Emperor's Delight Chicken

Name: Emperor's Delight Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Welcome to the delicious world of Emperor's Delight Chicken! This dish combines crispy chicken with a tangy, savory sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. It's a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.

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Ingredients for Emperor's Delight Chicken

Chicken thighs are the star here, providing a juicy and tender bite. They're great for absorbing flavors. Salt and pepper are your basic seasonings, enhancing the natural taste of the chicken. Cornstarch helps achieve that perfect crispy coating when fried, while baking soda aids in browning and adds crunch. Vegetable oil is used for frying due to its high smoke point.

The soy sauce and rice vinegar form the base of our sauce, bringing umami and acidity. Hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Sugar balances the savory elements. Chicken broth ties everything together, adding richness. Garlic and ginger provide aromatic notes, while red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Finally, green onions and toasted sesame seeds give a fresh and nutty finish.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken: fry once, let it cool, and then fry again.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
Prep all your ingredients before starting. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Serving Suggestions

Emperor's Delight Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal. You could also serve it over noodles for a different take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?: Yes, chicken breast can be used, but keep an eye on the cooking time as breast meat can dry out faster.
How can I make this gluten-free?: Substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?: You can fry the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm it up in the sauce.

Emperor's Delight Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, take your chicken thighs and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and baking soda. This combination ensures a crispy texture once fried.

Heat up vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they're golden and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.

While the chicken rests, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Set this aside. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for about a minute until fragrant.

Pour in your prepared sauce mixture and let it come to a simmer. Return the crispy chicken to the pan, tossing it well to coat each piece in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken beautifully.

Finally, sprinkle the dish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving. It's ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare — ready in just about 30 minutes.
Uses simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice.
Easy to adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Great for meal prep — tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

2 green onions, sliced

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2. Add cornstarch and baking soda, tossing to coat evenly.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

4. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.

6. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth.

7. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

8. Add the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.

9. Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.

10. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens.

11. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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