Gluten Free Classic Sesame Chicken

Total time50 min

Prep time25 min

Cook time25 min

Golden, crackly-crusted chicken pieces are the star here, coated in a light cornstarch batter and fried until deeply golden before getting tossed in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze built on honey, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Fresh garlic and ginger bring warmth to the sauce, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to keep things interesting. Every piece comes out irresistibly crisp on the outside and juicy within, then gets showered with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions for crunch and color. Served hot over steamed white rice, it's the kind of takeout-style favorite that's easy to make at home and just as satisfying to eat straight from the skillet. This version comes together as a genuinely solid pick for a gluten free dinner rotation, with all the sticky, saucy flavor you'd expect from the classic dish. It's proof that a weeknight stir-fry favorite doesn't have to sacrifice any of its crave-worthy crunch or shine.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
Heritage Farm Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Simple Truth Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs Signature Farms Bone-In Chicken Thigh Value Pack - 4.5 Lb Simple Truth Organic® Air-Chilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Tyson All Natural Fresh Chicken Thighs
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½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the batter

½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Chef's tip
Choose a gluten-free baking blend labeled 1:1 or cup-for-cup and use the same amount. Almond and coconut flour won't work the same way.
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup cold water
1 large egg

For frying

⅓ cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed

For the sauce

⅓ cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp cornstarch
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For serving

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
3 scallions, thinly sliced
steamed white rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season with the salt and pepper. Set aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, and 2 tsp cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.

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