Sweet and Spicy Sesame Chicken

By | June 16, 2025

My family begs for this sesame chicken! It’s much easier to prepare than the ingredient list indicates. If you are a fan of Chinese-style food, prepare to love this yummy dish. Serve over jasmine rice.

Submitted by
MISSFAVOR

Updated on February 23, 2023


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Ingredients


Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry

  • 1 dash sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon canola oil

  • 4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon red chile paste (such as Thai Kitchen®)

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, dry sherry, a dash of sesame oil, flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, baking powder, baking soda, and canola oil in a large bowl. Mix well; stir in chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

  2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  3. Combine 1/2 cup water, chicken broth, vinegar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, red chili paste, and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, constantly stirring. Turn heat to low and keep warm, occasionally stirring.

  4. Fry marinated chicken in batches until cooked through and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

  5. Transfer chicken to a large platter, top with sauce, and sprinkle chicken with sesame seeds.

Tips

Tamari can be used in place of soy sauce if you desire.

For a sweeter sauce, use 2 tablespoons of vinegar. If you like it tangy, use up to 3/4 cup!

1,692
home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

745 Calories
37g Fat
69g Carbs
34g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
745
% Daily Value *
Total Fat
37g
48%
Saturated Fat
5g
27%
Cholesterol
88mg
29%
Sodium
1405mg
61%
Total Carbohydrate
69g
25%
Dietary Fiber
1g
3%
Total Sugars
51g
Protein
34g
69%
Vitamin C
0mg
0%
Calcium
79mg
6%
Iron
2mg
13%
Potassium
329mg
7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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