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+ servings
Linda S. Smith

Easy Sesame Chicken

A quick and flavorful dish that brings the tastes of your favorite Asian restaurant right to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup water for marinating
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt use less if using fine salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil for marinating
  • To taste toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Oil as needed for frying
For the Sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup water for sauce
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
  • ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce optional, for deeper color
  • 1 stalk green onion sliced thinly, whites and greens separated

Method
 

Preparation and Marinating
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs, ¼ cup of water, baking soda, and salt. Mix vigorously until the chicken mostly absorbs the water.
  2. Add the eggs and mix well again. Next, incorporate the cornstarch and blend until evenly distributed.
  3. Finally, add the oil and mix until combined.
Frying
  1. In a wok or tall pan, pour in about 2 to 3 inches of oil and heat it to 375°F.
  2. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove and drain for 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Bring the oil back to 375°F and fry the chicken again for an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Making the Sauce
  1. While the oil heats, whisk together the ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. Add a small amount of oil to a clean wok or pan over medium heat. Toss in the white parts of the green onions and stir-fry for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir frequently until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
Combining and Serving
  1. Once the sauce has thickened, toss the crispy chicken pieces in the wok until thoroughly coated.
  2. Serve immediately with white or fried rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and the greens of the sliced green onion.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 28gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 760mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25g

Notes

For best flavor, consider marinating the chicken longer. Avoid overcrowding when frying for perfect crispiness. Feel free to add vegetables to the stir-fry or switch up the sauce with honey or sweet chili sauce.

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