Description
Sticky Sesame Chicken is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a glossy, flavorful sticky sauce made with natural sesame oil, soy sauce, grape juice, and a natural gelling agent. Toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions add crunch and freshness, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
Sauce
- 1/4 cup natural soy sauce
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 2 tablespoons natural brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon natural sesame oil
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated to help create a crispy exterior when frying.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together natural soy sauce, grape juice, natural brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, grated ginger, natural gelling agent, and natural sesame oil until smooth and sticky.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Remove excess oil from the skillet, then pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet and toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated in the sticky sesame sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the coated chicken. Serve warm with steamed jasmine rice or your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry ensures a crispy coating when fried.
- Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain crunchiness.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic to maximize flavor in the sauce.
- Toast sesame seeds before garnishing for extra nuttiness and crunch.
- Continuously stir the sauce when thickening to prevent burning and achieve a perfect sticky glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Sticky Sesame Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Quick Dinner, Asian Chicken Recipe, Gluten Free Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken
