By Gary 
This delightful and aromatic chicken dish blends sweet and savory flavors for a satisfying family meal. With its combination of bold spices and tender chicken, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe serves a family of 5, ensuring everyone gets their fill of this delicious dish.
Ingredients for a Family of 5:
Sweet and Savory Base:
– 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or rice vinegar
Spices and Seasonings:
– 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Liquids:
– 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon tap water, divided
Aromatics:
– 4 scallions, sliced
– 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Cooking Medium:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Main Protein:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately six thighs)
Thickening Agent:
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Garnish:
– Sesame seeds
– Dark green parts of scallions
Serving Suggestion:
– 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
Preparation
Start by preparing all your ingredients. This approach will streamline your cooking process. Whisk the brown sugar, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, and 1/2 cup of water together to form the sauce base. Set it aside for later use. Slice the scallions, keeping the dark green parts aside for garnish.
Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs thoroughly with kosher salt and black pepper. Add them to the pan, rounded side down, and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, around 5 more minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and keep warm.
Preparing the Aromatics
Using the same skillet with the chicken drippings, introduce the ginger, garlic, and the white and light green parts of the scallions. Stir over medium-high heat until these aromatics are fragrant and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1 tablespoon of water until it’s smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet along with the soy sauce mixture. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer, constantly stirring, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat.
Combining and Serving
Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, along with any gathered juices. Toss the chicken so it’s well-coated with the sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and garnish with the dark green scallions. Serve the flavorful chicken over a bed of cooked long-grain white rice for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory, ensuring a heartwarming dish for your family. The combination of tender chicken with aromatic spices and sticky sauce is a surefire winner for any night of the week. Enjoy this delightful meal with your loved ones!