There’s something irresistibly comforting about the rich, nutty flavor of sesame chicken sauce that turns a simple meal into a memorable feast. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special weekend treat, our roundup of 12 delicious sesame chicken sauce recipes has got you covered. Dive in to discover your next favorite dish that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones!
Honey Glazed Sesame Chicken
This honey glazed sesame chicken is the perfect combo of sweet and savory, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. You’ll love how the sticky glaze coats every piece of tender chicken, with just the right amount of crunch from those toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- A good glug of soy sauce (about 1/4 cup)
- A couple of tablespoons of honey
- A splash of rice vinegar (around 1 tbsp)
- A teaspoon of minced garlic
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- A handful of sesame seeds
- A tablespoon of vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Tip: Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the browned chicken, stirring to coat every piece evenly. Tip: Lower the heat to medium to prevent the sauce from burning.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken, giving everything a good stir to toast the seeds slightly. Tip: Toasting the seeds brings out their nutty flavor.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Just imagine biting into that perfectly glazed chicken, with the sesame seeds adding a tiny crunch in every bite. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or with some steamed veggies to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Spicy Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
Zesty flavors and a kick of heat make this Spicy Sesame Chicken Stir Fry a weeknight winner. You’ll love how quick it comes together, perfect for when you’re craving something bold but short on time.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- A couple of tablespoons of soy sauce
- A splash of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- A handful of broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- A drizzle of vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken slices, cooking until they’re golden brown, about 5 minutes. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to get a nice sear.
- Toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Throw in the broccoli and bell pepper, cooking for another 3 minutes until they’re just tender. Tip: Keep the veggies crisp for the best texture.
- Mix in the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top, giving it one final stir. Tip: Toast the sesame seeds beforehand for extra flavor.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Vibrant and packed with flavor, this dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and nutty. Try topping it with extra sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime for an added zing.
Garlic Sesame Chicken with Vegetables
Zesty flavors and a quick cook time make this Garlic Sesame Chicken with Vegetables a weeknight winner. You’ll love how the sesame and garlic come together for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- A couple of tablespoons of sesame oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- A splash of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A handful of broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- 1 cup of cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re golden brown on all sides.
- Throw in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Tip: Don’t let the garlic burn, or it’ll turn bitter.
- Add the soy sauce and honey to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
- Toss in the broccoli and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Tip: If you like your veggies softer, cover the skillet for a couple of minutes.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and give everything a final stir.
- Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice. Tip: For an extra kick, drizzle with a little more sesame oil before serving.
What makes this dish stand out is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crunch from the veggies and a toasty note from the sesame. Try pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Crispy Sesame Chicken Wings
Got a craving for something crunchy, savory, and just a bit sweet? These crispy sesame chicken wings are your next kitchen adventure, perfect for game night or a lazy weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken wings
- A splash of soy sauce
- A couple of tablespoons of honey
- 1 tbsp of sesame oil
- A pinch of garlic powder
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- A dash of salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp of sesame seeds
- Enough vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get extra crispy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat each wing thoroughly in this mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. Carefully add the wings in batches, frying for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot to keep the oil temperature steady.
- While the wings fry, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat until well combined.
- Once the wings are done, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated. Tip: Do this while the wings are still hot for the best flavor absorption.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the wings and give them one final gentle toss. Tip: Toasting the sesame seeds beforehand can add an extra layer of nutty flavor.
Delight in the perfect crunch of these wings, with the sticky-sweet sauce and nutty sesame seeds creating a flavor bomb in every bite. Serve them up with a side of cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
Sesame Chicken Salad with Almonds
You’re going to love this sesame chicken salad with almonds—it’s crunchy, flavorful, and super easy to whip up for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
- a big handful of sliced almonds
- a couple of cups of mixed greens
- a splash of sesame oil
- a tablespoon of soy sauce
- a teaspoon of honey
- a sprinkle of sesame seeds
- a dash of salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with the shredded chicken and sliced almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Tip: Adjust the honey if you like it sweeter or the soy sauce for more saltiness.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Tip: Use your hands to toss if you want to make sure every piece gets some love.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch and flavor. Tip: Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan for a nuttier taste.
Enjoy this salad as is, or get creative by serving it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Either way, the combination of textures and the balance of savory and sweet will have you coming back for seconds.
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
Kick back and let your slow cooker do all the work with this effortlessly delicious sesame chicken. You’ll love how the flavors meld together while you go about your day, and the result is nothing short of amazing.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- A good glug of soy sauce (about 1/2 cup)
- A couple of tablespoons of honey
- A splash of rice vinegar (2 tbsp)
- A teaspoon of minced garlic
- A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp)
- A tablespoon of sesame oil
- A handful of sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the chicken pieces into your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Tip: If you’re around, give it a stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Tip: Toasting the sesame seeds beforehand will bring out their nutty flavor.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle. Tip: This is the perfect time to steam some rice or chop some green onions for garnish.
