1-First Step: Gather all ingredients and cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture for crispier frying. This mise en place keeps things smooth, especially for busy parents. Season lightly if desired.

2-Second Step: In a bowl, whisk 1 egg with a pinch of salt. Mix in 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup flour to form a thick batter. Toss chicken pieces until fully coated. Let sit 5 minutes; batter thickens for better adhesion. For healthy sesame chicken, use less cornstarch here.

3-Third Step: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Fry chicken in batches, 4-5 minutes per batch until golden and cooked through (internal 165°F). Drain on paper towels. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness. For baked sesame chicken recipe, preheat oven to 425°F, spray tray, bake 20 minutes flipping halfway.

4-Fourth Step: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring until thickened. Taste and adjust sweetness. This easy sesame chicken sauce clings beautifully. Gluten-free? Use tamari.

5-Fifth Step: Toss fried chicken in warm sauce until coated. Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Toast seeds in dry pan 1-2 minutes for nutty flavor. Learn more about health benefits of sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or broccoli.

6-Final Step: Plate hot for best crunch. Pairs well with stir-fried veggies. For air fryer sesame chicken recipe, air fry battered chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Vegan adaptation: fry tofu similarly. This method ensures juicy centers every time. Troubleshoot sogginess by double-frying 1 minute more.