Easy Sesame Chicken
A delightful sesame chicken recipe featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt Use less if using fine salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
- toasted as needed sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (light sodium)
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce optional for darker color
Garnish
- 1 stalk green onion (cut into thin slices – greens and whites separated)
Oil for Cooking
- as needed Oil for cooking and frying
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the chicken absorbs most of the water.
- Add the eggs and stir until smooth. Then, add the cornstarch and mix until fully combined, followed by the oil.
Heating the Oil
- In a wok or tall pan, pour in about 2 to 3 inches of oil and heat until it reaches 375°F.
Preparing the Sauce
- While the oil heats, mix ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl or measuring cup and set aside.
Frying the Chicken
- When the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken in batches, ensuring there’s enough space.
- Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Remove and let drain for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once again, fry the chicken for another 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Making the Sauce
- In a wok over medium heat, add a little oil and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and let it heat until bubbling, stirring often.
Serving
- Once the sauce thickens, add the fried chicken and toss until well coated. Serve hot with rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion tops.
Notes
For the best experience, serve this sesame chicken over fluffy white rice or fried rice. A side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, pairs nicely, adding a fresh crunch.