Name: Spicy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks green onions (white and green parts separated, green part for garnish); 2 tbsp sambal or chili oil (e.g., Momofuku Chili Crisp)

Introduction

This Spicy Sesame Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of bold flavors with a hint of heat and a touch of sweetness. Using an air fryer makes it quick and easy, giving you juicy chicken with a crispy exterior every time.

The image shows a white plate with a layer of plain white rice as the base, soft and slightly sticky in texture. On top, there are multiple pieces of grilled chicken coated with a shiny, dark brown glaze with some black char marks, giving a crispy look. The chicken pieces are scattered unevenly, and small bits of chopped green onions are sprinkled on both the rice and chicken, adding a fresh green color contrast. The background features a white marbled surface and blurry red radishes with green leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Mince the garlic and finely chop the green onions, separating the white parts from the green. Reserve the green parts for garnishing later.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Trim any excess fat or skin from the boneless chicken thighs as desired.
Step 4: In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, chopped white green onions, and sambal or chili oil. Mix well to create the marinade.
Step 5: Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade, making sure each piece is well covered.
Step 6: Line your air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Step 8: Air fry at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispness.
Step 9: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Step 10: Garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before marinating and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Adjust the amount of chili oil or sambal to suit your preferred spice level.
Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken skin soggy.

How to Serve

A black round plate holds a pile of grilled chicken pieces glazed with a shiny, dark, reddish-brown sauce that looks sticky and spicy, with visible bits of crushed pepper or chili flakes. The chicken pieces are irregularly shaped and piled in the center, some overlapping others, showing a mix of charred edges and tender meat. Scattered on top and around the chicken are thin slices of bright green spring onions, adding a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, making the dark plate and vibrant food stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used but may cook faster and can dry out more easily, so reduce cooking time slightly and monitor closely.

What can I substitute for sambal or chili oil?

If you don’t have sambal or chili oil, you can use sriracha, chili flakes with a bit of sesame oil, or your favorite hot sauce to add heat and flavor.

Spicy Sesame Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 54 reviews

This Spicy Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring boneless chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chili oil. Cooked to perfection in an air fryer, the chicken develops a crispy exterior while staying tender inside. Garnished with fresh green onions, this recipe offers a quick and delicious meal with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors.

Author: Toney
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless)

Marinade

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

Instructions

Prep Marinade: Mince the garlic and finely chop the green onions, separating the white parts from the green. The green parts will be reserved for garnish later.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully.
Prepare Chicken: Trim any excess fat or unwanted parts from the boneless chicken thighs to ensure even cooking.
Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, chopped white parts of green onions, and sambal or chili oil. Stir well to make a balanced marinade.
Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb flavors (optional, but recommended for best taste).
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side up on the lined air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced out for even air circulation.
Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through around 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer, garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions, and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature for best results.
Substitute sambal or chili oil with any preferred chili sauce if needed.
Parchment paper helps prevent sticking, but ensure it does not block air circulation in the air fryer.
Chicken thighs can be cooked skin-on for extra crispiness or skinless for a leaner option.

Keywords: Spicy Sesame Chicken, air fryer chicken, Asian chicken recipe, spicy chicken thighs, sesame chicken