Sesame Chicken Near Me: What It Is, Nutrition, and Where to Order

There’s something about that glossy, sweet‑and‑savory chicken that makes it the go‑to order when you’re too tired to cook. But behind the crispy coating and sesame seeds lies a dish with a surprisingly high calorie count and a story that blends American convenience with Chinese culinary tradition.

Average calories per serving (Chinese takeout sesame chicken): 400–500 kcal ·
Typical sodium content per serving: 800–1200 mg ·
Protein per serving: 20–30 g ·
Sugar content per serving (from sauce): 15–25 g ·
Number of U.S. Chinese restaurants serving sesame chicken: over 40,000

Five key facts, one pattern: sesame chicken is a delicious but nutritionally dense dish that demands an informed order.

What is sesame chicken made of?

Main ingredients used in sesame chicken

• Chicken (breast or thigh), cut into bite‑sized pieces.
• Cornstarch batter for a crispy coating.
• Soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil for the sauce.
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

According to nutrition data from FoodStruct nutrition database, a 100‑gram portion contains about 293 calories, 14 g fat, 26 g net carbs, and 14 g protein. The sauce drives most of the sugar: 16 g per 100 g. The dish is essentially deep‑fried chicken coated in a thickened sweet‑soy glaze.

How sesame chicken sauce is prepared

• Base: soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar or honey.
• Aromatics: garlic, ginger, and sometimes chili flakes.
• Thickener: cornstarch slurry.
• Finish: toasted sesame oil and whole sesame seeds.

The sauce is what gives sesame chicken its signature balance of sweet and savory. A typical restaurant order (547 g) delivers around 1,603 calories, according to Nutrifox restaurant nutrition tracker — more than two‑thirds of a daily 2,000‑calorie diet.

Why do they call it sesame chicken?

Historical origins of the name

• The name directly references the two key sesame elements: sesame oil in the sauce and toasted sesame seeds on top.
• The dish is an American Chinese creation, not a traditional Chinese recipe.

As Medindia health data publisher notes, the dish emerged in U.S. Chinese restaurants adapting local tastes. The inclusion of sesame — a common ingredient in both Chinese and Western cooking — made the name instantly recognizable.

Role of sesame seeds and oil in the dish

• Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma to the sauce.
• Sesame seeds provide texture and visual appeal.

The name serves a practical purpose: it distinguishes the dish from similar items like General Tso’s chicken. General Tso’s is spicier and uses a darker sauce; sesame chicken leans sweeter and sesame‑forward, consistent with reports from Prospre nutrition app.

Is sesame chicken healthy?

Calorie and fat content

• A single restaurant order (547 g) can exceed 1,600 calories and 78 g fat (Nutrifox restaurant nutrition tracker).
• Even a smaller cup (142 g) provides 240 calories and 11 g fat (Prospre nutrition app).

For context, that 1,600‑calorie order is equivalent to eating two Big Macs. The deep‑frying process alone adds significant oil absorption.

Sodium and sugar concerns

• Typical sodium per serving: 800–1,200 mg (over half the daily recommended limit).
• Sugar from sauce: 15–25 g per serving — about 4–6 teaspoons.

Data from Eat This Much nutrition tracking site shows that PF Chang’s Home Menu version contains 980 mg sodium per 312 g serving. Restaurant versions are likely even saltier.

Comparison with other Chinese dishes

• Sesame chicken: ~293 kcal/100 g, high sugar and fat.
• Steamed dumplings: ~180 kcal/100 g, lower fat.
• Stir‑fried broccoli in garlic sauce: ~90 kcal/100 g.

According to Carb Manager diet tracking platform, ordering sesame chicken without rice reduces calories to about 293 per serving, but it remains a calorie‑dense choice. A dietitian’s perspective, as shared on Gina’s Skinnytaste social media recipe account, warns that takeout portions can easily exceed 1,500 calories.

What is another name for sesame chicken?

Regional variations of the dish

• Sometimes called “crispy sesame chicken” on menus to emphasize the texture.
• In some regions, it’s listed as “sesame seed chicken” or simply “sesame chicken.”

No universal alternative name exists, but the “crispy” variant is common on delivery platforms. Prospre nutrition app notes that the dish’s identity is consistent across most U.S. Chinese restaurants.

Similar American Chinese dishes

• General Tso’s chicken: spicier, darker sauce, no sesame emphasis.
• Sweet and sour chicken: brighter red sauce, pineapple chunks.
• Orange chicken: citrus‑forward sauce, also deep‑fried.

The key difference: sesame chicken’s sauce is sweet and mild, while General Tso’s packs heat. Both dishes, as FoodStruct nutrition database indicates, are nutritionally similar — high in calories and sugar.

How to find the best sesame chicken near me

Using delivery platforms (DoorDash, Grubhub)

• Filter by rating (4 stars or higher).
• Check photos of the dish to see sauce consistency and sesame seed coverage.
• Read recent reviews mentioning “crispy” or “fresh.”

Major delivery services list sesame chicken options with user ratings. According to Gina’s Skinnytaste recipe and food blog, asking for sauce on the side is a simple way to control calories.

Reading Yelp reviews

• Search for “sesame chicken” within Yelp reviews of local Chinese restaurants.
• Look for reviews that mention portion size, crispiness, and sweetness level.

Yelp and Reddit threads provide real user recommendations. A common tip: avoid places that describe their sesame chicken as “soggy” — a sign of poor preparation.

Checking local Chinese restaurant menus

• Call ahead to ask if they use dark or white meat — white meat is leaner.
• Ask if they can prepare it with less sauce or bake instead of fry.

Many local restaurants are happy to customize. The PF Chang’s Home Menu version, for example, offers a frozen option with 400 calories and 21 g protein per 312 g serving (Eat This Much nutrition tracking site).

Seven nutritional specs, one pattern: sesame chicken is consistently high in calories, fat, and sodium across all reported serving sizes.

*Estimated from average. Sodium per 100 g varies by recipe.

“Ordering sesame chicken from take‑out can easily be over 1,500 calories including rice — a lighter version at home can be 513 calories with rice and 44.5 g protein.”

— Gina’s Skinnytaste, recipe blog and social media account

“A restaurant serving of sesame chicken (547 g) contains about 1,603 calories, 78 g fat, and 147 g carbohydrates — more than a full day’s worth of energy for many adults.”

— Nutrifox, restaurant nutrition database

The pattern is consistent: restaurant‑style sesame chicken is a calorie and sodium bomb. For anyone who loves the dish, the smart play is to order a half‑portion, skip the rice, and save the full order for an occasional treat. For those searching “sesame chicken near me,” the best choice is a local restaurant willing to tailor the dish — or a homemade version that delivers the same flavor with a fraction of the guilt. The implication: for the American takeout lover, enjoy sesame chicken as a splurge, or ask for adjustments that keep it from derailing your health goals.

For a deeper look at its origins and variations, check out the story behind this dish to understand how the dish evolved from Chinese-American kitchens to nationwide menus.

Frequently asked questions