Name: Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small ½-inch cubes; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ginger powder; 1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornstarch; 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves); 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari; 3 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener (or coconut sugar, honey, or preferred sweetener); 2 teaspoons tomato paste; 2 ½ tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar; ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, plus more for garnish; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch; ¼ cup filtered water; 3 cups cooked white rice; 2 scallions, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 136 reviews

If you’ve been craving a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly but tastes like a masterpiece, I’m thrilled to share this Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe with you. It’s bursting with vibrant flavors—from toasted sesame oil to a perfect balance of savory and sweet soy-based sauce—all wrapped around tender, crispy chicken pieces. This dish is a celebration of textures and colors, making it a weekday favorite that feels special every single time.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several white bowls and small dishes arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top right, there is a white bowl filled with white cooked rice, and to its left, a smaller white bowl holds chopped green onions. Below the rice, a white bowl contains raw, diced light pink chicken. Around these, there are small dishes with various ingredients: one with light yellow liquid, one with three peeled garlic cloves, one with white powder, one with dark brown liquid, one with red chili flakes, one with black pepper and salt mix, and one with light brown powder. All items are neatly placed in a well-lit setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to mastering this Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether it's adding depth, a pop of color, or that irresistible crunch.

Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 ½ pounds): Cubed into ½-inch pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized tenderness.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overwhelming the dish.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Ginger powder (¼ teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic foundation that brightens the flavors.
Arrowroot or cornstarch (1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Toasted sesame oil (1 ½ tablespoons, plus ½ tablespoon later): Delivers a nutty, aromatic richness that’s unmistakably sesame.
Avocado oil (1 tablespoon, divided): A high-heat oil perfect for crisping the chicken without burning.
Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick for balance without overpowering the dish.
Minced garlic (1 ½ tablespoons, about 4 cloves): Adds punchy, savory notes essential to any stir-fry.
Cooked white rice (3 cups): The perfect fluffy bed to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Scallions (2, sliced): Fresh green crunch and a mild onion flavor that finishes the dish beautifully.
Reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari (⅓ cup): The salty backbone that ties the sauce together.
Monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar or honey (3 tablespoons): Balances the saltiness with a gentle sweetness without being cloying.
Tomato paste (2 teaspoons): Adds depth and a subtle tang, enriching the sauce’s complexity.
Seasoned rice vinegar (2 ½ tablespoons): Provides brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon plus more for garnish): For nutty texture and extra toasty flavor.
Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon): Infuses fresh zing and vibrancy into the sauce.
Filtered water (¼ cup): Used to make the arrowroot slurry that brings the sauce to the ideal glossy, thick consistency.

How to Make Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your cubed chicken breast with kosher salt, black pepper, ginger powder, arrowroot or cornstarch, and a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. This step is crucial because it lightly seasons the chicken while the starch helps create that sticky, crispy texture you crave. I find it easiest to lay the chicken out flat on a cutting board, drizzle the sesame oil evenly, sprinkle the seasonings, and give it a good mix to coat every piece thoroughly.

Step 2: Crisp the Chicken in Batches

Heat a large skillet on medium-high for about 3 minutes. Add half of the avocado oil and allow it to warm for another minute so it's hot enough to sizzle the chicken immediately. Cook half the chicken in a single layer for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through so pieces brown beautifully on all sides. Avoid crowding the pan to keep the chicken crisp. Once golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining oil and chicken. These crispy chunks will form the delicious base of your stir-fry.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce

While your chicken rests, whisk together the soy sauce, your choice of sweetener, tomato paste, seasoned rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and fresh grated ginger in a bowl. This combination creates the sweet-salty-tangy backbone that will coat the chicken splendidly. Setting this sauce aside lets the flavors meld while you move on to the next steps.

Step 4: Make the Slurry

Mix the tablespoon of arrowroot or cornstarch with filtered water until smooth. This slurry is your secret weapon for thickening the sauce so it clings perfectly to every bite of chicken, giving you that irresistible glossy finish.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Add half a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to your now-empty skillet along with the red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spice releases its heat. This step builds an aromatic base that primes your sauce for maximum flavor impact.

Step 6: Build the Sauce in the Pan

Pour half of your prepared sauce into the skillet and cook for a minute while stirring to scrape up any flavorful browned bits on the bottom. This technique, known as deglazing, intensifies the taste and gives your stir-fry layers of depth.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return all the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. Add the remaining sauce, then slowly drizzle in the arrowroot slurry while stirring continuously. Let the stir-fry simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes over the chicken beautifully, coating every piece with that luscious, sticky sesame goodness.

Step 8: Finish and Plate

Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe over a fluffy bed of cooked white rice, then sprinkle generously with extra sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions. The garnishes add color, crunch, and a fresh brightness that balances the rich sauce perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

This image shows a black skillet filled with many small pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, coated in a shiny dark brown sauce. The chicken pieces are spread evenly across the skillet, with some small green chopped scallions and light sesame seeds sprinkled on top. The sauce looks thick and glossy, pooling slightly around the chicken pieces, creating a rich and appetizing texture. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish to take this dish over the top. Toasted sesame seeds provide a subtle nuttiness and a lovely crunch, while sliced scallions add a fresh, mild onion flavor. If you love a hint of spice, consider a few extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to bring some heat to the table.

Side Dishes

This Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavor. Steamed broccoli or snap peas bring a crisp, green contrast that adds both color and nutrition. For a bit of freshness, a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds creates a refreshing palette cleanser to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your friends or family, serve this stir-fry in individual bowls topped with a sunny-side-up egg for an extra protein boost and richness. Alternatively, turn leftovers into lettuce wraps or add the chicken to a noodle bowl with crunchy vegetables and a squeeze of lime for a totally different but equally delicious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the stir-fry is completely cooled before sealing it to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture separately in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the delicate balance of texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help to restore some moisture and keep the sauce from drying out. Microwaving works fine too but be careful not to overheat, as the chicken may become tough.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, though they may take a minute or two longer to cook through. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and chop them into uniform bite-sized pieces.

Is there a substitute for arrowroot or cornstarch?

If you don’t have arrowroot or cornstarch, plain all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, though it may not yield quite as glossy or light a sauce. Tapioca starch is another great alternative if you have it on hand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else remains the same, and you won’t lose any of the fantastic flavor!

How spicy is this Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?

The recipe includes only a small amount of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that balances the sweet and savory notes. Feel free to scale it up or down according to your heat preference.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook and toss everything together just before serving to keep the chicken crisp and the sauce fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has become a beloved staple for a reason—it's quick, satisfying, and full of incredible flavor that hits all the right notes every time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious comfort of homemade Asian-inspired cuisine right at your own table.

Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need