Pei Wei Asian Diner Caramel Chicken
Indulge in the rich, savory-sweet flavors of Pei Wei Asian Diner Caramel Chicken, a delectable dish that brings restaurant-quality cooking to your kitchen. Featuring crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a glossy caramel sauce infused with soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and umami-packed goodness. Fragrant garlic, zesty ginger, and a touch of red chili flakes add depth and warmth, while a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds provides the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this simple yet impressive dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it an irresistible choice for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
- 1 cup Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 0.25 cup Water
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
- 2 stalks Green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
Place the cornstarch in a bowl and dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
In a separate pan, add sugar and water over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar until it turns a light amber color, creating caramel (about 5-7 minutes). Be cautious not to burn the caramel.
Once the caramel is ready, quickly stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and mix well.
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes to the caramel sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss to coat them thoroughly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 291.5 g | 374% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.0 g | 240% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 567 mg | 189% | |
| Sodium | 3397 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.8 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 101.7 g | ||
| Protein | 125.9 g | 252% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 205 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1465 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
