Description
Culinary magic happens when Honey Sesame Chicken brings together sweet, sticky glaze and crispy chicken pieces. Fragrant sesame seeds and golden-brown edges make this dish a delightful journey through Chinese-inspired comfort that satisfies you with each succulent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring an even and light powdery layer that will create a crispy exterior.
- Load the seasoned chicken into the air fryer basket, spreading pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Set air fryer temperature to 375°F and cook chicken for approximately 10 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure golden-brown coloration on all sides.
- While chicken cooks, craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and chili paste in a simmering saucepan.
- Allow sauce to reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and develop a rich, glossy consistency.
- Once chicken reaches perfect crispness and internal temperature, transfer pieces to the saucepan and gently toss until each morsel is luxuriously coated with the glossy sauce.
- Transfer sauced chicken to serving platter, generously sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and crispy, ensuring maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.
Notes
- Corn starch ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in the chicken’s moisture, creating a perfect texture.
- Maintain a single layer in the air fryer basket to guarantee even cooking and maximum crispiness, preventing soggy or undercooked spots.
- Adjust chili paste quantity to control spice levels, making the dish adaptable for kids or those with sensitive palates.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version that reduces salt intake without compromising the rich, savory flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg