Easy Sesame Chicken Takeout (Print Format)
Crispy chicken tossed in sweet sesame sauce, finished with scallions and seeds. Quick, delicious, and satisfying.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 -
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
02 -
¼ cup water
03 -
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
04 -
½ teaspoon baking soda
05 -
2 large eggs
06 -
½ cup cornstarch
07 -
1 tablespoon neutral oil
08 -
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
→ Sesame Chicken Sauce
09 -
½ cup ketchup
10 -
½ cup water
11 -
½ cup granulated sugar
12 -
2 tablespoons white vinegar
13 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
14 -
1 tablespoon light sodium soy sauce
15 -
½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
16 -
1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced (greens and whites separated)
17 -
Oil as needed for cooking and frying
# Steps:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Mix until mostly absorbed. Add eggs and mix well. Add cornstarch and mix until no dry cornstarch remains. Add oil and mix to combine.
02 -
In a wok or tall pan, heat about 2 to 3 inches of oil to 375°F.
03 -
Combine ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
04 -
Gently place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, remove, and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Reheat oil to 375°F and fry chicken again for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
05 -
In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Stir fry sliced white parts of green onions for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant. Mix prepared sauce, pour it into the wok, and increase heat to medium-high. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
06 -
Add fried chicken pieces into the thickened sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately over white rice or fried rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion tops.
# Tips:
01 -
Keep chicken pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
02 -
For additional flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
03 -
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or simply omit soy sauce entirely.