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Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken

Crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breast cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • canola oil for frying, about 2 inches deep in pan
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste optional
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • green onions for garnish, sliced
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Whisk together the sauce ingredients: 2 tablespoons ketchup, minced garlic, optional chili paste, 1/4 cup honey, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup water, and 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.
  • In a large shallow bowl, combine 1 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
  • Beat the 2 eggs in a separate bowl.
  • Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (about 350°F / 175°C).
  • Dip the chicken chunks first into the beaten eggs, then toss them in the cornstarch-flour mixture to fully coat. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
  • Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–6 minutes per batch depending on size. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn as needed.
  • Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  • Discard the frying oil, wipe the pan clean, then return the pan to medium heat. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the fried chicken to the simmering sauce and toss to coat evenly, heating through for 1–2 minutes.
  • Serve immediately, sprinkled with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds if desired.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • deep frying pan or skillet
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk
  • Plate lined with paper towels

Notes

  • Work in batches when frying to keep chicken crispy.
  • Optional chili paste adds heat to the sauce.
  • Use a deep pan and monitor oil temperature for safe frying.
  • Wipe out the oil before making the sauce to prevent splattering.