Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs
Indulge in this delightful Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs recipe, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs, marinated in a fragrant blend of five-spice powder and sesame oil. They're coated in a light, crispy batter and then tossed in a luscious honey sauce, finished off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Easy to prepare and absolutely satisfying, this chicken dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thigh fillets
500 g (Cut into chunky strips)
five-spice powder
1/4 teaspoon (None)
sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon (None)
cornflour
as needed (For dusting)
oil
for deep frying (None)
extra oil
1 tablespoon (For sauce)
honey
2 tablespoons (None)
sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (For topping)
self-raising flour
3/4 cup (Sifted)
cornflour (for batter)
1/4 cup (None)
water
1 1/4 cups (Combined with egg)
egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken thigh fillets with five-spice powder and sesame oil. Cover and allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
2
Next, dust the marinated chicken strips with cornflour, shaking off any excess.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the batter by sifting together the self-raising flour and cornflour. Gradually stir in the water and lightly beaten egg until a smooth, thin batter forms.
4
Dip the coated chicken strips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly covered.
5
Heat oil in a deep frying pan until hot. Carefully add the battered chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
6
In a separate pan, heat the extra tablespoon of oil. Add the honey and stir until warm.
7
Add the fried chicken to the pan with the honey sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly in the glaze.
8
Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs?
It is a savory and sweet dish featuring tender chicken thigh strips coated in a light batter, fried until crispy, and tossed in a honey glaze.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Chicken thigh fillets are recommended because they remain juicy and tender after deep frying.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of five-spice powder and sesame oil.
Why is cornflour used in the first step?
Dusting the marinated chicken with cornflour helps the batter adhere better and adds to the final crispiness.
What type of flour is used for the batter?
A combination of self-raising flour and cornflour is used to create a light and airy crust.
How do I make the batter smooth?
Sift the dry ingredients and then gradually stir in water and a lightly beaten egg until a thin consistency is achieved.
What is the purpose of the egg in the batter?
The egg acts as a binder and contributes to the golden color and texture of the fried coating.
How long should I fry the chicken strips?
Fry the chicken in batches for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
How do I prevent the chicken from being too greasy?
After frying, transfer the chicken pieces to a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain any excess oil.
How is the honey sauce prepared?
Heat a tablespoon of oil and two tablespoons of honey in a separate pan until the honey is warm and fluid.
When do I add the sesame seeds?
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken as a finishing touch after it has been tossed in the honey glaze.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that thighs are generally more flavorful and less likely to dry out.
What does five-spice powder taste like?
It provides a fragrant, warm, and slightly sweet-savory flavor profile common in Asian cuisine.
How much honey is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of honey to create the sweet glaze.
What is the consistency of the batter?
The batter should be smooth and thin rather than thick and doughy.
Is sesame oil necessary for this recipe?
Yes, sesame oil provides a distinct nutty aroma that is essential to the dish's flavor.
How should I cut the chicken?
The chicken thigh fillets should be cut into chunky strips for even cooking and better texture.
Can I bake the chicken instead of deep frying?
While this recipe is designed for deep frying to achieve maximum crispiness, you could attempt baking, though the texture will differ.
How do I ensure the honey coats the chicken evenly?
Toss the fried chicken strips in the pan with the warm honey immediately after the honey has heated through.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, is suitable for deep frying.
Is it important to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the self-raising flour ensures there are no lumps in the batter, resulting in a smoother coating.
How many grams of chicken are needed?
The recipe requires 500 grams of chicken thigh fillets.
Can I use white or black sesame seeds?
The recipe suggests toasted sesame seeds; white are traditional, but black sesame seeds can also be used for visual contrast.
What should I do if the honey sauce is too thick?
Ensure the honey is warmed through with the extra tablespoon of oil to keep it fluid for tossing.
Can I add spice to this dish?
While the original recipe is sweet and fragrant, you could add chili flakes to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
What is the role of cornflour in the batter?
Cornflour helps create a crisper, more brittle crunch compared to using wheat flour alone.
Is this dish best served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while hot to enjoy the contrast between the crispy batter and juicy chicken.
How much water is needed for the batter?
Use 1 1/4 cups of water to achieve the correct batter consistency.
What makes this an easy recipe?
With simple pantry staples and a short marinating time, this dish comes together quickly for a delicious home-cooked meal.