Pan-Fried Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Sour Glaze
Golden pan-fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, tangy sweet and sour sauce, finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This Chinese-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, egg, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 large, beaten egg
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup for frying vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 large beaten egg and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Add 1 lb cut chicken breast pieces and toss until each piece is fully coated.
- Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp white vinegar, 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the sweet and sour glaze over the cooked chicken in the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the chicken before serving to add nuttiness and fresh color.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Sour Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Fried Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Sour Glaze?
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 egg from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Sour Glaze?
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 Pan-Fried Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Sour Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Sesame Chicken with Sweet and Sour Glaze?
Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
