Description
Quick and easy sesame chicken that’s crispy, sweet, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon light sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 stalk green onion (cut into thin slices)
- Oil (as needed for cooking and frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, ¼ cup water, baking soda, and salt. Mix vigorously until the water is mostly absorbed. Add the eggs and mix well. Then, add the cornstarch and combine until no dry cornstarch remains. Finally, add the oil and mix until the chicken is well-coated.
- Heat the oil: In a wok or tall pan, pour in about 2–3 inches of oil and heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Prepare the sauce: While the oil heats, whisk together the ketchup, ½ cup water, sugar, vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl or large measuring cup. Set this aside.
- Fry the chicken: When the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the hot oil one at a time, ensuring there’s an even layer. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken and let it drain for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Double fry for perfection: Ensure the oil is back up to 375°F and fry the chicken pieces again for another 5 to 6 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
- Make the sauce: In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Sauté the white parts of the sliced green onions for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant. Give your sauce a final stir and pour it into the wok. Increase the heat to medium-high, letting it bubble and thicken.
- Toss the chicken and serve: Once the sauce has thickened, add in the fried chicken pieces, tossing everything together until well-coated.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve your Easy Sesame Chicken immediately over white rice or fried rice. Top it off with toasted sesame seeds and green onion greens.
Notes
Make ahead by marinating the chicken the night before. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 200mg