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�✨ Better-Than-Takeout Sesame Chicken (Sticky, Crispy & 30-Minute!)

This Sesame Chicken delivers takeout magic at home with extra-crispy bites coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce. Unlike soggy delivery versions, ours stays ultra-crunchy thanks to a cornstarch double-fry method. Perfect over rice or noodles for a faster-than-delivery weeknight win!

Why This Recipe Wins:
✔️ Double-fried for maximum crispiness that lasts
✔️ Sauce thickens perfectly (no runny mess!)
✔️ Customizable heat level (mild to spicy)
✔️ Meal-prep friendly (sauce stores for days)

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken thighs, 1" cubes
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½ tsp white pepper
  • Neutral oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sambal oelek (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger

For Serving:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced scallions
  • Steamed broccoli

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep Chicken

  1. Marinate: Toss chicken with egg white, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and white pepper.
  2. Coat: Add cornstarch and mix until every piece is fully coated (like a dry batter).

2️⃣ Double-Fry

  1. First fry (350°F): Fry chicken in batches for 3 mins until lightly golden. Drain on rack.
  2. Second fry (400°F): Refry for 1-2 mins until deep golden brown and crispy.

3️⃣ Make Sauce

  1. Sauté aromatics: In a wok, cook garlic and ginger in 1 tsp oil for 30 secs.
  2. Combine sauce: Add honey, soy, vinegar, sambal, and sesame oil. Simmer 2 mins until thickened.

4️⃣ Toss & Serve

  1. Coat: Add chicken to sauce and toss just before serving to maintain crispiness.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately.

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Key Notes:

  • High protein from chicken thighs
  • Lower carb option: Reduce honey by half
  • Sodium alert: Use low-sodium soy sauce if needed

🌟 Pro Tips

✅ Extra crispy secret: Let coated chicken sit 5 mins before frying for better adhesion.
✅ No deep fryer? Use 1" oil in a Dutch oven and thermometer.
✅ Meal prep: Store sauce and fried chicken separately; re-crisp chicken in air fryer.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Estimated Cost: 12
Calories: 520 kcal
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Juicy chicken thighs get a cornstarch crust, fried twice for irresistible crunch, then tossed in a 5-ingredient sauce with honey, soy, and toasted sesame. Served with steamed broccoli and sesame seeds for the ultimate fakeout takeout.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken:
  • 1 lbs 1.5 boneless chicken thighs, 1" cubes
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • Neutral oil for frying
    • For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sambal oelek (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
    • For Serving:
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced scallions
  • Steamed broccoli
Instructions
    Prep Chicken
  1. 1
    Marinate: Toss chicken with egg white, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and white pepper.
  2. 2
    Coat: Add cornstarch and mix until every piece is fully coated (like a dry batter).
    3. Double-Fry
  3. 3
    First fry (350°F): Fry chicken in batches for 3 mins until lightly golden. Drain on rack.
  4. 4
    Second fry (400°F): Refry for 1-2 mins until deep golden brown and crispy.
    5. Make Sauce
  5. 5
    Sauté aromatics: In a wok, cook garlic and ginger in 1 tsp oil for 30 secs.
  6. 6
    Combine sauce: Add honey, soy, vinegar, sambal, and sesame oil. Simmer 2 mins until thickened.
    7. Toss & Serve
  7. 7
    Coat: Add chicken to sauce and toss just before serving to maintain crispiness.
  8. 8
    Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 520kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 24g
Protein 36g72%
Calcium 60 mg
Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Key Notes:

  • High protein from chicken thighs
  • Lower carb option: Reduce honey by half
  • Sodium alert: Use low-sodium soy sauce if needed
Keywords: sesame chicken recipe, Chinese takeout at home, crispy chicken stir fry, better than restaurant, 30-minute dinner

🌟 Pro Tips

✅ Extra crispy secret: Let coated chicken sit 5 mins before frying for better adhesion.
✅ No deep fryer? Use 1" oil in a Dutch oven and thermometer.
✅ Meal prep: Store sauce and fried chicken separately; re-crisp chicken in air fryer.

Read it online: https://shabskitchen.com/recipe/%ef%bf%bd%e2%9c%a8-better-than-takeout-sesame-chicken-sticky-crispy-30-minute/