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Chinese-American inspired · Recipes

Sesame Chicken

芝麻鸡 · Zhī ma jī

Chicken with a sweet soy glaze and toasted sesame seeds. The seeds are added after the sauce thickens to keep their fragrance.

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Prep15 min
Cook18 min
Serves2
DifficultyMedium
Sesame Chicken — AI-generated dish reference, not a photo
AI-generated dish reference · not a photograph · China Table · AI-generated · Original AI illustration
Recipe guide · not yet kitchen-testedAI-assisted editorial draft. Timing depends on your stove, pan, and ingredient size. Use the doneness checks below.

Let’s get cooking

  1. 01

    Dry and coat

    Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper. Toss with salt, then coat evenly with starch. Keep raw-food utensils separate.

  2. 02

    Shallow-fry in batches

    Heat measured oil in a small heavy pan to about 175°C; use a thermometer. Fry in uncrowded batches, turning, until crisp, usually 6–8 minutes. Chicken must reach 74°C in its centre. Lift out onto a rack. Never leave hot oil unattended.

  3. 03

    Make sesame glaze

    Simmer soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and water in a clean pan for 1 minute. Mix sauce starch with cold water, stir in, and simmer until slightly thickened.

  4. 04

    Coat briefly

    Add the cooked chicken to the finished sauce and fold for 20–30 seconds. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the coated pieces.

A little kitchen wisdom

Keep the cooked pieces on a rack, not in a covered bowl. A long soak in sauce softens the coating.

Can’t find an ingredient?

Chicken thigh: Chicken breast works; cut evenly and check its temperature to avoid overcooking.

Cook safely

Chicken must reach 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part. Keep raw poultry and cooked food separate.

FoodSafety.gov guidance ↗