Sesame or General Tso’s: Pick Your Chicken Fix

Sesame chicken has become a staple in American Chinese cuisine with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Crispy chunks of tender chicken coated in a sticky glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds define this delicious dish.

Many restaurants prepare their own unique versions, some adding extra vegetables or spices to enhance the traditional recipe.

The golden-brown pieces always look appetizing when served over a bed of steamed rice.

Families across the country often order this popular option during weekend takeout nights or special occasions.

Both adults and children enjoy the mild taste profile that isn't too spicy or overwhelming.

These qualities make sesame chicken an excellent choice when you want something reliable yet satisfying on the menu.

The following sections break down everything about this beloved dish and how it compares to other favorites.

Sesame Chicken: What is It?

Sesame chicken, a delicious dish from China's Guangdong province, made its way to America with Chinese immigrants in the 20th century and quickly became a favorite in many households.

This mouthwatering meal features crispy boneless chicken pieces coated in a mixture of egg, cornstarch, sesame seeds, and flavorful sauces that create the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Many people enjoy their sesame chicken alongside rice and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or cabbage for a complete meal. Chinese restaurants and takeaway shops across the USA and Canada now include this addictive dish on their menus, making it a hit with both children and adults who crave its sweet taste.

General Tso’s Chicken: The Overview

General Tsos Chicken, a popular American-Chinese dish found in countless restaurants across North America, features deep-fried chicken pieces smothered in a sweet and spicy soy-based sauce, typically served with rice and broccoli.

Most people don't realize that the original version was actually heavy, hot, sour, and salty - quite different from what we enjoy today.

The dish has an interesting history, created in the 1950s by Taiwanese chef Peng Chang-kuei who named it after Qing Dynasty military leader Zuo Zongtang.

Upon moving to America, Peng was upset to discover other Chinese chefs had already introduced a modified version of his creation to American diners.

His fortunes changed thanks to Henry A. Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State, who became a loyal customer and helped bring both the dish and its creator into the spotlight.

The Similarities Between Sesame Chicken And General Tsos Chicken

Sesame Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken are widely loved staples in Chinese-American cuisine, often found on takeout menus across the U.S.

Their similarities are more than that.

Here are some key points.

Appearance

Both dishes feature glossy, bite-sized boneless chicken pieces, often garnished with spring onions. While sesame seeds and dried chili peppers appear in sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken respectively, these ingredients are unique to each dish and not interchangeable.

Major Ingredients

Chicken, usually thighs for juiciness, is the star protein in both dishes, though some prefer leaner chicken breast. Soy sauce forms the base of their flavorful sauces, complemented by sugar, corn flour, and cornstarch slurry, which create the characteristic sweet and tangy glaze.

Cooking Time

Both dishes require about 40–45 minutes, including preparation and marinating. They’re accessible to home cooks without advanced skills, as long as you follow the steps for crispy chicken and balanced sauce.

Accompaniments

Commonly served with rice, General Tso’s chicken often comes with steamed broccoli, while sesame chicken pairs well with a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cabbage.

When to Serve

Neither dish is tied to special occasions - they’re popular everyday meals and classic takeout options across the U.S., perfect for casual dinners or parties alike.

Sesame Chicken vs. General Tso’s Chicken: The Complete Comparison

Let's explore the key differences between sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken to help you choose your favorite.

This table will show you the quick review of each dish.

What Makes Sesame Chicken And General Tsos Chicken Different From Each Other?

Despite looking alike, these items have unique traits worth noting. My goal is to help spot these key differences, making it simple to tell them apart in the future.

Once you learn what makes each one special, mixing them up will become a thing of the past. Many people struggle with this common confusion, but after reading this guide, you'll be able to identify each one correctly right away.

The small details matter most when comparing similar objects, and knowing what to look for saves time and prevents mistakes.

Special Ingredients

Sesame Chicken always includes white sesame seeds and sesame oil, which impart a nutty aroma and crunchy garnish. The batter for Sesame Chicken uses whole eggs, resulting in a slightly richer coating, and the sauce is typically made with ketchup and honey, giving it a sweet and tangy profile.

