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Crispy gluten free sesame chicken on a white plate garnished with sesame seeds and scallions

Gluten Free Sesame Chicken

This gluten free sesame chicken is a healthier twist on a classic dish, featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet-and-savory sesame sauce that's naturally gluten-free and protein-packed.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless thighs, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons tamari
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated
  • 2 quarts neutral vegetable oil for frying
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Cooked rice for serving
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken, kosher salt, tamari, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix to coat and let sit for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  • Make the sauce: Whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer, whisking, until thickened (roughly 2 minutes).
  • Prepare for frying: In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, gluten-free flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Preheat your frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
  • Bread and fry the chicken: Coat the marinated chicken pieces evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Gently lower chicken pieces into the oil and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (about 3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
  • Toss with sauce: Transfer the fried chicken into the saucepan with your prepared sesame sauce. Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
  • Assemble and serve: Serve the chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions for a restaurant-quality presentation.