Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (120ml) water, plus more if needed to adjust consistency
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce, low sodium preferred
  • 3 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Whisk together dry ingredients. Whisk egg and water. Combine wet and dry ingredients, adjusting water until smooth batter forms. (Aim for a pancake batter consistency)
  2. Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Combine all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch slurry, sesame seeds, and green onions) in a saucepan.
  5. Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Add cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until sauce thickens.
  6. Toss fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
  7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.