Sunny's Recipe
Make Sunny's Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Base and Protein
Sunny Citrus Glaze
Vegetables & Garnish
Optional Carby Base
Method
Base and Protein
Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. If pieces are thick, halve them to an even thickness.
Sear the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through (internal temperature ~155°F/68°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
Sunny Citrus Glaze
Add citrus and honey
Stir in fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and let reduce 3-4 minutes.
Thicken the glaze
Whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering glaze. Cook 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Stir in red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or a splash of soy if needed.
Finish the chicken in the glaze
Return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet, spooning glaze over each piece. Simmer 2-3 minutes more, flipping once, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is coated in a sticky glaze. Remove from heat and let rest 3 minutes.
Vegetables & Garnish
Prepare greens and tomatoes
While the glaze reduces, spread baby spinach on a serving platter or divide among plates. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and sliced scallions over the spinach.
Slice and assemble
Slice each glazed chicken thigh into 1/2-inch strips. Arrange the warm glazed chicken over the spinach and tomatoes so the glaze slightly wilts the greens.
Garnish
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and cilantro leaves over the chicken. Serve immediately.
Optional Carby Base
If using rice or quinoa, spoon 1 cup cooked rice/quinoa per serving onto plates before arranging spinach and chicken on top so the glaze soaks into the grains.