11 Glazed Sesame Chicken Recipes for Takeout Fans

I still remember those rainy Friday evenings from my childhood, huddled around the coffee table with my family, eagerly digging into greasy takeout bags. Sesame chicken was always the star—crispy bites coated in that glossy, sweet glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds that stuck to everything. It was comfort food at its finest, but as an adult, I’ve realized how loaded it is with hidden sugars and oils from restaurant versions.

Fast forward to last month: with takeout prices skyrocketing and my craving for that sticky goodness unquenched, I rolled up my sleeves for a kitchen marathon. Over three days, I whipped up 11 glazed sesame chicken recipes, tweaking classics with healthier twists, bold flavors, and shortcuts for weeknights. These home versions capture the takeout thrill minus the guilt, using pantry staples and air fryers for that perfect crunch.

Whether you’re a die-hard takeout fan or just love Asian-inspired eats, these recipes will have you ditching the delivery apps for good.

Classic Glazed Sesame Chicken

This timeless takeout replica starts with 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, dredged in ½ cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. For the glaze, mix ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 2 tbsp sesame oil; thicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry. Fry chicken in ½ cup vegetable oil until golden (5-7 mins), then toss in glaze over medium heat for 2 mins, finishing with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

It’s quicker than waiting for delivery (under 30 mins), lower in sodium, and packed with protein for a satisfying meal. Pair with steamed rice and broccoli for balance.

Spicy Sriracha Glazed Sesame Chicken

Amp up the heat with 1 lb chicken tenders coated in ⅓ cup flour and ⅓ cup cornstarch. Glaze features 3 tbsp sriracha, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and garlic-ginger paste. Air-fry chicken at 400°F for 12 mins, then simmer in glaze for 3 mins, topping with sesame seeds and cilantro.

The spice boosts metabolism and adds antioxidants from chilis, making it a fiery yet healthier swap for takeout—ready in 20 mins with minimal oil.

Honey Garlic Glazed Sesame Chicken

For this sweet-savory gem, use 1.5 lbs chicken breast chunks battered in ½ cup panko, egg, and flour. Glaze: ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame seeds stirred in at the end. Bake at 425°F for 20 mins, then broil while coating in glaze.

Honey provides natural sweetness and soothing benefits, cutting refined sugars; it’s kid-friendly and meal-prep perfect.

Teriyaki Glazed Sesame Chicken

Combine 1 lb diced chicken thighs with a teriyaki glaze of ½ cup store-bought teriyaki sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp honey, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Dredge in cornstarch and pan-fry in 2 tbsp oil (4 mins per side), then glaze for 2 mins. Garnish with sesame seeds and nori flakes.

It delivers umami depth with fermented soy benefits for gut health, faster than takeout at 25 mins.

Orange Glazed Sesame Chicken

Brighten things with 1 lb chicken pieces in a light batter (cornstarch + egg white). Glaze: zest and juice of 2 oranges, ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp orange marmalade, garlic, and sesame oil. Stir-fry chicken 6 mins, add glaze to bubble for 3 mins, sesame finish.

Citrus vitamin C enhances immunity; it’s a refreshing, low-cal twist on takeout.

Pineapple Glazed Sesame Chicken

Tropical vibes from 1 lb chicken bites fried crispy, tossed in glaze of ½ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin, 1 tbsp cornstarch, diced pineapple chunks, and sesame seeds. Sauté chicken 5 mins, simmer glaze 4 mins.

Pineapple’s bromelain aids digestion; sweet-tangy and 30-min ready.

Lemon Ginger Glazed Sesame Chicken

Zesty for 1.25 lbs chicken thighs coated in sesame-cornstarch mix. Glaze: juice of 2 lemons, ¼ cup honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp fresh ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil. Bake 20 mins at 400°F, glaze last 5 mins.

Anti-inflammatory ginger and lemon detoxify; light and Weeknight Warrior-approved.

BBQ Glazed Sesame Chicken

Fusion fun: 1 lb chicken tenders in BBQ rub (paprika, garlic powder), fried then glazed with ½ cup BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp soy, 1 tbsp honey, sesame oil. Grill or pan 7 mins total.

Smoky antioxidants from spices; bold flavor, half the takeout calories.

Coconut Glazed Sesame Chicken

Creamy twist using 1 lb chicken in coconut flour batter. Glaze: ½ cup light coconut milk, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, lime juice, soy, sesame seeds. Simmer all 10 mins post-fry.

Healthy fats from coconut; exotic, dairy-free delight in 25 mins.

Peanut Sesame Glazed Chicken

Double nutty: 1 lb chicken pieces stir-fried, glazed with ¼ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup soy, 2 tbsp honey, sriracha, sesame oil/seeds. Thicken and coat 4 mins.

Protein-packed peanuts satisfy; vegan-adaptable, takeout rival.

Air Fryer Glazed Sesame Chicken

Healthiest hack: 1.5 lbs chicken tossed in cornstarch-soy mix, air-fried 15 mins at 380°F. Quick glaze of honey-soy-ginger reduction brushed on, sesame top.

Oil-free crispiness saves 300+ calories; effortless 20-min meal.

There you have it—11 ways to glaze your way to sesame chicken nirvana at home. Skip the soggy takeout boxes and fire up your kitchen; these recipes are foolproof, customizable, and way better for you. Which one will you try first? Tag me in your pics!