Lee's Crispy Sesame Chicken
Tangy-sweet glazed chicken with a crunchy sesame coating, ready in 20 minutes. This asian-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs boneless chicken breast, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, toss with 1/4 cup cornstarch until evenly coated, and shake off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, add chicken in a single layer, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl, pour over chicken, and stir constantly for 1 minute until sauce bubbles and coats chicken evenly, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp sesame seeds and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lee's Crispy Sesame Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lee's Crispy Sesame Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lee's Crispy Sesame Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lee's Crispy Sesame Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lee's Crispy Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.