Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying (enough for deep frying about 3 inches deep)
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs with salt and pepper until well combined.
- Mix Dry Coating: In a shallow bowl or plate, stir together the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch evenly.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly into the flour and cornstarch mixture. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum crispiness.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) for deep frying the chicken pieces.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully add 7-8 chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Fry remaining pieces in batches, maintaining oil temperature.
- Drain Chicken: Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: While frying chicken, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a bowl. Stir thoroughly to blend.
- Cook Sauce: Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken pieces into the pan with the sauce and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the glossy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the coated chicken before serving hot for a delicious, restaurant-style meal.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for even frying and crispy texture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Using reduced sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
- Leftover sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American