Easy Sesame Chicken: Takeaway Copycat

Craving Chinese fakeaway? This easy sesame chicken recipe is crispy, sticky, sweet & savory – just like your favourite takeout! Get the family friendly recipe now!

Easy Sesame Chicken: Better Than Takeout!

May 23, 2025
By Jordan Kim.

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Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a chinese fakeaway recipe that's better than the real deal? this easy sesame chicken is your new weeknight hero.

Honestly, who needs soggy takeout when you can have this crispy sesame chicken recipe ready in 20 minutes?

Brief Overview

This asian inspired chicken dish is a total crowd-pleaser. think homemade sesame chicken , just like your favourite sesame chicken takeaway copycat .

It's a super easy chinese chicken recipe that even i, with my sometimes-dodgy cooking skills, can nail. it serves four, perfect for a family friendly chinese food night.

Main Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious, but also gives you control over ingredients. ditch the mystery ingredients of takeout and enjoy a healthier, homemade version.

Plus, it is the perfect way to impress everyone. what makes this sweet and savory chicken recipe special? we're velvetizing chicken for extra tenderness.

Trust me, this chicken and sesame sauce combo is a game-changer. that and the fact that you are skipping the delivery fees, what is not to love?.

Making the Magic Happen: The Chicken

First, we're prepping the star of the show: the chicken. we need 600g of boneless, skinless chicken breast. chop it into small cubes, about half an inch.

Now for the "secret ingredient": bicarbonate of soda for chicken . just a quarter of a teaspoon works wonders. add that to a large bowl with the chicken and a tablespoon of soy sauce.

Let it sit for five minutes. this velvetizing chicken process is what makes it so tender.

Getting Saucy: Building the Flavour

While the chicken chills, let's whip up the sesame chicken sauce recipe . in a small bowl or jam jar, mix 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Add 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce (i like blue dragon), 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, and 2 tablespoons of honey.

Throw in 2 cloves of grated garlic and a quarter teaspoon of chili flakes. shake it all up. boom. homemade sauces for the win!

Right then, let's talk ingredients & equipment for this absolute banger of a chinese fakeaway recipe . we're going full-on homemade sesame chicken , so grab your apron and let's get started! this easy chinese chicken recipe is so good, you will never go back to delivery again.

Main Ingredients: The Sesame Chicken All-Stars

Okay, pay attention, because nailing these measurements is key to a crispy sesame chicken recipe . We're aiming for sticky, sweet, and savoury perfection, a true sesame chicken takeaway copycat .

Chicken: 600g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breast. Quality alert: fresh is best! Look for plump, pink chicken with no off smells.
Bicarbonate of Soda: ¼ teaspoon . Seriously, don't skip this! It is the secret ingredient for tender chicken recipe (also known as velvetizing).
Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon . This adds that umami kick we all crave.
Egg: 1 large, beaten. This helps the cornflour stick.
Cornflour: 4 tablespoons . This gives us that crispy chicken coating recipe .
Sunflower Oil: 250ml (1 cup) for frying. Make sure it's nice and hot before you start! Aim for 180° C ( 350° F) .
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon . For that unmistakable sesame aroma.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . Adds a touch of tang.
Sweet Chilli Sauce: 2 tablespoons . I love Blue Dragon, but use your fave!
Tomato Puree: 1 tablespoon . For depth of flavour.
Runny Honey: 2 tablespoons . This is what makes it sticky sesame chicken .
Garlic: 2 cloves , grated or crushed. Because garlic makes everything better.
Chilli Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or more if you like it hot!).
Jasmine Rice: For serving. The perfect companion.
Spring Onions: 3 , sliced (optional garnish).
Sesame Seeds: For garnish. Obvs.

Easy Sesame Chicken: Takeaway Copycat presentation

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Power-Up

Let's talk flavour! This sesame chicken with jasmine rice is a symphony of sweet, salty, and a little bit spicy. Think chicken and sesame sauce in perfect harmony.

