COLD SESAME CHICKEN

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Cold Sesame Chicken image

Though completely different from a crisp-skinned, oven-roasted chicken, sometimes a boiled chicken is just the thing, hot or cold. In warm weather, this Chinese-style cold sesame chicken is especially welcome. It's perfect for a picnic or light lunch and can be prepared well in advance of serving.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, weekday, poultry, main course

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

6 bone-in chicken legs, drumettes or boneless thighs (about 4 pounds)
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon five-spice powder
2 whole scallions
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, cut into 4 thick slices
2 star anise pods
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
1/2 teaspoon grated garlic
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons crushed roasted, unsalted peanuts
1 or 2 thinly sliced serrano chiles (optional)
Cilantro sprigs
3 or 4 scallions, thinly sliced
Tender mustard greens or lettuce leaves (optional)

Steps:

  • Season chicken with salt and sprinkle with five-spice powder, rubbing seasoning into the flesh.
  • Transfer chicken to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Add 4 to 6 cups water, just to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a bare simmer. Add scallions, ginger slices, star anise and turmeric. Simmer very gently until tender, about 45 minutes.
  • Remove chicken to cool on a baking sheet. (For faster cooling, submerge chicken in ice water.) Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
  • Make the glaze: Put soy sauce, sugar, cayenne, garlic, toasted sesame oil, ginger and 1/2 cup cooking liquid in a shallow saucepan or small skillet over medium-high heat. Simmer rapidly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  • Chop bone-in chicken into 1-inch chunks with a sharp cleaver or large chef's knife. (Remove bones before chopping, if preferred. If using drumettes or boneless thighs, leave whole.) Arrange chicken on a serving platter.
  • Brush glaze onto the meat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and peanuts. Add chiles (if using), cilantro and scallions. Surround with mustard greens or lettuce leaves, if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Yousef Afghan
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This cold sesame chicken is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It's also a great recipe to make ahead of time and serve cold. I love to pack it for lunch or picnics.


Athina Charalampopoulou
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I've made this cold sesame chicken several times now and it's always a hit. It's a great recipe to have on hand for when you're short on time or just don't feel like cooking a big meal.


Tri Lagutap
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This cold sesame chicken is a great recipe. It's easy to follow and the results are delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


KR Khan
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I love this cold sesame chicken! It's so flavorful and refreshing. I especially love the sauce, which is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.


Walter Metz jr
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This cold sesame chicken is a great recipe for beginners. It's easy to follow and the results are delicious. I highly recommend it.


Fraedon Khan0780
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I made this cold sesame chicken for a party and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! I especially love the fact that it's a cold dish, which is perfect for summer gatherings.


pulati faluke
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This cold sesame chicken is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It's also a great recipe to make ahead of time and serve cold. I love to pack it for lunch or picnics.


Corey Shootz
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I've made this cold sesame chicken several times now and it's always a hit. It's a great recipe to have on hand for when you're short on time or just don't feel like cooking a big meal.


Saqi Gill
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This cold sesame chicken is a great recipe. It's easy to follow and the results are delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


flash0216 Rios
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I love this cold sesame chicken! It's so flavorful and refreshing. I especially love the sauce, which is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.


Beatrice Santu
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This cold sesame chicken is a great recipe for beginners. It's easy to follow and the results are delicious. I highly recommend it.


Macory_ Chris
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I made this cold sesame chicken for a party and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! I especially love the fact that it's a cold dish, which is perfect for summer gatherings.


Muhammad Adnan Ansari (Ansari Shb)
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This cold sesame chicken is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It's also a great recipe to make ahead of time and serve cold. I love to pack it for lunch or picnics.


Flabb1y
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I've made this cold sesame chicken several times now and it's always a hit. It's a great recipe to have on hand for when you're short on time or just don't feel like cooking a big meal.


Ramraj Boodhun
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This cold sesame chicken is a great recipe. It's easy to follow and the results are delicious. I especially love the sauce, which is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.


Busisa Majo
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I made this cold sesame chicken last night and it was a hit! My family loved it. The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the sauce was delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


nayen miah
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This cold sesame chicken is amazing! It's so flavorful and refreshing, and it's perfect for a summer meal. I love the combination of the sweet and savory flavors, and the chicken is cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again!