Chinese Crispy Sesame Chicken

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat each piece with the cornstarch mixture.
5. 5.
   Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. 6.
   In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. Cook over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. 7.
   Toss the crispy chicken in the sesame glaze until evenly coated.
8. 8.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure tender and juicy chicken, do not overcook. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Cornstarch — The cornstarch coating gives the chicken its crispy texture. Make sure to coat each piece evenly for the best results.
• Toasted sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. This enhances their nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sesame glaze.
• Serve the Crispy Sesame Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce while cooking.
• Customize the seasoning by adding your favorite spices to the cornstarch mixture.
• To make it a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Sesame Chicken hot as a main course. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Sesame Chicken on a platter and drizzle the remaining sesame glaze over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an appealing presentation.