Description
Crispy Sweet Sesame Chicken brings together golden, perfectly seasoned chicken pieces that dance with a glossy, nutty sauce your family will devour at dinner. Crunchy outside and tender inside, this classic takeout favorite becomes seriously delicious when prepared right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
Coating Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon flavorless oil
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1 sprinkle sesame seeds
- Enough oil for cooking and frying
Instructions
- Submerge 2 pounds chicken thighs in a mixture of water, salt, and baking soda. Allow meat to absorb the seasoning thoroughly.
- Crack 2 large eggs into the chicken bowl and blend completely.
- Sprinkle ½ cup cornstarch over the chicken. Stir until no dry powder remains visible.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon flavorless oil and coat chicken pieces evenly.
- Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a high-sided pan to exactly 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Fry chicken for 4 to 5 minutes without overcrowding the pan.
- Remove chicken and rest for 2 to 3 minutes on a wire rack.
- Return oil temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry chicken a second time for 5 to 6 minutes until deep golden and crispy.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce.
- Heat a dash of oil in a wok over medium heat.
- Quickly sauté sauce ingredients for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Raise heat to medium-high and stir sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss crispy chicken pieces in hot sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer immediately to serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
Notes
- Baking soda helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, creating an extra-juicy texture.
- Double-frying is the secret to achieving an incredibly crisp exterior without drying out the meat.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 375°F for perfect golden, crunchy chicken pieces.
- For a gluten-free version, swap standard soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch-based thickeners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg