What Does Sesame Chicken Taste Like? A Flavor Journey Through This Popular Chinese Dish

Have you ever looked at a Chinese restaurant menu and wondered what that sesame chicken dish was that everyone seemed to love? I know the feeling! I love trying new foods, so I’m excited to take you on a tasty journey through one of the most popular Chinese recipes in the United States.

Sesame chicken has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many food enthusiasts but what exactly does it taste like? Let’s dive deep into this culinary delight and discover what makes it so special!

What Is Sesame Chicken?

Before we discuss its taste, let’s understand what sesame chicken actually is

Sesame chicken is a Chinese dish that originated from the Guangdong province in Southern China. It gets its name from the sesame seeds used in the recipe. According to food historians, the dish likely emerged in the 1980s when a Sichuanese restaurant in Hong Kong called the Red Chamber Restaurant created a dish using both sesame oil and sesame seeds.

The dish typically consists of:

• Chunks or strips of chicken (usually boneless)
• Crispy coating from frying
• Sweet and savory sauce
• Sprinkled sesame seeds
• Garnishes like sliced green onions

This dish became popular all over China, and it eventually made its way to North America through Chinese immigrants who opened restaurants serving food from their home country.

The Flavor Profile of Sesame Chicken

A Symphony of Sweet, Savory, and Tangy

Sesame chicken offers a tantalizing blend of flavors that dance on your palate. The primary taste profile includes:

• Sweetness: The sauce usually contains honey or brown sugar that provides a delightful sweetness.
• Savory depth: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Tanginess: A slight tang often comes from rice vinegar or other acidic ingredients.
• Nuttiness: The sesame seeds contribute a distinctive nutty flavor that’s unmistakable.
• Subtle warmth: Depending on the recipe, there might be a hint of ginger and garlic.

The great thing about sesame chicken is that all of these flavors work well together—none of them takes over—creating a balanced taste experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

Texture Play: Crispy Meets Tender

The texture of sesame chicken is just as important as its taste:

• The exterior is crispy and golden-brown from being fried or baked
• Inside, you’ll find tender, juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth
• The sesame seeds add a pleasant crunch with each bite
• The sauce is typically thick and glossy, coating each piece of chicken perfectly

This contrast between crunchy coating and tender chicken creates a delightful textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.

How Is the Sauce Made?

The sauce is really what makes sesame chicken special. While recipes vary, most sesame chicken sauces include:

• Soy sauce as the savory base
• Honey or brown sugar for sweetness
• Sesame oil for that distinctive nutty flavor
• Garlic and ginger for aromatic depth
• Sometimes a bit of rice vinegar for tanginess
• Cornstarch to thicken the sauce to that perfect consistency

When these ingredients simmer together, they create that magical coating that makes sesame chicken so irresistible. The sauce isn’t typically spicy, though some restaurants might add a bit of heat with red pepper flakes or chili powder.

Sesame Chicken vs. Other Chinese Dishes

Sesame Chicken vs. Sweet and Sour Chicken

While both dishes feature fried chicken pieces in sauce, they differ significantly in flavor:

Some people like their sweet and sour chicken more sour and fruity, and the sauce often has pineapple or citrus in it. Also, it’s usually sweeter than sesame chicken, which has a more balanced taste with strong nutty notes.

Sesame Chicken vs. General Tso’s Chicken

These two dishes are often confused, but they have distinct differences:

• Spice level: General Tso’s is typically spicier, while sesame chicken is milder
• Sauce color: General Tso’s sauce is usually darker and reddish
• Flavor profile: General Tso’s has a more complex flavor with tanginess and heat, while sesame chicken is more straightforward with its sweet-savory balance
• Garnish: Sesame chicken is topped with sesame seeds, while General Tso’s often features dried red chilies
• Origin: General Tso’s is a more recent creation specifically designed for American tastes

Both dishes feature crispy chicken pieces, but the flavor profiles are quite different, with General Tso’s leaning more into spicy territory while sesame chicken emphasizes the nutty sesame flavor.

Is Sesame Chicken Healthy?

Like many restaurant dishes, sesame chicken isn’t the healthiest option due to:

• The chicken is typically fried, adding extra calories and fat
• The sauce contains sugar and sodium
• Restaurant portions tend to be large

However, if you’re making sesame chicken at home, you can make it healthier by:

• Baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying
• Reducing the amount of sugar in the sauce
• Using low-sodium soy sauce
• Adding more vegetables to the dish
• Controlling your portion sizes

In moderation, sesame chicken can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with steamed vegetables and a reasonable portion of rice.

How to Make Sesame Chicken at Home

If you’re inspired to try making sesame chicken yourself, here’s a simplified recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Optional: ginger powder, garlic cloves

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Coat chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Fry chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. In the same pan, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, honey/brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
6. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
7. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat with sauce.
8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
9. Serve hot with rice or noodles!

What to Serve with Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed white rice
• Fried rice
• Noodles (lo mein or ramen)
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli and cabbage
• Egg rolls
• Spring rolls
• Hot and sour soup as a starter

For a complete meal, I love serving sesame chicken with steamed rice and a side of broccoli. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, and the broccoli adds a fresh, crisp element that balances the rich chicken.

Common Questions About Sesame Chicken

Does sesame chicken contain nuts?

While sesame seeds are technically seeds and not nuts, people with nut allergies should be cautious as cross-contamination can occur in kitchens that handle various ingredients.

Is sesame chicken spicy?

Traditional sesame chicken is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile, though some restaurants may add a slight kick with red pepper flakes.

Can I make sesame chicken without frying?

Absolutely! You can bake the coated chicken pieces in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes or use an air fryer for a healthier alternative.

How do I store leftover sesame chicken?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

The Final Verdict

Sesame chicken is a culinary journey that transports your taste buds through a realm of delightful flavors. The combination of crispy exterior, tender chicken, and that signature sweet-savory sauce studded with sesame seeds creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

If you’ve never tried sesame chicken before, I highly recommend giving it a chance next time you order Chinese food or, better yet, try making it at home where you can adjust the flavors to your preference!

In my opinion, what makes sesame chicken so popular is its approachable flavor profile – it’s not too spicy, not too exotic, but still offers a distinctive taste that’s unmistakably delicious. It’s the perfect gateway dish for those new to Chinese cuisine and a comforting favorite for seasoned food enthusiasts.

Have you tried sesame chicken before? What did you think of its taste? I’d love to hear about your experience with this delightful dish!