Savory Sesame Glazed Chicken Bites
Indulge in these Savory Sesame Glazed Chicken Bites, a delightful dish that marries the juiciness of fried chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce that has just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Perfect for any weeknight dinner, this dish is impressively simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, which absorbs all the delicious sauce. Whether you're serving for a small gathering or a cozy family meal, this recipe can easily be adjusted to accommodate your needs. With its beautiful glossy finish and irresistible flavors, this chicken dish is sure to become a household favorite.
6
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4-6 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
vegetable oil
for frying (heated in skillet or wok)
sesame seeds
1-2 tablespoons (for garnish)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (whisked into sauce)
teriyaki sauce
1/8 cup (whisked into sauce)
water or chicken broth
1/2 cup (whisked into sauce)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (whisked into sauce)
honey
1/4 cup (whisked into sauce)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (whisked into sauce)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (whisked into sauce)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (whisked into sauce)
garlic salt
to taste (added to batter ingredients)
flour
1 cup (combined with other batter ingredients)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (combined with other batter ingredients)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (combined with other batter ingredients)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, water (or chicken broth), brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. Set this sauce aside.
2
Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and garlic salt. Dredge the chicken pieces in the batter mixture until thoroughly coated.
4
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
5
Once all the chicken is cooked, return it to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated.
6
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it bubble for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
7
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for added flavor and garnish.
8
Serve the glazed chicken bites over a bed of rice, allowing the sauce to soak in, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
8.3g
Fat
36.7g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Sesame Glazed Chicken Bites?
They are juicy, fried chicken pieces coated in a rich, flavorful glaze that balances sweetness and spice, topped with sesame seeds.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, though the nutritional profile may change.
What ingredients are in the sesame glaze?
The glaze consists of soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch for thickening.
Is this sesame chicken dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but this can be adjusted to your preference.
How long does it take to fry the chicken?
The chicken should be fried in batches for about 5-7 minutes per batch until golden brown.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used both in the batter to create a crispier texture and in the sauce to help it thicken.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
While frying provides the best crunch, you can bake the battered chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until cooked through before adding the sauce.
What is the best side dish for this chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with fluffy white or brown rice, which helps absorb the delicious glaze.
How do I thicken the sesame sauce?
Bring the sauce to a simmer with the chicken and let it bubble for 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Should I use water or chicken broth for the sauce?
Either can be used, but chicken broth will add a more savory depth of flavor to the glaze.
What are the fat and protein contents per serving?
Each serving contains 8.3g of fat and 20g of protein.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 36.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an impressively simple dish that is perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the sauce ingredients together ahead of time and store them until you are ready to cook.
How do I get a glossy finish on the chicken?
The combination of honey and cornstarch in the sauce creates a beautiful glossy finish when simmered.
Which oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying the chicken bites in a skillet or wok.
What is the role of baking powder in the batter?
Baking powder helps the flour coating become lighter and crispier during the frying process.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an oven to help maintain the texture of the chicken coating.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, fresh minced ginger can be used for a more vibrant flavor profile.
What does 'dredging' mean in this recipe?
Dredging means thoroughly coating the chicken pieces in the dry batter mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasoning.
How can I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures it fries rather than steams.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the brown sugar or honey, but the glaze may be less thick and lose some of its signature sweetness.
What garnish is used for this dish?
The dish is garnished with 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe for busy schedules.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 16 total ingredients used in this recipe, including the garnish.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The primary flavors are savory soy and garlic, sweet honey and brown sugar, and a hint of ginger and spice.