Sesame Chicken is a Chinese-American classic that rose to popularity in takeout restaurants across the U.S. during the late 20th century. While not traditionally Chinese, it was inspired by Cantonese sweet-sauce stir-fries and adapted to suit American tastes. P.F. Chang’s version refines the dish with high-quality ingredients, balancing sweetness, savory soy, and toasted sesame for a restaurant-level experience. The dish has become a symbol of comfort food in Chinese-American cuisine, enjoyed by families, students, and food lovers alike. Today, it remains a beloved favorite for its approachable flavors and satisfying textures.
Crispy fried chicken pieces are coated in a glossy sesame sauce made with soy, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and honey or sugar. Toasted sesame seeds and oil give the dish a nutty aroma and depth of flavor. The sauce is sticky, savory, and slightly sweet, clinging perfectly to the crunchy chicken. Garnished with green onions, it balances crispiness, sweetness, and a hint of tang. The result is bold, comforting, and irresistibly addictive.
This Sesame Chicken copycat recipe recreates the P.F. Chang’s favorite with crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a sweet-savory sesame glaze. Double-fried for extra crunch, the chicken is coated in a sticky sauce enriched with garlic, ginger, soy, and sesame. Perfect served over rice or noodles, it’s a restaurant-style dish you can make at home in under 40 minutes. With its nutty sesame aroma and glossy finish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Hot Oil Warning: Frying can cause splattering—use a splatter guard and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Allergy Warning: Contains soy, gluten, and eggs. Use tamari and egg substitute for modifications.
For maximum crunch, double-fry the chicken before tossing in sauce.
P.F. Chang’s Sesame Chicken stands out for its glossy sauce and nutty sesame finish. It can be customized by adding vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or by increasing the heat with red pepper flakes. The dish reheats well in a skillet with a splash of water but is best served fresh to preserve crispiness. Its balance of textures—crispy chicken and sticky sauce—makes it a must-have for takeout lovers. This copycat recipe captures the same flavors while letting you adjust sweetness and savoriness to taste.