Crispy Sesame Garlic Chicken Delight
Indulge in this irresistible fusion of crispy fried chicken and a luscious sweet garlic sesame sauce. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch on the outside with tender and juicy chicken within. Enhanced by the deep flavors of garlic, ginger, and sesame, this dish is a lighter, yet deeply comforting alternative to restaurant versions. Ideal for dinner parties or weeknight meals, it pairs beautifully with fluffy Calrose or Japanese rice, ensuring that you won't want to leave a single morsel on your plate.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 lbs (Cut into 1-inch chunks)
Oil
As needed (For deep frying, preferably peanut oil)
Eggs
2 (Lightly beaten)
Salt
0.5 tsp
Black pepper
0.5 tsp
White sugar
0.5 tsp
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
Fresh ginger
1 tbsp (Grated)
Sesame oil
1 tbsp
Soy sauce
1 tbsp
Better than bouillon chicken soup base
1 tbsp
Potato starch
4 tbsp
Rice flour
2 tbsp
Water
3 cups
Better than bouillon chicken soup base
2 tbsp
Sushi rice seasoning
1/4-1/2 cup
Potato starch
1/2 cup
Sugar
1 cup
Low sodium soy sauce
4 tbsp
Sesame oil
4 tbsp
Chili garlic paste
4 tsp
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, white sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chicken bouillon. Whisk together until well blended.
2
Add the chunks of chicken to the marinade and stir gently to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and sprinkle the potato starch and rice flour over the chicken. Gently toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
4
Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, cooking until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5
While frying the chicken, prepare the sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients (sushi rice seasoning, potato starch, sugar, low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, and minced garlic) in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let simmer while the chicken cooks.
6
Once the chicken is ready, serve it hot drizzled with the warm sauce, alongside bowls of steaming Calrose or Japanese rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Sesame Garlic Chicken Delight?
It is a fusion dish featuring crispy fried chicken chunks tossed in a sweet and savory garlic sesame sauce, designed as a lighter and comforting alternative to restaurant versions.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the main flavors in the marinade?
The marinade is flavored with minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chicken bouillon.
Why are both potato starch and rice flour used for the coating?
This combination creates a light and exceptionally crispy exterior that stays crunchy even when drizzled with sauce.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be heated to 365°F (185°C) to ensure the chicken fries properly without becoming greasy.
How long does the chicken need to fry?
The chicken should be fried in small batches for about 4 to 6 minutes until it is golden brown and crispy.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Peanut oil is the preferred choice for deep frying this recipe due to its high smoke point.
What ingredients make up the sesame garlic sauce?
The sauce is made from sushi rice seasoning, potato starch, sugar, low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, and minced garlic.
How do you prepare the sauce?
Combine all sauce ingredients in a small pot, bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly, then reduce to low heat to simmer.
What is sushi rice seasoning?
Sushi rice seasoning is typically a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, which adds a tangy sweetness to the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from the 4 teaspoons of chili garlic paste used in the sauce.
What should I serve with this chicken?
It is best served alongside steaming bowls of Calrose or Japanese rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is portioned to serve 4 people.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for a juicier result.
What is the purpose of Better Than Bouillon in this recipe?
It is used as a chicken soup base to add concentrated savory flavor to both the marinade and the sauce.
Why should I fry the chicken in small batches?
Frying in small batches helps maintain a consistent oil temperature, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
How do I remove excess oil from the fried chicken?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
It is important to stir the sauce mixture constantly while bringing it to a boil over medium heat.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken features a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Is there ginger in the sauce?
No, the grated ginger is used specifically in the chicken marinade rather than the sauce.
How much garlic is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires an additional 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I substitute the potato starch?
While cornstarch is a common substitute, potato starch is recommended for a superior crispy texture in Asian-style fried chicken.
Is the sauce drizzled or tossed?
According to the instructions, the chicken should be served hot and drizzled with the warm sauce.
What role does sesame oil play?
Sesame oil is used in both the marinade and the sauce to provide a deep, nutty aroma and flavor.
What type of soy sauce is used for the sauce?
Low sodium soy sauce is specified for the sauce to keep the salt levels balanced.
Is there sugar in the sauce?
Yes, 1 cup of sugar is used in the sauce to create a sweet glaze.
Can I make this for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for dinner parties or easy weeknight meals.
What makes this 'Japanese cuisine' inspired?
The use of ingredients like sushi rice seasoning, ginger, soy sauce, and the recommendation of Japanese rice gives it a Japanese fusion profile.