Honey Sesame Chicken Ls Recipe

Prepare chicken

Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch bite-size pieces.

Marinate

In a bowl combine 2 tbs low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbs rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or refrigerate up to 1 hour.

Coat

When ready to cook, sprinkle 3 tbs cornstarch over the marinated chicken and toss until pieces are evenly lightly coated. Shake off excess cornstarch.

Pan-fry chicken

Heat a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbs neutral cooking oil and swirl to coat. When oil shimmers, add chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding (cook in batches if necessary). Sear undisturbed 2–3 minutes until golden on the bottom, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until exterior is crisp and interior reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Make sauce base

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet wipe out any large burnt bits leaving any flavorful browned fond. Add 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 3 tbs honey, 2 tbs low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbs rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Thicken sauce

In a small bowl mix 1 tbs cornstarch with 1 tbs cold water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, 1–2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, coat-the-spoon consistency. Taste and adjust: add a pinch more salt or 1/2 tbs honey for sweetness if desired.

Combine chicken and sauce

Return the cooked chicken pieces and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss to coat in the hot sauce and cook 1–2 minutes until chicken is heated through and thoroughly glazed. If sauce becomes too thick, add 1–2 tbs water or broth to loosen.

Transfer glazed honey sesame chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbs thinly sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or cauliflower rice and lime wedges on the side for squeezing, if using.