Paleo Sesame Chicken

Total time45 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time25 min

4.6

(7)

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup cornstarch
Chef's tip
For thickening, use about 1 1/3 times as much tapioca starch, stirred into a spoonful of cold water first; take the pan off the heat soon after it thickens.
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 tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup cold water
⅓ cup vegetable oil, for pan-frying
Chef's tip
Avocado oil is neutral and handles high heat, making it a good all-purpose swap.

For the sauce

¼ cup soy sauce
Chef's tip
Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty; taste and adjust the seasoning.
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
Chef's tip
For thickening, use about 1 1/3 times as much tapioca starch, stirred into a spoonful of cold water first; take the pan off the heat soon after it thickens.
2 tsp granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same amount. Coconut sugar has a mild caramel flavor, and baked goods come out a little darker and slightly less sweet.
1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup water
1 tsp vegetable oil
Chef's tip
Avocado oil is neutral and handles high heat, making it a good all-purpose swap.

For serving

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
3 scallions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
Can be omitted
cooked white rice

Instructions

1
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tsp vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just softened, about 1 minute — watch closely so the garlic does not brown.
2
Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then pour the mixture into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and a finger drawn through leaves a clear line, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!