Sesame Chicken

Instructions

Into a medium Dutch oven or large, heavy, high-sided skillet, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2". Heat over medium heat until a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer registers 350°. Meanwhile, set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch. In another shallow bowl, whisk egg whites and 1 Tbsp. sesame oil. Into a third shallow bowl, pour breadcrumbs. Season chicken with garlic powder and 1 tsp. salt. Coat chicken pieces in flour, then dip into egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then into breadcrumbs, gently pressing to adhere. Working in batches, fry chicken, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; season with salt. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine broth and remaining 2 tsp. cornstarch until cornstarch is dissolved. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine cornstarch mixture, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, sriracha, and remaining 2 Tbsp. sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add chicken pieces to skillet with sauce and toss until coated. Divide chicken and sauce among plates. Top with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice alongside.

• vegetable oil Notes: about 5 cups, for frying
• all-purpose flour Notes: 1/2
• plus 2 tsp. cornstarch Notes: 1/4, divided
• large egg whites Notes: 2
• tbsp. toasted sesame oil Notes: 3, divided
• panko breadcrumbs Notes: 1 1/2
• lb. chicken tenders Notes: 1, cut into 1" pieces
• tsp. garlic powder Notes: 1
• kosher salt
• low-sodium chicken broth or water Notes: 1/2
• reduced-sodium soy sauce Notes: 1/2
• honey Notes: 1/4
• ketchup Notes: 1/4
• tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar Notes: 1
• tbsp. sriracha Notes: 2
• scallion Notes: 1, thinly sliced
• tbsp. toasted sesame seeds Notes: 2
• Cooked white rice Notes: for serving