Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe

There is nothing quite like a dish that brings together the perfect crunch, a burst of flavor, and a sticky, sweet-savory finish all in one bite. This Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe absolutely delivers on that promise. Imagine golden, crispy chicken coated in an irresistible glaze that clings lovingly to every piece, accented by toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a vibrant pop. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me show you how easy it is to create this unforgettable treat at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe is simple but essential, carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the crispy coating to the luscious sticky sauce, everything comes together seamlessly with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh aromatics.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast: Tender, juicy chicken bites that crisp up beautifully.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Key for creating a light, crispy crust on the chicken.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunchiness and helps the coating stick perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the seasoning profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A mild kick that complements the savory components.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder: Adds warmth and a touch of zest to the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends color and a slight smoky undertone.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Needed to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sticky glaze.
• 1/4 cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances richness and helps the glaze caramelize.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers an authentic toasted sesame flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and pungent for a lively sauce.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Bright, spicy notes that elevate the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the glaze to a luscious stickiness.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a nutty finish.
• Chopped green onions for garnish: A fresh, colorful touch that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mix

Start by combining the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ginger powder, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. This blend not only seasons the chicken perfectly but also forms the base for that signature crispy crust you’re aiming for. Mix everything until it’s well blended so that each bite gets an even coating of flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Add your bite-sized chicken pieces into the bowl with the coating. Toss them gently but thoroughly to make sure each piece is evenly covered with the flour mixture. This step is crucial because a thorough coating traps moisture inside, resulting in a moist interior and crispy exterior after frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oil to the right temperature is key—it ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and crisps up instead of absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, which can drop the oil temperature and spoil the crispiness. Cook each batch for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Once fried, drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Sticky Glaze

While the chicken is frying, start your sauce by heating soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. The mix of sweet, tangy, and aromatic ingredients begins to meld as it heats, creating a deeply flavorful glaze.

Step 6: Thicken the Glaze

Once the sauce simmers, reduce the heat and add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir continuously until the glaze thickens into a luscious, sticky coating. This thick texture is what makes every bite so satisfying—glossy, clingy, and bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Toss the Chicken in the Glaze

Remove the glaze from heat and immediately toss your crispy chicken pieces in it, making sure every piece gets lovingly coated. This step transforms the dish from fried chicken to that dazzling Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe everyone adores.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the glazed chicken and toss gently to ensure they stick to the sauce. These seeds not only add fabulous texture but a subtle nutty note that complements the entire dish beautifully.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped green onions. Their mild onion flavor and vibrant green color offer a fresh balance to the rich glaze and crispy chicken. Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you add that final flourish that makes your dish pop. Alongside the green onions and sesame seeds used in the glaze, consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro or even a drizzle of extra sesame oil for depth. Thinly sliced red chili flakes also work wonders if you enjoy a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice makes the perfect base to soak up every last drop of glaze. For a refreshing contrast, serve with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. A simple Asian slaw adds crunch and brightness for a well-balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn a great meal into a memorable one. Try serving the chicken over a bed of rice noodles or inside lettuce wraps for a hand-held delight. You could also pile the glazed chicken on a platter sprinkled with extra sesame seeds and green onions to let guests serve themselves family-style. For an impressive party appetizer, serve the chicken skewered on bamboo sticks for easy grabbing and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to let the chicken cool slightly before storing to avoid sogginess from trapped steam. Store the chicken and the glaze together so the flavor stays bold.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the fried chicken pieces and the glaze separately. Place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer bag or container. The glaze can be frozen in a separate airtight container. This way, both maintain their quality when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, it’s best to use the oven or an air fryer to restore the crispiness of the chicken. Warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Reheat the glaze gently on the stovetop and toss the chicken in it just before serving to preserve that luscious sticky coating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well here. Thighs tend to be juicier and slightly more forgiving when frying, but using breast meat will result in a leaner dish. Just be careful not to overcook breast meat as it can dry out quickly.

What can I substitute for cornstarch in the coating and glaze?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a great substitute and yields a similar crispy texture and thick glaze. Some people also use potato starch, but avoid flour alone as it won’t give you the same crunch or gloss.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the coating or sauce, or by adding a drizzle of chili oil before serving. It’s very adaptable if you love things with a kick!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari works wonderfully). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

For the crispiest chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, letting coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying helps the batter set, which promotes crunchiness. Using cornstarch in the coating is a key secret here.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken with Sticky Glaze Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a treat every time you make it. The irresistible crunch, layered with the sticky, sweet-savory glaze and toasted sesame accents, makes every mouthful a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming one of your all-time favorites too!

Print