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Crispy Sweet Sesame Chicken: 3 Secrets

Crispy Sweet Sesame Chicken

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy sweet sesame chicken, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon flavorless oil
  • Sesame seeds for topping
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce for color
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced (separate green tops and white stems)
  • Enough oil for cooking and frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken chunks, water, salt, and baking soda. Mix well.
  2. Add eggs and mix again until the chicken is coated.
  3. Stir in cornstarch until no powder remains.
  4. Add flavorless oil and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  5. In a high-sided pan or wok, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 375°F.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, water, white sugar, white vinegar, cornstarch, and soy sauces. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  7. Gently add chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Remove chicken and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Reheat oil to 375°F and fry the chicken again for 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  10. In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add a dash of oil and sauté the white onion slices for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
  11. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir constantly over medium-high heat until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  12. Add the crispy fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat each piece.
  13. Serve immediately over steamed rice or fried rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion tops.

Notes

  • Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature for maximum crispiness.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed or fried rice.
  • Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onion for enhanced flavor and presentation.

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