Spicy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Sesame Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet marinade. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, it offers a delicious balance of heat and savory notes, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 8 boneless chicken thighs, skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks green onions, white and green parts separated
• 2 tablespoons sambal or chili oil (such as Momofuku Chili Crisp)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mince the garlic and slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Use the green parts later as a garnish.
2. Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Step 3: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, white part of the green onions, and sambal or chili oil. Mix well to form the marinade.
5. Step 5: Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared tray.
7. Step 7: Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking.
8. Step 8: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
9. Step 9: Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken thighs dry before marinating.
• Adjust the amount of chili oil to control the heat level to your preference.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
• Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but check cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

Storage

Store leftover spicy sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and monitor internal temperature carefully.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Spicy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 102 reviews

Spicy Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make air fryer recipe featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and spicy chili oil. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior, garnished with fresh green onions for a vibrant finish.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken

• 8 boneless chicken thighs, skin-on or skinless

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks green onions, white and green parts separated (green part for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons sambal or chili oil (Momofuku Chili Crisp recommended)

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: Mince the garlic and cut the green onions, separating the white and green parts. Use the green parts later for garnish.
2. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat.
3. Trim the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs to ensure even cooking.
4. Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, white parts of green onions, and sambal or chili oil. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
5. Marinate the chicken: Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade until fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Prepare the air fryer basket: Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
7. Arrange the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side up on the lined air fryer tray, ensuring they’re spaced evenly.
8. Air fry the chicken: Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
9. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the cooked chicken with the green parts of the green onions before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.

Notes

• The chicken thighs can be skinless or skin-on based on preference; skin-on yields a crispier texture.
• Adjust the amount of chili oil or sambal based on your desired spice level.
• Marinating for longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance flavor intensity.
• Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model.

Keywords: spicy chicken, sesame chicken, air fryer chicken, easy dinner, Asian chicken recipe, boneless chicken thighs, spicy sesame sauce