Whenever I’m in the mood for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Giada Asian Sesame Chicken Wings are my go-to. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or just when you’re craving something crispy and savory.
It reminds me of other Giada chicken dishes I’ve enjoyed, like Giada Chicken Scarpariello and her Sticky Baked Chicken Wings, both of which are staples in my home when I want to serve something that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Why This Recipe Works
I’ve always been a fan of wings—crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering. But I wanted something a little different from the usual buffalo or BBQ style. That’s when I stumbled across this recipe for Asian Sesame Chicken Wings, and it instantly became a household favorite.
What I love about this recipe is how the tamari, sesame oil, and candied ginger create a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements the crispy wings. It’s like bringing the flavors of my favorite Asian takeout right into my kitchen.
And the best part? It’s so simple! A quick whisk of ingredients, a long marinate to let the flavors sink in, and then straight into the oven for a no-fuss dinner or game-day snack.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: You’ll need about 1 pound of chicken wings, split and tips removed. Perfect for absorbing all the flavors in this dish.
- Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, tamari brings a deep umami flavor while being lower in sodium. If you don’t have tamari, you can use regular soy sauce, just keep in mind the sodium content will be higher.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the wings. Use sparingly, as its flavor is quite concentrated.
- Candied Ginger: Grated candied ginger adds a subtle sweetness and spice to the dish. If candied ginger is hard to find, feel free to substitute it with fresh ginger, but use a little less to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Lime Zest and Juice: The lime zest adds a bright, citrusy fragrance, while the lime juice provides a tart contrast to the sweetness of the ginger.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is sprinkled over the top before serving for a burst of freshness. If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can swap it for fresh parsley or even some thinly sliced green onions.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted white sesame seeds give a final touch of texture and nuttiness, complementing the sesame oil.
- Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray: Used to lightly coat your baking sheet to ensure the wings crisp up without sticking.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag, making sure they’re split and the tips are removed for better marinating.
Step Two – In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, sesame oil, grated candied ginger, lime zest, and lime juice. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the mix, stirring until well combined.
Step Three – Pour the marinade over the chicken wings in the bag. Seal the bag tightly and gently massage it to ensure the wings are fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally to distribute the flavors.
Step Four – When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lightly spraying it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step Five – Spread the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
Step Six – Bake the wings for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The wings are done when they’re golden brown and beautifully glazed.
Step Seven – Allow the wings to rest for about 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for that final burst of flavor. Serve and enjoy!
How to serve
- For a perfect party appetizer or casual dinner, serve these Asian Sesame Chicken Wings with a side of steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the extra sauce.
- I love adding a fresh cucumber salad on the side—it gives a refreshing crunch that balances the savory flavors of the wings.
- When I make these for family gatherings, I always include roasted broccoli or snap peas as a side. If you want something heartier, serve them with garlic noodles or even quinoa for a twist.
- And don’t forget—these wings pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of iced green tea or sparkling water with a lime wedge!
Recipe FAQs and Variations
What can I use instead of tamari?
If tamari isn’t available, you can substitute it with regular soy sauce. Keep in mind, tamari is gluten-free and lower in sodium, so if you use soy sauce, you may want to choose a low-sodium version.
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air fry at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. They’ll come out crispy and just as flavorful, with less oil than baking.
How do I store leftover wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I marinate the wings for less time?
While it’s best to marinate for at least 8 hours to really let the flavors soak in, you can marinate for a minimum of 2 hours in a pinch. The longer they marinate, the deeper the flavor.
Check out More Giada chicken Recipes:
- Giada Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Giada De Laurentiis Amalfi Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Vesuvio
Giada Asian Sesame Chicken Wings
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes350
kcalWhenever I’m in the mood for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Giada Asian Sesame Chicken Wings are my go-to. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or just when you’re craving something crispy and savory.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken wings, tips removed and wings split
⅓ cup low-sodium gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons grated candied ginger (or fresh ginger as a substitute)
½ teaspoon grated lime zest
1½ teaspoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon toasted white sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag, making sure they’re split and the tips are removed.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, toasted sesame oil, grated candied ginger, lime zest, and lime juice. Add 2 tablespoons of water to thin out the marinade, ensuring it coats the wings evenly.
- Marinate the Wings: Pour the prepared marinade into the resealable bag over the chicken wings. Seal the bag tightly and turn it a few times to evenly coat the wings with the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight for best flavor. Turn the bag occasionally if possible.
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the wings cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a small rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking during cooking. Remove the wings from the bag, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and arrange them in a single layer on the sheet.
- Bake the Wings: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 25 to 30 minutes. Turn the wings over halfway through cooking, around the 12 to 15-minute mark, for even browning. The wings are ready when they turn golden brown and are glazed with the marinade.
- Rest the Wings: Let the wings rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a more flavorful bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the wings with freshly chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for added freshness and texture. Enjoy them as a main course or appetizer!
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories350
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
18g
28%
- Saturated Fat 4g 20%
- Cholesterol 90mg 30%
- Sodium 900mg 38%
- Total Carbohydrate
10g
4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 30g 60%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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