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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup sesame seeds - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Green onions for garnish - Cooking oil for frying - Additional tools required for preparation To make Sticky Sesame Chicken Bites, you need fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs make the bites juicy. Cornstarch gives them a nice, crispy coat. The sesame seeds add crunch and flavor. Low sodium soy sauce adds saltiness without too much sodium. Honey gives the dish a sweet touch. Rice vinegar adds a hint of tang. Aromatics like garlic and ginger boost the taste. Garlic adds warmth, while ginger gives a fresh kick. Sesame oil ties everything together with its nutty flavor. Green onions on top add color and brightness. You also need cooking oil for frying. Choose a strong oil that can handle heat well. Have some mixing bowls ready for marinating and coating. A skillet is great for frying. A slotted spoon helps to lift the chicken out and drain the oil. With these ingredients in hand, you're set to create a delightful and sticky treat! To start, you need to marinate the chicken. First, grab a mixing bowl. Then, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mix will add yummy flavor. Next, add the chicken thighs. Make sure they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all those great tastes. Once the chicken is marinated, it's time for the coating. Take another bowl and add the cornstarch. Take each piece of chicken from the marinade. Roll them in the cornstarch until they are fully coated. This step is key. It gives the chicken a crispy texture when cooked. Now, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer. This means it's hot enough. Carefully add the coated chicken bites in small batches. Don't crowd the pan; this helps them brown better. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. While the chicken cooks, let's make the sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, mix the sesame oil, the rest of the soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Heat the mix on low. Stir gently until the sesame seeds toast and smell nice. This will create a rich sauce for the chicken. After you cook the chicken, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan. Place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any extra oil. While the chicken is still warm, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm sesame sauce over the chicken. Toss the pieces until they are well coated. For serving, arrange the sticky chicken bites on a platter. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. To get that perfect crunch, use cornstarch to coat your chicken. This coating makes your bites crispy and golden. When frying, keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the chicken will soak up oil. If it’s too hot, it can burn. Aim for medium-high heat for the best results. You can boost the flavor of your chicken bites in several ways. Try adding spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. You could also mix in some chopped herbs like cilantro or basil for freshness. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or reduce saltiness by using less soy sauce. Taste your sauce as you go to find your ideal balance. Make your chicken bites look stunning on the plate. Arrange them on a big platter for a fun display. You can sprinkle more sesame seeds on top for an extra touch. Serve with sides like steamed rice or a crisp salad. These pair well and add freshness to your meal. Don't forget to garnish with green onions for color! {{image_4}} You can switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts are leaner and cook faster. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like thighs. This keeps the dish light and tasty. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu instead of chicken. Firm tofu works best. Press it to remove extra water. Then, cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. The tofu will soak up all the great flavors. Add some citrus for a fresh twist. Use orange or lime juice in the marinade. This adds a bright flavor that pairs well with sesame. You can also zest the fruit for extra zing. Want a spicy kick? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to your marinade. This gives the dish heat and depth. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. You can serve the chicken bites with different sauces. Try a sweet chili sauce or a spicy peanut sauce. These add new dimensions to the dish. Pair your bites with various sides. Rice is a classic choice, but try stir-fried veggies or a fresh salad. They balance the richness of the chicken and keep your meal light. Store your Sticky Sesame Chicken Bites in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, use a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. To reheat the chicken bites without losing crispiness, use an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the chicken crispy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. To freeze your chicken bites, let them cool completely first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. Avoid using a microwave to thaw. It can make them soggy. Yes, you can prepare these chicken bites ahead of time. First, marinate the chicken as directed. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This lets the chicken soak up all the flavors. You can also fry the chicken bites in advance. After frying, let them cool and store in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven for a crispy finish. If you need a soy sauce alternative, try coconut aminos. It has a similar taste and is less salty. Another option is tamari, which is gluten-free. You can also use liquid aminos, as they are a great substitute with a similar flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is made without wheat, making it safe for gluten-free diets. Check the cornstarch to ensure it is labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the bites without worry. To cut down on sweetness, reduce the honey by half. You can also replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener, like stevia. Another option is to add more rice vinegar. This will balance the sweetness with some tang. These chicken bites pair well with rice or quinoa. You can serve them with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. For drinks, iced tea or a light beer complements the dish nicely. Try these options for a complete and tasty meal! This article covered all the steps to make Sticky Sesame Chicken Bites. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking tips, and variations to try. Remember, the cornstarch coating is key for a crunch. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors that suit your taste. Store your leftovers properly for future snacks. Enjoy your cooking and impress others with this tasty dish!

Sticky Sesame Chicken Bites

Discover the irresistible flavor of Sticky Sesame Chicken Bites! This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Marinated chicken thighs are crispy-fried and coated in a rich sesame sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup soy sauce (choose low sodium for a healthier option)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Begin by marinating the chicken pieces: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the diced chicken thighs and ensure they are fully immersed in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.

    After marinating, create a coating for the chicken. In a separate bowl, add the cornstarch and gently roll the marinated chicken pieces in it until each piece is evenly coated. This will give the bites a crispy texture when cooked.

      Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken bites in small batches. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as this can hinder browning. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through.

        While the chicken is frying, prepare the sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sesame oil, the remaining soy sauce, and the sesame seeds. Heat on low, stirring gently until the sesame seeds begin to toast lightly and release their nutty aroma.

          Once the chicken is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. While the chicken is still warm, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the warm sesame sauce over it. Toss the chicken until well coated in the flavorful glaze.

            For serving, arrange the sticky chicken bites attractively on a large platter. Finish by garnishing with sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings