If you’re craving a dish that brings together an irresistible crunch with a luscious, sticky sauce, you’ve hit the jackpot. This Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe combines golden, perfectly fried chicken coated in a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with umami. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab extra napkins and savor every bite because the balance of textures and flavors is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this dish. Each element is simple yet crucial, bringing texture, flavor, and that signature glossy sheen to your Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast: Choose thighs for juicier results or breast for a lean option, all cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect crisping.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light base for the crispy coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Key for that unbeatable crunch and light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder: Brings a mild warmth and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a touch of smoky sweetness.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil that can handle high heat to achieve that perfect crust.
- For the Sticky Glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, savory anchor for the glaze.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetness that balances the other bold flavors with a natural shine.
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a subtle molasses note.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Intensifies the nutty aroma typical of Asian dishes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: For that fresh zing and warmth that’s utterly satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: To thicken the glaze and give it that perfect sticky consistency.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness as a final touch.
- Chopped green onions for garnish: Offers a fresh pop of color and mild sharpness that complements the dish.
How to Make Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Start by mixing your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ginger powder, and paprika in a large bowl. This seasoning blend is where that crispy, flavorful exterior begins to take shape. Tossing the chicken in this dry mixture ensures every bite has that crave-worthy crunch.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the flour mixture and toss until each piece is fully coated. Make sure none of the chicken bits are left uncovered because that crunchy coating is the hero of this recipe.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Warm your vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial: too low and the chicken soaks oil; too high and it burns before cooking through.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully fry the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per batch until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and boast a crispy texture. Once done, drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Sticky Glaze
While your chicken cools slightly, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat to allow all those flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
Once simmering, lower the heat and stir in your cornstarch-water slurry. Keep stirring until the glaze thickens and takes on a shiny, sticky texture that will cling irresistibly to the chicken.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken in Glaze
Take your crispy chicken pieces and toss them gently in the sticky glaze until each piece is luxuriously coated. This step transforms simple fried chicken into an addictive dish packed with flavor and a glorious sheen.
Step 8: Add Sesame Seeds
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the glazed chicken and toss again to help them stick, adding a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the sticky sauce.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor that brightens the dish and adds a lovely bite.
How to Serve Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are a classic garnish that adds that needed pop of green and fresh flavor. You can also try toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness or even thinly sliced red chili for a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all that sticky glaze. For a lighter option, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe in lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld treat or pile it atop a bed of noodles tossed in a light sesame dressing. You can even sketch a drizzle of glaze around the plate for extra visual oomph if you’re feeling fancy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and glaze together to maintain flavor, but expect the crispiness to soften over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces separately before glazing by placing them in a single layer on a tray and transferring them once frozen into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and glazing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to help regain some crispiness. Then, gently toss with warmed glaze to freshen up the flavors and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly in this Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe. Keep in mind they may be a little leaner and less juicy than thighs, so be careful not to overcook them.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier twist, bake the coated chicken pieces at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While not quite as crispy as frying, baking still yields great results.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and balanced, focusing on sweet and savory flavors rather than heat. You can easily add chili flakes, Sriracha, or sliced fresh chili peppers if you want to spice things up.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat gently before tossing with chicken. Just be sure to stir well, as it may thicken further when chilled.
What other proteins can I use in this recipe?
This sticky sesame glaze pairs well with shrimp, tofu, or even pork strips. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through and crispy.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe is more than just cooking; it’s creating a moment of joy shared around the table. The harmony of crunchy chicken enveloped in a glossy, flavorful glaze is simply irresistible. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it becomes a beloved favorite that’s perfect for any occasion!
Print
Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and glazed with a sticky, savory-sweet sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and green onions, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for a satisfying family meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sticky Glaze
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Coating Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ginger powder, and paprika. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the flour mixture and toss well until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoned flour and cornstarch blend to ensure crispiness when fried.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove and drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Sticky Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to meld the flavors.
- Thicken Glaze: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cornstarch-water mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky, which will coat the chicken perfectly.
- Coat Chicken with Glaze: Remove the glaze from heat and toss the fried chicken pieces into the sticky sauce, stirring to coat each piece evenly with the flavorful glaze.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the glazed chicken and toss once more to make sure the seeds stick and add a nutty crunch.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately to enjoy the chicken at its crispiest and most flavorful.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken by frying once until lightly golden, letting it rest, then frying again until crispier.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
- If you want a milder glaze, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables to complete the meal.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for optimal frying results.
