3 Amazing Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers Now

Are you tired of weeknight dinners that feel like a chore? I get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce. If you’re looking for maximum flavor payoff with minimal fuss, this is your new favorite dish. Seriously, you get that incredible crunch and the zing of spicy peanut sauce in under 30 minutes!

Hi there! I’m Anna Kowalska, and here I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will love. Everything I post—especially dishes like these amazing chicken fingers—is made with heart and flavor. This recipe is truly the definition of a weeknight win because it delivers that takeout-worthy crunch without needing a deep fryer. Trust me, once you try these Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce, you’ll never look back!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is a kitchen superstar! It hits all the right notes when you need something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen, but really, you were done before the kids finished setting the table. The combination of the crunchy coating and that perfectly balanced sauce is just unbeatable.

• Incredible Taste: That sweet, savory, and spicy kick from the peanut sauce is addictive.
• Amazing Texture: You get a phenomenal crunch every single time you bite into these Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce.
• Speedy Dinner: We are talking about a meal ready in about 27 minutes total!

Quick Prep and Cooking Times

This is exactly why this recipe belongs in your rotation for busy weeknights. We’re looking at only about 15 minutes of prep work, and then the actual cooking time is under 15 minutes. Seriously, that 27-minute total time is not a typo! You can have these delicious chicken fingers from cutting board to plate before you even decide what show to put on Netflix.

Equipment Needed for Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets to nail these Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce, which is another reason I love them so much! Keep your setup simple, and you’ll have a perfect batch ready in no time. Make sure you have these basics pulled out before you start prepping the chicken.

Essential Cookware and Utensils

• A large nonstick skillet—this is crucial so those sesame seeds don’t stick!
• Two medium mixing bowls for the coating and the sauce.
• A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the chicken.
• Paper towels to drain the finished chicken fingers.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Getting ready for these Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce is almost as fun as eating them! We are breaking the ingredients down into three simple groups: the protein, the crunchy coating, and the killer dipping sauce. Don’t stress about the list; most of this is standard stuff you probably have in your pantry already. Just follow my little notes on the peanut butter, and you’ll be golden!

For the Chicken and Coating

You’ll need about a pound and a half of chicken, sliced into nice 1-inch strips. For the coating, we are using half a cup of panko breadcrumbs mixed with half a cup of raw sesame seeds. Make sure those seeds are raw, not toasted, because they toast right up in the hot oil while the chicken cooks. Don’t forget a little salt and pepper for seasoning before they hit the crunch mix!

Crafting the Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

This sauce is the real star, honestly. The base is creamy peanut butter—and listen to me, please skip those “natural” kinds where the oil separates! They make the sauce grainy. We mix that with hoisin, sesame oil, and your choice of heat, which is usually sambal or red pepper flakes, depending on how brave I’m feeling that day. A bit of garlic and cilantro just wakes everything up!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce is straightforward, but the order of operations totally matters if you want that perfect texture. I always like to start the sauce first because it gives the flavors a little time to meld while I handle the chicken prep.

Preparing the Chicken Strips

First things first, grab your chicken breasts. You want to trim off any extra fat hanging around—we are going for lean strips here. Then, slice them lengthwise into strips that are about one inch thick. Not too skinny, or they’ll dry out before the coating gets golden!

Here’s a little trick I learned: if you can remember, let the chicken sit out on the counter for about 45 minutes to an hour before you slice and coat it. Letting it come closer to room temperature helps it cook more evenly in the pan. If you’re rushing, don’t sweat it, but it does make a small difference!

Mixing the Flavorful Spicy Peanut Sauce

Now for the sauce! Get your peanut butter, hoisin, sesame oil, and just four tablespoons of warm water into a medium bowl. You need to whisk this together really well. The consistency is key here, so don’t stop mixing! If it looks too thick—like almost paste-like—add more warm water, just one tablespoon at a time. Keep adding until it drizzles off your whisk but still holds its shape a little bit.

Once you have that perfect flow, whisk in your minced garlic, your sambal or pepper flakes (go easy if you’re nervous about the heat!), and the chopped cilantro. Keep whisking until everything is totally smooth. Set that bowl aside!

Coating the Chicken for Maximum Crisp

Time to get messy! In a shallow dish, mix up your panko breadcrumbs and all those raw sesame seeds. Give them a quick toss so they are evenly distributed. Lightly season your chicken strips on both sides with just a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t over-salt them, because the coating and the sauce already have flavor!

Take each seasoned strip and gently press it into the breadcrumb/seed mix. You want a nice, even layer covering the whole thing. Press lightly, don’t smash it, but make sure the coating adheres well. This pressing action is vital for maximum crisp!

Pan-Frying the Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers

This is where the magic happens for our Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce. Heat about 3 tablespoons of your neutral oil—grapeseed works great—in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until that oil is shimmering; that means it’s hot enough! You can learn more about choosing the right cooking oil here.

Cook half your batch at a time—never overcrowd the pan, or the temperature drops and you end up steaming the chicken instead of frying it! Cook for about 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, move them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off that extra oil.

Crucially, wipe out your skillet before you start the second batch. Add the remaining oil and repeat the process. Wiping the pan between batches keeps those sesame seeds from burning before the chicken finishes cooking. Once they are all done, serve them hot with that amazing dipping sauce!

Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers

I’ve made this recipe—the glorious Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce—dozens of times, and I’ve learned a few things that take them from good to absolutely restaurant-quality. These aren’t just guesses; these are the techniques that ensure you get that satisfying crunch without any greasy disappointment. Pay attention to these details, and your chicken fingers will be perfect every time.

Achieving Even Seasoning and Coating

When you go to season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, remember the advice I learned years ago: lift your hand high above the chicken! Holding your hand way up high lets the seasoning fall more evenly across the surface, rather than clumping in one spot. When you press the seasoned strips into the panko and sesame seed mix, use a gentle but firm hand. You aren’t squishing the chicken; you’re just making sure that coating grabs on tight so it doesn’t fall off during the fry. That firm press ensures maximum coverage for our Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce.

Oil Temperature Management

The biggest enemy of sesame seeds is uneven heat. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the seeds absorb the oil and get soggy before they even start to toast. If it’s too hot, they burn to a bitter crisp while the chicken inside is still raw. That’s why I insist on using a nonstick pan here; it helps distribute the heat better. Understanding oil temperature is key to perfect frying.

You absolutely must wait until that oil is shimmering before you drop in the first batch. That shimmer tells you it’s ready to start crisping immediately. If you see any little bits of coating start to turn dark brown too quickly, pull the heat down just a touch. Managing that temperature is how we guarantee beautiful, golden-brown Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Now that you have these perfectly golden Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce, you need the perfect partner to go alongside them! Honestly, because the chicken is so flavorful and that peanut sauce packs such a punch, you don’t need anything complicated. I usually lean toward simple sides that let the main event shine.

A big bowl of plain, steamed white or brown rice is my go-to. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra spicy peanut sauce that might drip off. If you want something green, keep it light! A quick side salad tossed with a very light rice vinegar dressing works beautifully, or even some simple steamed broccoli florets tossed with just a tiny drizzle of sesame oil. These simple accompaniments ensure that every bite of your Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce is the star of the show. It’s a complete, satisfying meal in minutes! For another quick side idea, check out my recipe for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers

Nobody wants sad, soggy leftovers, especially when you’ve worked hard to get that fantastic crunch on your Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce. The key to enjoying these the next day is separating the wet components from the crispy ones immediately. If you store them together, I promise you’ll be disappointed!

Best Practices for Storage

Always cool the chicken fingers completely before putting them away. Once cool, store them in a single layer in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. The paper towel helps wick away any residual moisture. Most importantly, keep that amazing spicy peanut sauce stored separately in its own little sealed container. They should last nicely in the fridge for about three days.

Reheating for Optimal Texture

If you try to microwave these, you’ll just end up with rubbery chicken, and nobody wants that! To bring back the glorious crispness of your Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce, you have two excellent options. I prefer the oven or, even better, the air fryer. If you are looking for other quick dinner ideas, perhaps you’d enjoy my Quick Easy Chicken Spaghetti.

Method	Time/Temp	Result
Oven	375°F for 8-10 minutes	Good crispness restored.
Air Fryer	350°F for 4-6 minutes	The absolute best, like they were just made!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

I know you’re going to love making these Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce, but sometimes little questions pop up while you’re cooking. That’s totally normal! I’ve answered the ones I get asked most often about substitutions and making small tweaks to the method. Don’t let any small ingredient snag stop you from making this fantastic dinner tonight!

Can I Bake or Air Fry These Chicken Fingers Instead?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re trying to avoid pan-frying, both baking and air frying work well for the chicken fingers, though the texture will change slightly. When baking, toss the coated chicken lightly with cooking spray and bake at 400°F until done. The air fryer is slightly better at maintaining crispness; try 375°F for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t have the exact same deep-fried crust as our pan-fried version, but they are still delicious chicken strips! For another healthy take on chicken, see my Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders.

What if I Cannot Find Hoisin Sauce?

Hoisin sauce adds that deep, savory sweetness to our spicy peanut sauce, but if you’re out, don’t panic! You can usually substitute it with an equal amount of thick teriyaki sauce. If you don’t have that either, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar. It won’t be an exact match, but it keeps the flavor profile moving in the right direction for your coating and sauce!

Sharing Your Cooking Experience

I truly hope these Crispy Sesame Chicken Fingers with Spicy Peanut Sauce become a staple on your table! I put so much heart into sharing these easy, flavor-packed recipes with you. Once you try them, please come back and let me know what you thought! Rate this recipe below and share any fun modifications you made in the comments. Happy cooking!

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