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Quick Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

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A quick, comforting, and crispy chicken stir-fry with a sticky-sweet honey sesame sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (65g)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or peanut oil (120ml), for frying
  • ¼ cup honey (85g)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • Optional: 1 small bell pepper, sliced or a handful of snap peas

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the dry mix until evenly coated and shake off excess flour.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
  4. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes until pale golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Return chicken to hot oil for a second fry, 1-2 minutes, until deeply golden and extra crispy. Drain again on paper towels.
  6. While frying, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Mix cornstarch with cold water separately.
  7. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add sauce mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly and slowly add cornstarch slurry. Cook 1-2 minutes until thick and glossy.
  8. If using, add bell peppers or snap peas to the sauce and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  9. Return crispy chicken to the pan and toss quickly to coat with the honey sesame sauce.
  10. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Double-frying the chicken ensures unbeatable crispness. Pat chicken dry before coating to prevent oil splatters. Fry in batches to keep oil temperature steady. Stir sauce constantly when adding cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey sesame chicken, crispy chicken stir-fry, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, double-fried chicken

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/quick-crispy-honey-sesame-chicken-stir-fry-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/