Sweet and Spicy Ginger Sesame Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Ginger Sesame Chicken features tender, golden chicken stir-fried in a sticky, flavorful ginger-sesame sauce, served alongside crisp vegetables and fluffy white rice for the ultimate comfort bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet and Spicy Ginger Sesame Chicken is the perfect fusion of bold flavors and comforting textures. The chicken is juicy and coated in a glossy, irresistible sauce that balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Paired with vibrant sautéed vegetables and steamed rice, this dish makes an easy and satisfying meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sautéed Vegetables:

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For Serving:

• Steamed white rice
• Additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Directions

1. Toss the diced chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
4. Add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili paste, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
6. In another pan, heat sesame oil and quickly stir-fry the green beans and red bell pepper with soy sauce and sesame seeds until crisp-tender.
7. Serve the sweet and spicy ginger sesame chicken over steamed rice with sautéed vegetables on the side.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions, red chili slices, and extra sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute tofu for chicken and use vegetable broth-based sauces.
• Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of chili paste or add fresh chili peppers.
• Peanut Addition: Stir a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Different Vegetables: Use broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn for added variety.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Microwaving is also an option, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, but be careful not to overcook it to maintain juiciness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to the sauce if needed.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili paste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake the cornstarch-coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What type of rice pairs best?

Steamed jasmine rice or short-grain sushi rice complement this dish beautifully.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, store the chicken and vegetables separately and combine when ready to serve for the best texture.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?

Ensure the chicken is cooked until golden and the sauce is thickened before tossing the chicken back in.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients, but cook the chicken in batches to maintain a good sear.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Ginger Sesame Chicken is a delicious and easy stir-fry that brings together sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite. Paired with crisp vegetables and fluffy rice, this vibrant comfort bowl is a perfect solution for satisfying cravings and impressing family and friends with minimal effort.

Sweet and Spicy Ginger Sesame Chicken

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This Sweet and Spicy Ginger Sesame Chicken features tender chicken stir-fried in a sticky, flavorful ginger sesame sauce, paired with crisp vegetables and fluffy rice — a perfect comfort food bowl that’s quick enough for busy weeknights and satisfying for meal prep. #gingersesamechicken #sweetandspicy

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish, Stir-Fry
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, diced

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (for garnish)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sautéed Vegetables:

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For Serving:

• Steamed white rice

• Additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Toss diced chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

4. Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili paste, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened.

5. Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

6. In another pan, heat sesame oil and stir-fry green beans and red bell pepper with soy sauce and sesame seeds until crisp-tender.

7. Serve the chicken over steamed rice with sautéed vegetables on the side.

8. Garnish with sliced green onions, red chili slices, and extra sesame seeds.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a variation.

• Adjust chili paste for a milder or spicier version.

• Great for meal prepping — store components separately for easy reheating.