Homemade Sesame Chicken Recipe

This Sesame Chicken recipe is a family favorite – crispy, tender chicken nuggets coated in a sesame seed batter perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion. While it’s different from the Sesame Chicken found in Chinese restaurants, it brings its unique flavors with a sweet and savory dipping sauce. The sweet and sour sauce, made with red plum jelly, horseradish, and mustard, is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it irresistible when paired with the crispy chicken.

My mother made Sesame Chicken for as long as I can remember. I think she came across this recipe in the 1970s, and it has been a keeper.

My mom always made a homemade sauce from jelly and horseradish sauce. It is totally delish! While it might not be the same as what you get when you order Chinese takeout, this version still results in a delicious dish.

Chicken Ingredients

There are two components to this dish – the tender fried chicken nuggets and a special dipping sauce. To make them, you need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Greek seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1-2 cups flour
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• oil for frying

Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients

• 1 small jar of red plum jelly
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ Tablespoons horseradish
• 1 ½ Tablespoons mustard

How To Make Sesame Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: Mix together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, and paprika. Place the chicken pieces in the mixture and refrigerate for several hours or overnight in an airtight container to ensure maximum flavor.

Prepare for Frying: Preheat oil over medium-high heat for 10 minutes in a large skillet or pan. In a separate bowl, mix flour and sesame seeds. Drain the marinated chicken pieces and dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring the oil is at the right temperature to achieve a golden brown crust. Cook until the chicken pieces are golden and crispy, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels, then season with a pinch of salt while still hot.

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the red plum jelly, lemon juice, horseradish, and mustard. If needed, microwave the jelly for 20-30 seconds to help it mix smoothly.

Serve: Serve the crispy sesame chicken with the sweet and tangy dipping sauce and your favorite sides, like jasmine rice, fluffy white rice, or green beans. For an extra burst of flavor and color, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the chicken and rice. The mild onion flavor pairs beautifully with the savory sesame chicken and adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet sauce.

---

Tips for Best Results

• Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil reaches 350°F before frying to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and achieves that golden brown, crispy texture.
• Marinating: Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Small Batches: Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy instead of crispy.

---

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain its crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked sesame chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, bake it in the oven at 350°F to bring back the crispy texture or airfry at 360 °F for 13 minutes.

---

Substitutions

• Oil: You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying. Olive oil is not recommended for deep frying due to its lower smoke point.
• Chicken: While boneless skinless chicken breasts are recommended, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

---

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a pinch of chili flakes or serve with a drizzle of sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
• Asian Twist: Add a touch of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil to the dipping sauce for a more Asian-inspired flavor.

Looking for a delicious recipe with crispy fried chicken and a unique dipping sauce? Give this Sesame Chicken recipe a try! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below. You can also tag us on Instagram @SouthernKissed or use the hashtag #southernkissed. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to save for later!

Sharing is caring!