Crispy Walnut Chicken

Quite a popular dish at almost every North American Chinese buffet, Crispy Walnut Chicken is prepared with moist and tender boneless and skinless chicken thighs. The chicken is coated and fried until crispy then tossed in a sweet sauce made with honey, soy, sesame, and of course, walnuts!

📝 Ingredients

• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, (cut into thin strips)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 cup toasted walnuts
• sesame seeds, (for garnish)
• green onions, (sliced, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- For the Chicken and Marinade: ---
2. 2Measure the cornstarch, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt into a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour in the milk and whisk until no lumps remain.
3. 3Add the chicken and toss well to coat.
4. 4Next, add enough vegetable oil to a heavy-bottomed pot so that there are two inches of oil. Bring the temperature of the oil up to 350 degrees. Once the oil is hot enough, fry the chicken in batches until the chicken turns a golden brown colour.
5. 5Once each batch of chicken is fried, remove it from the pot and place it onto a paper towel-lined plate.
6. 6--- For the Sauce: ---
7. 7Measure the water and cornstarch into a large skillet and whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved.
8. 8Next, whisk in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.
9. 9Over medium heat, stir and cook the sauce until thickened. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
10. 10Add the fried chicken and the toasted walnuts to the skillet. Toss well to coat and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has adhered to the chicken.
11. 11Plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped fresh green onions. Enjoy!