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Healthy Sesame Chicken

Crispy baked chicken pieces coated in a glossy sweet-savory sesame sauce, healthier than takeout and ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sesame Sauce
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp sriracha optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 3 green onions sliced thin

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Drizzle vegetable oil over coated chicken and toss again to ensure all pieces are lightly oiled.
  4. Arrange chicken pieces in single layer on prepared baking sheet, making sure they don't touch each other.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and crispy.
  6. While chicken bakes, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in small saucepan.
  7. Bring sauce mixture to simmer over medium heat and cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  8. Add cornstarch slurry to simmering sauce, whisking constantly until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Remove crispy chicken from oven and immediately toss with hot sauce in large bowl until evenly coated.
  10. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use convection setting if available. Sauce should coat the back of a spoon when properly thickened. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat in oven to restore crispiness.