Takeout-Style Sesame Chicken

Name: Takeout-Style Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch pieces; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup oil, for frying; For the sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/3 cup water; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; steamed rice and broccoli, to serve

Crispy pan-fried chicken pieces tossed in a sticky, sweet and savory honey-soy sauce with toasted sesame seeds. Better than takeout and ready in about 35 minutes with rice and steamed broccoli.

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total35 min

Serves4

What you'll need

12-inch cast-iron skilletFor searing and oven finishes

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Mixing bowl setFor mixing and marinating

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Rice cookerFor hands-off rice and grains

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Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch pieces

1 large egg

1 tbsp soy sauce

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup oil, for frying

For the sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce

3 tbsp honey

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 tsp grated ginger

1/3 cup water

2 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

steamed rice and broccoli, to serve

Steps

Whisk the egg and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl and toss the chicken in it. In another bowl mix the cornstarch, flour and salt.

Whisk all the sauce ingredients except the sesame seeds in a small bowl.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lift the chicken from the egg, dredge in the starch mixture, and fry in two batches until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a rack.

Pour off all but 1 tsp oil. Add the sauce and simmer, stirring, until thick and glossy, about 1 minute.

Add the chicken and toss to coat, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serve right away over rice with steamed broccoli.

TipToss the chicken in the sauce at the last moment and serve immediately; the coating softens if it sits.