Serves 6
95 min
The Best Honey & Sesame Chicken
Recipe GLPR92b5157f4fec85
Tender chicken thigh pieces marinated, then deep-fried until golden and crispy, and finished in a glossy honey-sesame glaze. This Chinese-inspired dish balances sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying textural contrast. Topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh spring onion, it's best served over steamed rice.
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Ingredients
400 g chicken thigh fillets, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp finely chopped spring onion
1 cup tapioca starch
Oil for deep-frying
1 tbsp oil for sautéing star anise
2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, grated
2 star anise
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
Directions
In a bowl, combine minced garlic and grated ginger. Add the chicken thigh cubes and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse.
Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
Heat oil in a wok or large deep pan to 350°F (175°C) for deep-frying. Working in batches to avoid crowding, coat each chicken piece thoroughly with tapioca starch, shaking off excess. Carefully lower into hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes per batch, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water or chicken broth until well combined. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a clean wok over medium-high heat. Add the star anise and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour the honey-soy mixture into the wok and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
Add the fried chicken pieces to the wok and stir continuously until the sauce coats the chicken evenly and reduces, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the gravy to be absorbed.
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onion. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
