Description
Succulent honey sesame chicken brings sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your dinner plate. Golden crispy chicken pieces glazed with rich honey and toasted sesame seeds promise a delightful meal that satisfies you completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
Coating and Sauce Thickeners:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) avocado oil
- 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
- 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 stalk green onion, sliced
- Extra sesame seeds
Instructions
- Blend honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger in a mixing vessel until smooth, creating a glossy marinade.
- Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes and sprinkle with kosher salt, then dust thoroughly with cornstarch for a crisp exterior.
- Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet at 375°F, maintaining medium-high temperature for optimal frying.
- Carefully introduce coated chicken pieces into hot oil, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
- Fry chicken segments for 4-6 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even golden-brown coloration and complete internal cooking.
- Transfer crispy chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring prepared sauce, allowing it to bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency.
- Gently fold fried chicken into the reduced sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and immediately garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve piping hot alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Check chicken pieces are uniform size for even cooking and crispy exterior.
- Cornstarch coating helps create a light, golden crisp that locks in moisture and prevents sogginess.
- Consider using low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake or managing heart health.
- For gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 2300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg