Sesame Chicken Recipe

Prepare chicken

Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into 1- to 1½-inch bite-sized pieces. Pat pieces dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere.

Make coating and dredge

In a medium bowl whisk the egg until blended. In a separate bowl combine 3 tbs cornstarch, 1 tbs flour, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then toss in the cornstarch-flour mixture to coat evenly. Place coated pieces on a rack while heating oil.

Fry the chicken

Pour about 1 cup neutral oil into a heavy skillet (cast-iron or stainless) to a depth of about 1/4 to 1/3 inch and heat over medium-high until shimmering and a small pinch of coating sizzles immediately (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Fry chicken in a single layer in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. Keep warm.

Combine sauce ingredients

In a small bowl whisk together 4 tbs soy sauce, 2 tbs hoisin, 1 tbs rice vinegar, 3 tbs honey, 1 tbs brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, minced garlic and grated ginger. Set aside.

Simmer sauce

Wipe out most of the frying oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tsp and any fond. Add the prepared sauce mixture and 1 cup chicken stock (or water) to the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Thicken sauce

Mix 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbs cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and continue to simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, slightly thick consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt (add up to 1 tbs honey or 1–2 tbs water if too salty).

Finish sauce with sesame

Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil (if desired for more aroma). Remove from heat.

Coat chicken

Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently over low heat until each piece is evenly coated, 1–2 minutes. Do not simmer aggressively or the coating can soften too much.

Plate and garnish

Transfer sesame chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with 2 tbs toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.