Dinner

Spicy Sesame Chicken Bites in Chili Sauce

ByMariem September 28, 2025September 28, 2025

For those who love bold flavors, these Spicy Sesame Chicken Bites in Chili Sauce are a must-try. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet chili glaze with a hint of sesame, these bites are addictive in the best way. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or paired with rice for a full meal, they strike the perfect balance between spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.

The magic comes from lightly coating chicken pieces before pan-frying or baking them to golden perfection. Then they’re tossed in a glossy sauce made with chili paste, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Every bite delivers a punch of flavor, with a nutty undertone from the sesame.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 egg, beaten
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust for heat)
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp water

For garnish:

1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare chicken – Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Coat lightly in beaten egg, then toss in cornstarch.
Cook chicken – Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Make sauce – In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add soy sauce, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, and water. Stir until sauce thickens slightly.
Combine – Toss chicken back into the pan, coating evenly with sauce.
Finish – Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Flavor Notes & Variations

Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra crunch.
Use chicken thighs for juicier bites.
Make it less spicy by reducing chili paste and adding more honey.
For a crispy oven-baked version, bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken bites over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a hearty meal. They also make a perfect appetizer at parties when served with toothpicks. Pair with a light cucumber salad or pickled veggies to balance the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish without frying?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version.

2. What type of chili sauce works best?
Sweet chili sauce combined with sriracha creates the best balance of sweet and spicy.

3. Can I use tofu instead of chicken?
Yes, firm tofu works wonderfully. Coat and cook the same way.

4. How spicy are these bites?
Medium spicy. Adjust by reducing or increasing chili paste.

5. Can I meal-prep this dish?
Yes, but keep the chicken and sauce separate. Toss together before serving for best texture.

6. Can I freeze them?
Cooked chicken bites can be frozen without sauce. Reheat and toss in sauce before serving.

7. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

8. How do I keep them crispy after saucing?
Serve immediately. For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken before adding sauce.

Conclusion

Spicy Sesame Chicken Bites in Chili Sauce are a flavor-packed dish that delivers heat, sweetness, and crunch all at once. Whether enjoyed as a quick dinner or a party snack, they’re sure to impress anyone who loves bold flavors. With simple ingredients and a fast cooking time, this recipe is perfect for satisfying those spicy takeout cravings right at home.