Sticky Sesame Chicken Recipe
I have to admit, the first time I made Sticky Sesame Chicken, I was hooked! I remember sitting at the dinner table, amazed that something this flavorful could come out of my own kitchen. The chicken was perfectly caramelized, the sesame flavor was nutty and sweet, and that glossy sauce?
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Instructions
- Start by cutting your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Stir well to blend all the flavors. Don’t forget to whisk the cornstarch with water separately before adding it to the sauce. This prevents lumps!
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown, flipping occasionally (about 5–7 minutes).
- Pour that beautifully whisked sauce over the chicken. Stir and coat evenly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and cling to the chicken. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle sesame seeds generously, and add chopped green onions for that final touch.
Notes
- Marinate the Chicken: If time allows, marinate the chicken in a bit of the sauce for 15–20 minutes beforehand. It makes the meat extra juicy and flavorful.
- Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce? Make a double batch to drizzle over your rice or veggies.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh-grated ginger and minced garlic create a more vibrant flavor than their dried counterparts.
- Go Crispy: Lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking for an extra crispy texture.