Crispy Chicken, Sticky Sauces, Big Flavor (Print Version)
Crispy sesame-garlic chicken tossed in a sticky sauce with honey, soy, ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 tablespoon soy sauce
03 -
1 large egg, beaten
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 -
1/2 cup (65 g) cornstarch
08 -
1/3 cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
09 -
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
10 -
1 1/2 cups neutral oil, for shallow frying
For the sticky sesame sauce
11 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
12 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
13 -
3 tablespoons honey
14 -
1 tablespoon brown sugar
15 -
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
16 -
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
17 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
18 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
19 -
2 teaspoons cornstarch
For serving
20 -
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
21 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
22 -
Steamed rice, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
In a bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it stand for 10 minutes while you make the sauce.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
03 -
In a wide bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Lift the chicken from the marinade and press each piece into the dry mix until evenly coated.
04 -
Heat 1/2 inch of neutral oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack.
05 -
Carefully pour off most of the oil and wipe the pan if needed. Add the sauce and simmer over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until glossy and lightly thickened.
06 -
Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss for 30-45 seconds until coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve immediately over rice if you like.
# Notes:
01 -
Best eaten right after saucing while the coating is still crisp.
02 -
Nutrition estimate does not include optional rice.
03 -
Use a thermometer to confirm the largest chicken piece reaches 165°F.