Korean-Style Sesame Chicken
Crispy baked chicken thighs coated in a sweet-savory-sesame glaze, perfect with steamed rice and vegetables. This Asian-inspired chicken recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp (for coating) sesame oil
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. Return chicken to skillet, coating evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Style Sesame Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Korean-Style Sesame Chicken?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Style Sesame Chicken?
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 Korean-Style Sesame Chicken 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 Korean-Style Sesame Chicken 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
