Pollo crujiente con miel y ajo

Ingredientes

• 2 lbs boneless/skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper- to taste
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (I use Mae Ploy)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 10 cloves of garlic, chopped (not minced!)
• Hibachi-style rice, sesame seeds & chopped scallions, for serving as desired

Preparación

1. 1

   Season & marinate chicken: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken pieces, salt/pepper- to taste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and sesame oil. Then seal the bag and shake everything to fully combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 1 day.

2. 2

   Add cornstarch & rest chicken: Right before cooking, add the cornstarch to the chicken and toss/shake to combine, ensuring the cornstarch coats the chicken pieces very well. Then set the cornstarch-coated chicken aside for 20 minutes to reach room temperature.

3. 3

   Brown chicken: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. When hot, working in batches to not overcrowd the chicken, add a few pieces of chicken into the skillet. Cook the chicken until golden brown and lightly crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking on the other side for 2-3 minutes. Then use a slotted utensil to set the browned chicken aside on a plate. Repeat the process until all chicken has been browned, adding a tablespoon of oil in between batches only as needed. Then add all browned chicken back into the skillet.

4. 4

   Build the honey garlic chicken: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and chopped garlic. Use a rubber spatula or wooden utensil to stir all the ingredients until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 4-5 minutes for the flavors to meld and the sauce thickens a bit.

5. 5

   Serve: this honey garlic chicken immediately over rice (we love this saucy chicken over fried rice!) or alongside your favorite sides (jasmine rice or other rice of choice, veggies, mashed potatoes, etc.) Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, if desired. Enjoy!