Ginger Chicken

Name: Ginger Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 3 Tbsp. soy sauce; 2 Tbsp. Shaoxing wine or rice vinegar; 1/8 tsp. ground white pepper; 1/2 cup, plus 1 Tbsp. tap water, divided; 4 medium (1 1/2 oz. total) scallions; 1 Tbsp. olive oil; 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs); 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 tsp. black pepper; 1 1/2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger (from 1 [4-in.] piece); 2 tsp. chopped garlic (from 2 medium cloves); 2 tsp. cornstarch; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Hot-cooked long-grain white rice, for serving