HOT-Spiced Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

Crispy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, aromatic sauce with toasted sesame seeds and chili heat, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving

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Ingredients

12 oz boneless chicken thighs
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp neutral oil
3 tbsp sliced green onions

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat 12 oz boneless chicken thighs dry, then toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated; let sit for 5 minutes while preparing sauce.
Step 2: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a bowl until sugar dissolves; set aside.
Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then remove and set aside.
Step 4: Pour sauce mixture into the skillet and simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened, then return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat; cook for 1 more minute until sauce clings to chicken and edges are glossy.
Step 5: Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 tbsp sliced green onions, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does HOT-Spiced Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover HOT-Spiced Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in HOT-Spiced Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale HOT-Spiced Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is HOT-Spiced Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.