Name: Spicy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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 (Momofuku Chili Crisp recommended)

Introduction

This Spicy Sesame Chicken recipe is a deliciously bold dish combining savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Using an air fryer makes it quick and easy, delivering tender, juicy chicken with a crispy finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with two main layers. The bottom layer is a bed of soft, fluffy white rice with a few small pieces of bright green chopped scallions scattered on top. The top layer consists of several pieces of grilled chicken glazed with a shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce that looks slightly charred in some spots, giving it a rich, caramelized texture. Bright green scallions are sprinkled on and around the chicken. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with blurred natural greenery and red fruits in the background, creating a fresh and inviting feel. 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 (Momofuku Chili Crisp recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Mince the garlic and slice the green onions, separating the white and green parts. Reserve the green part for garnish.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Trim any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs.
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 create the marinade.
Step 5: Line the air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 6: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on the tray and coat evenly with the marinade.
Step 7: Air fry at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches over 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe eating.
Step 8: Garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before marinating and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Use less chili oil if you prefer a milder heat, or add more for spice lovers.
Serve over steamed rice or with a side of sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, to help maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

This dish shows a close-up of a single layer of grilled chicken pieces with a rich, dark glazed surface that looks shiny and slightly charred, placed on top of a base layer of fluffy white rice. The chicken has a reddish-brown color with blackened edges, showing a smoky texture. Small pieces of bright green chopped scallions are scattered on both the chicken and rice, adding a fresh contrast. The food sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Is it necessary to separate the green onions?

Separating the white and green parts helps maximize flavor; the white parts add depth to the marinade while the green parts provide a fresh garnish.

Spicy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

A flavorful Spicy Sesame Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and chili oil, then air fried to juicy perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines a perfect balance of heat and umami, garnished with fresh green onions for an extra burst of freshness.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

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 (Momofuku Chili Crisp recommended)

Instructions

Prep the marinade: Mince the garlic and finely chop the green onions, separating the white and green parts. The white portions will go into the marinade while the green parts will be used for garnishing later.
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the chicken and marinade.
Trim the chicken thighs: Remove any excess fat or unwanted bits from the boneless chicken thighs to ensure even cooking.
Mix the marinade: In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, the white parts of green onion, and sambal or chili oil. Stir well to create a balanced spicy and umami-rich marinade.
Marinate the chicken: Toss the trimmed chicken thighs in the marinade until evenly coated, allowing the flavors to infuse if time permits.
Prepare the air fryer basket: Line your air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Arrange the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side up (if skin-on) on the parchment-lined tray, spaced evenly.
Air fry the chicken: Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and serve: Remove the cooked chicken, garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

Using skin-on chicken thighs gives a crispier texture, but skinless works fine too.
Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety, ensuring it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sambal or chili oil.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
Replacing low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos makes this recipe gluten-free.

Keywords: Spicy Sesame Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Sesame Oil Chicken, Easy Chicken Thighs, Momofuku Chili Crisp, Quick Dinner