Essential Spice Combo: Soy sauce + sesame oil + garlic = flavour gold.
Flavour Enhancer: A tiny splash of rice wine vinegar can really lift the sauce.
Quick Sub: No sweet chilli sauce? Mix a bit of tomato ketchup with some chilli flakes. Boom!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid

Honestly, you don't need fancy gear for this quick sesame chicken recipe . Keep it family friendly Chinese food with these tools.

Large Bowl: For mixing the chicken.
Small Bowl/Jar: For the sauce.
Wok or Large Frying Pan: A wok is ideal, but a deep frying pan works too.
Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken without making a mess.
Plate Lined with Kitchen Paper: To drain the fried chicken.
Household Alternative: Don't have a wok? A large frying pan is fine! No fancy measuring spoons? Eyeball it! Cooking is about having fun.

Right, now you know what you need. time to make some magic and create the best sesame chicken recipe ever! seriously, this is better than any chinese takeout favorites .

Get ready for a proper chicken dinner ideas !

Alright, let’s get this show on the road. tonight, we're ditching the delivery apps. we’re making easy sesame chicken , a dead ringer for your favourite chinese takeaway.

This chinese fakeaway recipe is quick, easy, and, honestly, way better than anything that arrives in a foil container. trust me.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First things first: get your ducks in a row. mise en place , fancy french talk for having everything ready.

Chop your 600g chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. mix the sauce. this is a quick sesame chicken recipe , so speed is key.

A small tip: velvetizing chicken is essential, more on this in the next section.

Essential Line-Up: Dice chicken, measure spices, prepare sauce.
Time Saver: Get the jasmine rice cooking now. Less faff later.
Safety First: Hot oil is not your friend. Keep a fire blanket handy.

From Bland to Bangin': Step-by-Step Sesame Chicken Brilliance

Ready to cook? Let's get started with the best sesame chicken recipe and a sticky sesame chicken in minutes. This will be a family friendly Chinese food , and better than takeout sesame chicken , let's begin:

Velvet Magic: Mix your cubed chicken with ¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda and 1 tablespoon soy sauce . Let it sit for 5 minutes .
Sauce Boss: Whisk together 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato puree, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cloves garlic and ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Coat of Armour: Toss the marinated chicken with 1 beaten egg and 4 tablespoons cornflour until evenly coated.
Fry Time: Heat 250ml of sunflower oil in a wok or pan. Fry chicken in batches for 4 minutes , until golden. Don’t overcrowd!
Sauce It Up: Remove oil. Add the sesame chicken sauce recipe and chicken to the pan. Toss to coat.
Serve & Devour: Serve your homemade sesame chicken over jasmine rice . Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.

Ace it Like a Chef: Pro Tips for Takeaway-Level Taste

Want to take your sesame chicken from good to OMG? Here are some ninja moves:

Crispy Secret: Cornstarch for frying ensures a super crispy coating.
Avoid Soggy Town: Don't let the fried chicken sit for too long before saucing.
Make Ahead Move: You can prep the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Just fry and combine when ready.

Honestly, making this easy asian recipe at home is a game changer. plus, you get to control the ingredients, so you know exactly what you're eating.

Say goodbye to greasy takeaways and hello to your new favourite chinese food at home . enjoy your crispy sesame chicken recipe !

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Homemade Sesame Chicken Game!

Alright, so you're about to embark on this chinese fakeaway recipe adventure. but before you do, let's talk about how to make your homemade sesame chicken even better.

Think of these as cheat codes for the best sesame chicken recipe !

Serving Suggestions: Ditch the Takeaway Containers!

Presentation matters, right? i’m not saying you need a michelin star setup, but a little effort goes a long way.

Instead of just dumping the sticky sesame chicken onto a plate, try this: pile the sesame chicken with jasmine rice into a bowl.

Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and those finely sliced sesame chicken spring onions (scallions). it just looks posh , you know?

For sides, steamed broccoli is a classic pairing. or, if you're feeling fancy, a simple chicken stir fry recipe with some extra veggies adds colour and nutrients.

And to drink? a cold chinese beer, or even a refreshing cup of green tea. honestly, it just elevates the whole "restaurant style sesame chicken" experience.

Ditch the cans of coke!

Storage Tips: Make-Ahead Magic (and Reheating!)

So, you've made a massive batch of this easy Chinese chicken recipe . Ace! What now?

Leftover sesame chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah? for reheating, i recommend gently warming it in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

The microwave works in a pinch, but it can make the crispy sesame chicken recipe a bit soggy.

Now, can you freeze it? yes, but with a caveat. the texture of the crispy chicken coating recipe might suffer a bit.

Still, if you're meal prepping, it's an option. freeze in individual portions for easy defrosting and sesame chicken meal prep .

Variations: For Every Dietary Need (or Craving!)

Got someone who's veggie? no worries. you can totally make this a sesame tofu recipe . use firm tofu, press out the excess water, and follow the recipe exactly as written.

Boom, sesame chicken vegetarian version sorted.

Or, maybe you're feeling a bit shrimp-y? swap the chicken for prawns for a sesame shrimp recipe ! just reduce the cooking time.

Easy peasy. and if you're after a sesame chicken gluten-free option , make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free, and use gluten-free cornflour.

Adapt, adapt, adapt!

Nutrition Basics: It's Not Just About the Taste!

Okay, let's be real. this asian inspired chicken dish is a treat, not a health food. but, it does have some good bits! the chicken is a good source of protein and the sesame seeds give you a bit of healthy fat.

If you're worried about the sesame chicken calories and want a sesame chicken healthier version , you can:

Reduce the amount of honey in the sauce for a low sugar sesame chicken .
Use less oil when frying the chicken. Pat it dry after frying to remove excess oil.

It's all about balance, innit?

So, go on, get cooking! You've got this. And remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfect , it'll still be delicious. Enjoy your family friendly Chinese food !

Crispy Sesame Chicken: Secret Takeout Taste at Home!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting crispy Sesame Chicken like you get at a takeaway?

The key is twofold! First, don't overcrowd the pan when frying – work in batches to maintain a high oil temperature. Second, the cornflour coating provides that essential crispiness. Think of it like a batter, but lighter and more effective!

Can I make this Sesame Chicken recipe ahead of time?

While Sesame Chicken is best served fresh, you can prep some elements ahead of time. You can velvetize and coat the chicken in advance, storing it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours. The sauce can also be made a day ahead. However, frying and combining with the sauce should be done just before serving to prevent sogginess, which is a right old bother, isn't it?

I don't have all the ingredients. What are some substitutions for Sesame Chicken?

No worries, substitutions are your friend! If you don't have cornflour, arrowroot powder works perfectly. For the sweet chilli sauce, try a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Apple cider vinegar can be swapped with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar. It's all about improvising like a true Brit baker!

Is there a way to make this Sesame Chicken healthier?

Absolutely! To lighten things up, you can bake the chicken instead of frying – though you'll lose some of the crispiness. Reduce the amount of honey in the sauce or use a sugar-free alternative. Serving with brown rice or steamed vegetables will also add a nutritional boost. It's a bit like swapping your chips for a salad...almost!

How do I store leftover Sesame Chicken?

Leftover Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the chicken will lose some of its crispness as the sauce soaks in. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a brief stir-fry in a pan will do the trick. Just don't expect it to be quite as glorious as the first time round!

My sauce isn't thickening up. What am I doing wrong?

A few things could be happening! Make sure you're using medium heat, not too low. If it's still not thickening, you can mix a teaspoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce and stir until it thickens. Think of it as giving the sauce a little pep talk – it'll get there!