Sesame Chicken Sauce

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This easy sesame chicken sauce recipe comes together in just 5 minutes! Use it right away or store it for use at a later time.

Skip the takeout because this sesame chicken sauce is WAY better than what you get from a restaurant. Plus you can feel good about what you’re eating because you know exactly what it’s made with!

Sesame Chicken Sauce in a jar

Easy Sesame Chicken Sauce

Forget about going for takeout because you can recreate sesame chicken at home with this simple 5-minute sauce recipe.

It reminds us a lot of teriyaki sauce but much more flavorful. The sweet nutty aroma of sesame oil makes this sauce one of our favorites.

Sesame sauce is served over chicken that’s cooked in a variety of ways. Sometimes the chicken is breaded and fried. Sometimes the chicken is baked or isn’t breaded. Or it’s stir fried with vegetabels.

However you choose to serve this sesame sauce, We’re sure you are going to think it’s the best!

Did we mention you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator to use later? It keeps and reheats well. We will leave notes down below on how to do this.

After you make this recipe, give my spicy chicken marinade, orange ginger sauce and all-purpose stir-fry sauce a try.

Sesame Chicken Sauce over chicken and broccoli

Sesame Chicken Sauce Ingredients:

To make this sesame chicken sauce recipe, you will need:

  • Sesame oil: You can’t make sesame sauce without it
  • Garlic: 2 cloves is the perfect amount
  • Chicken broth: Helps make it saucy – you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • Brown sugar: Makes the sauce sweet and delicious
  • Soy sauce: Feel free to use low sodium but you may need to add a touch of salt to the sauce
  • Rice vinegar: We used 1 tablespoon but you could double that for a tangier sauce
  • Chili paste: Because we like spice
  • Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce
Sesame Chicken Sauce Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Sesame Chicken Sauce:

To make this easy potsticker dipping sauce, simply…

  1. Saute the garlic in sesame sauce. Cook it just until it’s fragrant.
  2. Add everything else, minus cornstarch slurry, and boil. Stir in chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Stir in the slurry. Stir into the boiling sauce. and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Use immediate or let cool and store for later use.
Sesame Chicken Sauce close up

Ways to use Sesame Chicken Sauce:

There are quite a few ways you can use this sesame chicken sauce recipe.

  • Classic Sesame Chicken: Dredge chicken pieces in flour, egg then in flour again. Deep fry until golden. Toss with sesame sauce and serve.
  • Baked Sesame Chicken: Dredge chicken pieces in flour, egg then in panko breadcrumbs. Spray the chicken lightly with canola oil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Toss with sesame sauce then bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Sesame Chicken Stir Fry: Cook unbreaded chicken pieces in a skillet with a ½ tablespoon of sesame oil and ½ tablespoon canola oil. Add vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour the sauce in and stir to coat
  • Sesame Tofu: Make any of the variations above but use tofu in place of chicken.
Sesame Chicken Sauce on chicken closeup

How to Store Homemade Sesame Chicken Sauce:

Refrigerate – Allow to cool for 1 hour then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freeze – Prepare the sauce without adding the cornstarch slurry. Cool for 2 hours then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to use the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and add the cornstarch slurry. Use right away.

If you are a made love of Asian inspired cuisine, you are in for a real treat because WE ARE TOO! Here are some more sauce you must try in your kitchen.

Sesame Chicken Sauce

4.49 from 27 votes
Sesame Chicken Sauce Recipe Image
This easy sesame chicken sauce recipe comes together in just 5 minutes! Use it right away or store it for use at a later time.
Sauce Fanatic
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Serving Size 8

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Stir the water and cornstarch together then stir into the boiling sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and serve over freshly cooked chicken.

Make ahead tip

  • Refrigerate – Allow to cool for 1 hour then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat and toss with chicken.
  • Freeze – Prepare the sauce without adding the cornstarch slurry. Cool for 2 hours then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • When you are ready to use the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and add the cornstarch slurry. Use right away.

Notes

Make this sauce vegetarian by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use tofu in place of chicken.
Makes about 2 cups.

Nutrition

Serving: 4tablespoons | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.3mg
CourseDinner
CuisineChinese

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6 Comments

  1. It was easy to make and quick. I sprinkled everything bagel seasoning over the top when plated and that added that final touch.

  2. Can the chili paste be omitted? My kids don’t like spicy foods, and I don’t like to cook 2 separate dishes.

    1. Sauce Fanatic says:

      You can leave it out. The flavor will be altered slightly but should still taste delicious.

  3. Hello,
    Can I substitute white vinegar for the rice wine vinegar?

    1. Sauce Fanatic says:

      Yes. Keep in mind rice wine vinegar is more mild and mellow compared to white vinegar which is bolder in flavor.