Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large egg white
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
2 tsp fresh garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Cooked white rice, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat dry. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and egg white. Add chicken and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken pieces, shaking off excess. Place on a wire rack.
Step 3: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Step 4: Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a wire rack to drain. Maintain oil temperature between batches.
Step 5: For the sauce, whisk together chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and 1 tsp sesame oil in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 3 tbsp cold water to make a slurry.
Step 6: In a clean wok or large skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add minced ginger and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes and stir for 15 seconds.
Step 7: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok. Bring to a simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Step 8: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until chicken is warmed through.
Step 9: Serve immediately over cooked white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry the pieces: fry for 3-4 minutes, remove, then fry again for 1-2 minutes just before adding to the sauce. Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level. Dark soy sauce is primarily for color, if you don't have it, regular soy sauce works fine but the sauce will be lighter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg