Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender bite-sized chicken pieces stir-fried and coated in a homemade sweet, savory, and tangy sesame sauce that rivals takeout. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and toss with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, and 1/4 cup water, bringing the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken well.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, then sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sliced green onions over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce?

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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce?

Asian 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes