Low-Carb Transformation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly meal that's low in carbohydrates but high in taste and satisfaction.
Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and sauce, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making quick and delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How to Plate Sesame Chicken
Flavor Explosion Plate: Spread the golden sesame chicken over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice with roasted broccoli florets for a colorful and nutritious presentation.
Meal Prep Champion: Pack the chicken in meal prep containers with cauliflower rice and some pickled vegetables for a protein-packed lunch that stays exciting and fresh.
Asian-Inspired Bowl: Create a vibrant bowl by layering the sesame chicken over mixed greens, topped with sliced cucumber, edamame, and a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds for crunch and texture.
Quick Wrap Delight: Stuff the sesame chicken into warm whole wheat tortillas with a crisp slaw and a drizzle of extra sesame sauce for a handheld meal that's perfect for on-the-go eating.
Storage Help for Sesame Chicken
Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Slice and marinate chicken in advance, storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor and save time during busy weeknights.
Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover sesame chicken in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping sauce and meat separate to maintain crispiness. Reheat gently in a skillet to prevent drying out and restore original texture.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Package cooled chicken without sauce in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and quickly reheat with freshly made sauce for best results.
Portion Control Trick: Divide cooked chicken into individual meal-sized containers with rice or vegetables for grab-and-go lunches. This method supports healthy eating habits and reduces midday meal decision stress.
Sesame chicken with a protein-packed twist delivers authentic Chinese restaurant flavors at home. Home cooks can easily recreate this classic dish with simple ingredients and quick cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsps honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsps cornstarch
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Additional sesame seeds
Instructions
Coating Preparation: Dust chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch, creating a light, even layer that promises a crispy golden exterior.
Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium-high temperature, strategically positioning chicken to develop a rich, caramelized crust without overcrowding the pan.
Cooking Progression: Sauté chicken until perfectly golden and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes, ensuring juicy, tender meat with a delectable exterior.
Aromatic Foundation: Reduce heat and quickly infuse skillet with minced garlic and ginger, releasing their intense fragrant essence without scorching.
Sauce Construction: Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil into a vibrant liquid base, whisking in sesame seeds and cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, smooth sauce with robust flavor complexity.
Final Integration: Reintroduce chicken to the thickened sauce, gently coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a luxurious, glistening finish.
Presentation: Plate immediately, garnishing with green onions and additional sesame seeds, and serve alongside steamed rice or complementary vegetables for a complete, protein-rich culinary experience.
Notes
Achieve Crispy Coating: Use a light, even cornstarch dusting to guarantee a perfectly crisp chicken exterior without heavy breading.
Prevent Burning Aromatics: Sauté garlic and ginger quickly over reduced heat, stirring constantly to release flavors without scorching.
Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk cornstarch slurry gradually and continuously to create a smooth, glossy sauce without unwanted lumps.
Optimize Protein Retention: Let chicken rest undisturbed while cooking to develop golden-brown crust and seal in moisture, ensuring juicy, tender meat.
Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
Food styling and photography for digital platforms.
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.