Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch (for dredging)
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ginger, freshly minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6-8 dried red whole chilis
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Vegetable oil for frying
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Place 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a shallow dish. Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in cornstarch until heavily coated. Set aside on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pot to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sugar.
Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and dried chilis, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 7: Add the fried chicken to the skillet and toss quickly to coat every piece in the sauce. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For the best results, do not skip the cornstarch rest period; it ensures the coating stays on the chicken during frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg