Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe

If you are craving a dish that beautifully balances crispy, tender chicken with a luscious, sweet-savory glaze, the Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender chicken thighs coated in a perfectly crunchy crust, all enveloped in a glossy, sticky Asian sauce that sings with flavors of garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat. It’s a fantastic dish to share with family or friends, guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s creating the crispy chicken coating, the complex sauce, or adding those final touches that make this dish utterly irresistible.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for frying and absorbing the sticky sauce.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the primary crispy texture for the chicken coating.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps add extra crunch and lightness to the batter.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift, making the coating airy and crisp.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice to the chicken.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the sticky binder for the flour mixture.
• 1/2 cup water: Helps thin the batter for even coating.
• Vegetable oil: For deep frying the chicken to a golden crisp.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Creates the savory backbone of the sauce.
• 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates that irresistible sticky texture.
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses the sauce with authentic toasted sesame fragrance.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed: Deepens the sweetness with a molasses note.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Combined with water to thicken the sauce perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to ensure a smooth sauce consistency.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic pungency that livens up the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Provides a zesty warmth and freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a customizable heat kick to the sauce.
• Sesame seeds: For garnish, adding nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh and vibrant finish for texture and color.
• Cooked white rice: Perfect base to soak up all the sticky sauce.
• Steamed broccoli: A healthy, crisp side that balances the richness.

How to Make Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pieces

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces—this little detail is key for even cooking. Give them a good pat dry with paper towels because removing excess moisture helps the coating cling better, which results in a crunchier exterior after frying.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Each ingredient is carefully chosen: the cornstarch ensures a light crispiness, and baking powder gives the coating some lift so it’s not dense or heavy.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and water. This mixture acts as the glue that holds the dry coating to the chicken, guaranteeing every bite is bursting with crispy golden goodness.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well, then shake off any excess flour. This double coating technique is a pro tip for that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches deep in a large skillet or pot, then heat it to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer here is super helpful—keeping the oil hot enough prevents greasy, soggy chicken.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken in Batches

Add the chicken pieces carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This step ensures each piece gets crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Step 7: Remove and Drain

Use a slotted spoon to lift the chicken out and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels. This step drains any excess oil, keeping your chicken crisp and light, never greasy.

Step 8: Combine and Cook the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger to infuse the sauce with rich aromatic layers. Then, make a slurry of cornstarch and water and whisk it in to thicken the sauce.

Step 9: Simmer the Sauce

Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a perfect glossy consistency. If you enjoy a little heat, stir in the red pepper flakes now. This sticky Asian sauce is what truly elevates the Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe to a restaurant-style delight.

Step 10: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, toss your crispy chicken pieces gently in it until they are beautifully coated in that sticky, shiny glaze. This final step brings together the textures and flavors for a truly crave-worthy dish.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. These simple garnishes add a lovely nutty crunch and a burst of fresh color that makes the dish feel vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up every bit of the glorious sauce. For a healthy, fresh contrast, steamed broccoli or a crunchy Asian slaw bring balance and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken in lettuce cups with a dollop of sauce and some crunchy carrot ribbons for added texture. Or arrange the chicken and sides bento-style with small compartments—this makes an impressive presentation for a casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce sealed well helps maintain their flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save this Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe for later, freeze the chicken pieces separately before saucing—they’ll freeze sturdier that way. Store in freezer bags or containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stove, then toss everything together just before serving. This keeps that sticky coating fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You absolutely can, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, especially when fried. If you opt for breasts, just be careful not to overcook since they can dry out faster.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the sticky Asian sauce to keep the flavors intact.

Can I make this dish less sweet?

Definitely. You can reduce the honey and brown sugar amounts slightly. The sauce’s balance might shift a bit but will still be delicious and flavorful.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes, though rice vinegar has a milder, slightly sweet profile that enhances the overall sauce beautifully.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has optional red pepper flakes, so the heat level is totally up to you! You can leave them out for mild flavors or add more if you like a good kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and exciting about this Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce Recipe that makes it stand out—we’ve got crispy chicken coated in the most flavorful, sticky sauce you can imagine. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your home kitchen, perfect for sharing over a casual family dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss but maximum wow factor. So go ahead, dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!

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