General Tso’s Chicken usually excludes sesame seeds and oil but incorporates egg whites only in its batter for a lighter crust. Its sauce features Chinese cooking wine, which adds depth and complexity, along with the spicy dried chili peppers that give the dish its characteristic heat.

Level Of Heat

General Tso’s Chicken is clearly the hotter option. The dried chili peppers in its sauce deliver a pronounced spicy flavor that appeals to heat enthusiasts.

This makes it an exciting choice for those who enjoy bold, spicy foods. Conversely, Sesame Chicken is a great pick for people who are sensitive to spice or those with conditions such as peptic ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as it contains little to no chili heat.

Its milder flavor makes it widely appealing to all palates, especially for kids or anyone avoiding spicy meals.

Nutrition-wise

Nutritionally, both dishes provide similar amounts of protein, calcium, and potassium, making them good sources of these essential nutrients. However, Sesame Chicken tends to have slightly fewer calories and less total fat compared to General Tso’s Chicken, largely due to the latter’s spicier sauce and cooking ingredients.

Both dishes are high in sugar content, which is an important consideration for people managing blood sugar levels, such as diabetics. While they can fit into a balanced diet when eaten occasionally, it’s wise to consume them in moderation.

Making Sesame Chicken Recipe

Ready to master sesame chicken at home? Many people tweak this dish to suit their tastes, but my basic recipe delivers amazing flavors without complications.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless (and skinless if you wish) chicken thighs
• 2 egg whites
• 7 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 7 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
• 3 tbsp vodka
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup + 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup corn flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp chicken stock
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 spring onions
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2-inch piece ginger
• 6 dried chili peppers

How To Cook

• Step 1: Whisk 2 egg whites with 3 tbsp dark soy sauce, 3 tbsp Chinese cooking wine, and 3 tbsp vodka. Divide in half; add ¼ tsp baking soda and 3 tbsp cornstarch to one half and mix well.
• Step 2: Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into pieces and marinate in the cornstarch-egg mixture for 20 minutes.
• Step 3: Mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp reserved marinade from Step 1. Coat the marinated chicken in this dry mix.
• Step 4: Deep-fry the coated chicken until golden.
• Step 5: In a pan, sauté spring onions, garlic, ginger, and dried chili in oil. Add a sauce made by whisking 4 tbsp dark soy sauce, 4 tbsp Chinese cooking wine, 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar, ¼ cup sugar, 4 tbsp chicken stock, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp cornstarch; cook until thick.
• Step 6: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce and serve.

Perfect General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Following this General Tso's chicken recipe will help you create an amazing version that rivals any restaurant offering.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Solutions

1. What proteins are traditionally used for sesame and General Tso's chicken?

Both dishes typically use boneless chicken pieces, usually thighs for General Tso's and breast meat for sesame chicken, though restaurants may vary their choice based on preference.

2. Which dish is spicier?

General Tso's chicken is definitely spicier with its dried chili peppers and hot sauce, while sesame chicken is sweeter with minimal heat, making it more suitable for those who prefer milder flavors.

3. Are these dishes authentically Chinese?

Neither dish exists in traditional Chinese cuisine. Both were created in American Chinese restaurants - General Tso's in the 1970s (inspired by Hunan cuisine) and sesame chicken as an adaptation to American palates.

4. Can I make healthier versions of these dishes at home?

Yes! Try baking instead of deep-frying the chicken, use less sugar in the sauces, and add extra vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to increase nutritional value while maintaining the signature flavors.

Healthier Alternatives for Sesame and General Tso’s Chicken

Both dishes are typically deep-fried and coated in sweet sauces, which can contribute to high fat and sugar content. To make them healthier, start by baking, grilling, or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying to reduce oil usage and overall fat.

Using skinless chicken breast instead of thigh meat lowers fat intake while still providing ample protein.

For the sauce, reducing the amount of sugar or substituting it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation can cut down on added sugars.

Lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari can be used to control sodium levels. Incorporating more fresh ingredients such as minced garlic, ginger, and chili peppers enhances flavor naturally, reducing the need for excessive salt or sugar.