The chicken comes out tender and juicy, with a sweet and slightly tangy sauce that’s packed with umami. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Sesame Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Wow, have you ever had one of those days where you crave something both crunchy and creamy, with a bit of a kick? These sesame chicken skewers with peanut sauce are your answer, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- A couple of tablespoons of sesame oil
- A splash of soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter
- A drizzle of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- A handful of sesame seeds
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 375°F.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Brush this mixture over the chicken skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- While the chicken is grilling, whisk together the peanut butter, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the peanut sauce over the skewers and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Tip: Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking. Tip: The peanut sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
So, these skewers are all about the contrast—juicy chicken with a smoky char, paired with that creamy, slightly sweet peanut sauce. Try serving them over a bed of rice or with some crisp veggies for dipping.
Orange Sesame Chicken with Rice
This Orange Sesame Chicken with Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy and packed with flavor. You’ll love the sweet and tangy orange glaze paired with the crunch of sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- A splash of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of honey
- A couple of garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp of grated ginger
- 1 tbsp of sesame seeds
- 1 cup of white rice
- 2 cups of water
Instructions
- Start by cooking the rice. Combine 1 cup of white rice with 2 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Tip: Don’t peek! Keeping the lid on ensures perfectly fluffy rice.
- While the rice cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken, give it a quick stir, and cook for another minute to toast the seeds lightly.
- Serve the Orange Sesame Chicken over the cooked rice. Tip: Garnish with extra sesame seeds and a few orange slices for a pop of color and freshness.
Absolutely delightful, the dish boasts a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a satisfying crunch from the sesame seeds. Try serving it with a side of steamed broccoli for an extra veggie boost.
Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Alright, let’s dive into making these irresistible sesame chicken lettuce wraps that are perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. You’ll love how the crispy lettuce contrasts with the tender, flavorful chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- a splash of sesame oil
- a couple of garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- a handful of green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 8 large lettuce leaves, like butter or romaine
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all those flavors.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure each piece gets nicely browned.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds and green onions over the chicken, giving it a quick stir to combine everything evenly.
- Tip: Toast the sesame seeds beforehand for an extra nutty flavor.
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves carefully to keep them crisp and ready for filling.
- Tip: Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves without bruising them.
- Spoon the sesame chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, folding the sides over to create a wrap.
Now, these wraps are all about the crunch and the sweet-savory punch of the sesame chicken. Serve them with a side of extra soy sauce for dipping, or get creative by adding some shredded carrots or cucumber sticks inside for an extra crunch.
Grilled Sesame Chicken with Mango Salsa
Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe this grilled sesame chicken with mango salsa. It’s the perfect mix of savory and sweet, with a little crunch from the sesame seeds. You’re going to love how easy it is to throw together for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- A couple of tablespoons of soy sauce
- A splash of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A handful of sesame seeds
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- Half a red onion, finely chopped
- A squeeze of lime juice
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken breasts with soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes. Tip: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken.
- While the chicken marinates, toss the diced mango, red onion, lime juice, and salt in a bowl to make the salsa. Set aside. Tip: Letting the salsa sit for a bit helps the flavors meld.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the marinated chicken, pressing lightly so they stick.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Tip: Don’t flip the chicken too soon; it should release easily from the grill when ready.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Serve the sliced chicken topped with the mango salsa.
Fantastic, right? The chicken is juicy with a hint of sweetness from the honey, and the mango salsa adds a fresh, tangy crunch. Try serving it over a bed of greens for a light summer meal or with some grilled veggies on the side.
Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
So, you’re craving something that’s a mix of comforting and exotic, right? This sesame chicken noodle bowl is your ticket to flavor town without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 8 oz of your favorite noodles (spaghetti works in a pinch)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- a splash of soy sauce
- a couple of garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- a handful of sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- a dash of red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy)
Instructions
- Boil the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Tip: Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to get a nice sear.
- Push the chicken to one side, add the remaining oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce and honey, then toss the noodles and chicken together until everything’s coated. Tip: A pair of tongs works great for this.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
This dish is all about the contrast—tender chicken, chewy noodles, and that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Try topping it with a fried egg for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Baked Sesame Chicken Tenders
Just when you thought chicken tenders couldn’t get any better, here comes this baked sesame version to prove you wrong. They’re crispy, flavorful, and way easier to make than you’d think—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a bit special.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs of chicken tenders
- A good glug of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- A couple of tablespoons of sesame seeds
- A splash of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of honey
- A pinch of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, just enough to season
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each tender first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with a mix of panko and sesame seeds. Tip: Press the coating gently to make sure it sticks well.
- Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F inside.
- While the tenders bake, whisk together soy sauce and honey for a quick dipping sauce. Tip: Warm the mixture slightly for a smoother blend.
You’ll love how the sesame seeds add a nutty crunch to these tenders, and that soy-honey dip? Absolutely killer. Try serving them over a bed of greens for a meal that’s both hearty and fresh.
Conclusion
From savory to sweet, these 12 sesame chicken sauce recipes offer a world of flavors to spice up your meals. Perfect for home cooks looking to impress, each recipe promises a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Don’t forget to try them out, share your top picks in the comments, and pin your favorites on Pinterest for later. Happy cooking!
