1 piece (medium) of Sesame Chicken (120 g) has 264 calories. That works out to 220 calories per 100 g. It contains 18 g of carbs, 19.2 g of protein, 12 g of fat and 1.8 g of fiber. Its 6.1 mg of B3 covers 38% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken is made from bite-sized chicken pieces, usually fried and coated in a glossy, sweet soy-based sauce, then finished with sesame seeds. The version familiar to many diners is a Chinese-American restaurant dish, rather than a single traditional Chinese preparation; recipes and sauces vary.

Expect a tender centre, a lightly crisp coating and a sticky sweet-savoury glaze. It is commonly served as a main with rice and vegetables, or shared alongside other takeaway-style dishes. Chicken makes it a source of protein, while frying and the sweet sauce add richness and carbohydrates. For a lighter meal, bake or air-fry the chicken and use less sauce, with plenty of vegetables on the side.

Sesame Chicken Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

220

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

15g

· 5% DV

Protein

16g

· 32% DV

Fat

10g

· 13% DV

Fiber

1.5g

· 5% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 28% · Protein 30% · Fat 42%

Sesame Chicken Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

5.1mg · 32% DV

0.38mg · 22% DV

0.7mg · 14% DV

Biotin

4µg · 13% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

160mg · 23% DV

Sodium

480mg · 21% DV

Selenium

11µg · 20% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

How Nutritious Is Sesame Chicken?

Nutrient density

Medium

45/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

50/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Sesame Chicken Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Sesame Chicken

To burn the 220 calories in 100 g:

🚶

54min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

22min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

30min

Cycling

🏊

26min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Sesame Chicken Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Sesame Chicken Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy yes

Sesame yes

Which Diets Is Sesame Chicken Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Sesame Chicken Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.8g

POLYUNSATURATED

2.1g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 15:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (15:1).

Compare Sesame Chicken

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Foods Similar to Sesame Chicken

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

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Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Chicken

What is Sesame Chicken made of?

Sesame Chicken is made with bite-sized chicken pieces, a glossy sweet soy-based sauce, and sesame seeds. The chicken is commonly coated and fried before being tossed in the sauce, which gives the dish its contrast of crisp pieces and sticky coating.

Is Sesame Chicken spicy?

Sesame Chicken is usually mild, with a sweet and savory flavor rather than heat. Some recipes add chili, but it is not essential to the dish; restaurant versions can vary, so ask for the sauce on the side if you are sensitive to spice.

What does Sesame Chicken taste like?

Sesame Chicken tastes sweet and savory, with a nutty sesame note and a salty depth from soy sauce. Its thick glaze clings to the chicken, making it richer and stickier than simply grilled chicken with sesame sprinkled on top.

How is Sesame Chicken different from General Tso’s chicken?

Sesame Chicken is typically defined by its sweet soy-style glaze and sesame seeds, while General Tso’s chicken is often more savory, tangy, and spicy. Restaurant recipes differ, but sesame is a signature finishing touch for Sesame Chicken.

How is Sesame Chicken different from orange chicken?

Sesame Chicken gets its main flavor from a sweet soy-based sauce and sesame, whereas orange chicken has a distinct citrus flavor from orange zest or juice. Both are often fried and glazed, but the sauces make them taste quite different.

Is Sesame Chicken a traditional Chinese dish?

Sesame Chicken is best known as a Chinese-American restaurant dish, rather than a single classic Chinese recipe with one fixed preparation. It draws on Chinese-style cooking and flavors, and recipes vary between takeout restaurants and home kitchens.

How do you keep Sesame Chicken crispy?

Keep Sesame Chicken crisp by tossing the fried chicken with sauce just before serving. Use only enough sauce to coat the pieces, and fry in uncrowded batches so the chicken browns instead of steaming. Once sauced, the coating will gradually soften.

Can you bake Sesame Chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake Sesame Chicken, though the coating is usually less crisp than with frying. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, bake until cooked through, and add the sauce afterward to keep the coating from becoming soggy.

What should you serve with Sesame Chicken?

Serve Sesame Chicken with steamed rice or noodles and a side of vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas. Their mild flavors balance the sticky glaze, and the rice or noodles make it easy to enjoy any sauce left on the plate.

How long does leftover Sesame Chicken last, and how should you reheat it?

Refrigerate leftover Sesame Chicken in a covered container within two hours and eat it within three to four days. Reheat it in a skillet, stirring until hot throughout; a small splash of water can loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026