As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of honey mingling with the tangy heat of hot sauce filled the air, instantly transporting me to a bustling Panda Express. This homemade Honey Sesame Chicken brings that memorable restaurant experience right to your dining table. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve when friends drop by unexpectedly. Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also a delightful twist on a classic, combining crispy chicken strips with vibrant, crunchy vegetables bathed in a luscious honey sauce. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Why is Honey Sesame Chicken a Favorite?
Irresistible Flavor: This dish perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with a kick of hot sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination.
Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from prep to table, you can whip up this dish on busy weeknights or impress guests in a pinch!
Healthy Twist: This recipe is gluten-free and includes fresh vegetables like bell peppers and green beans, making it a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for both families and gatherings, everyone will love this dish as a unique alternative to takeout!
Elevate your meal planning with more delightful options, and check out my homemade fried rice for a comforting side.
Honey Sesame Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to delight your taste buds!
For the Chicken
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Black pepper – Adds a little kick to the mix.
- Olive oil – Keeps the batter moist and adds richness.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Perfect for those avoiding gluten, giving a lovely crispiness.
- Cornstarch – Helps create a crunchy texture when frying.
- Baking soda – Lightens the batter for a fluffier bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of our dish, cut into strips for even cooking.
For the Vegetables
- Yellow bell pepper – Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- Green beans – Provides crunch and freshness.
For the Sauce
- Vegetable oil – Used for frying to achieve that golden brown crispy chicken.
- Honey – The key ingredient that makes this honey sesame chicken irresistible.
- Hot sauce – Gives that delightful spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy depth to the sauce.
- Lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Filtered water – Helps in achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Cornstarch (for sauce) – Thickens the sauce for a perfect coating.
- Sesame seeds – For garnish and added crunch!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by cracking an egg into a bowl, then whisk it together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This mixture will help the coating stick to the chicken strips. Set this bowl aside and gather your chicken strips for the next step.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. This blend creates an airy coating that will crisp beautifully when fried. Ensure there are no lumps, as a smooth mixture will adhere better to the chicken, giving you that perfect crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off before transferring it to the flour mixture. Coat each piece thoroughly, shaking off any excess flour. This two-step coating process is essential for that crispy exterior on your Honey Sesame Chicken.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. Carefully add the coated chicken strips in batches, frying them for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced yellow bell pepper and trimmed green beans, stir-frying for about 5 minutes or until they are tender yet still crisp. This vibrant veggie mix will add color and crunch to your dish.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, filtered water, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it starts to gently boil and thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This luscious sauce is key to elevating your Honey Sesame Chicken.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the fried chicken strips and sautéed vegetables into the saucepan with the thickened sauce. Stir everything together and let it warm for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, ensuring all components are coated and heated through, making for that flavorful blend of honey, spice, and crunch.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once combined, transfer the Honey Sesame Chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for an extra hint of flavor and texture. Serve this delicious dish immediately while it's warm and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade perfection!
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Sesame Chicken strips are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the egg mixture (salt, pepper, olive oil) up to 24 hours in advance, sealing it in an airtight container to enhance the flavors. The dry coating of gluten-free flour and cornstarch can be mixed and stored separately to maintain its crispy texture. Cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; simply reheat them before adding the sauce. When you're ready to serve, warm the chicken and veggies over medium-low heat, then stir in the prepared sauce until heated through for that delicious restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy the convenience of homemade Honey Sesame Chicken anytime!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Sesame Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a splash of water to the pan to moisten the chicken.
Storage Tips: For best texture, separate the chicken from the sauce before storing. This helps keep the chicken crispy when reheated.
What to Serve with Honey Sesame Chicken
As the delightful flavors of Honey Sesame Chicken swirl in your mind, let’s create a harmonious meal that will impress everyone at the table.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice provides a neutral base that beautifully absorbs the delicious sauce, creating a comforting bite.
- Crispy Egg Rolls: Crunchy and filled with fresh vegetables, egg rolls add a satisfying texture that pairs well with the sweet-and-spicy chicken.
- Garlicky Snow Peas: With a crisp bite and subtle sweetness, these vibrant veggies enhance the overall flavor profile while adding color to your meal.
- Chilled Cucumber Salad: The refreshing crunch of cucumbers tossed in a tangy dressing brings a cool contrast to the warm, rich chicken dish.
- Sesame Noodles: These flavorful noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce offer an additional Asian-inspired element that complements the main dish beautifully.
- Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: A lightly sweetened and fruity iced tea makes for a refreshing drink, balancing the heat from the honey sauce delightfully.
- Chocolate Mochi for Dessert: End on a sweet note with these chewy confectioneries, which offer a unique texture that will leave everyone asking for more.
Building a full meal around your Honey Sesame Chicken will turn your dining experience into a special occasion, bursting with flavors and textures.
Expert Tips for Honey Sesame Chicken
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Perfect Coating: Ensure your chicken strips are well-coated in the egg and flour mixtures. This helps achieve that desirable crunch, crucial for Honey Sesame Chicken's texture.
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Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature carefully. Too hot, and the coating burns; too low, and it becomes greasy. Aim for about 350°F for frying.
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Avoid Soggy Chicken: Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel immediately after cooking to prevent sogginess. This keeps your Honey Sesame Chicken crispy until served.
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Veggie Timing: Stir-fry your vegetables just until tender. Overcooking them can lead to mushy veggies, detracting from the dish's desired crunch and flavor contrast.
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Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. Mixing in a little more cornstarch mixed with water can help if you're in a hurry.
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Make-ahead Magic: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge, making weeknight cooking even quicker without compromising flavor!
Honey Sesame Chicken Variations
Feel free to take this recipe and make it your own, adding your favorite flavors and twists to delight your palate!
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Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinating them in the sauce for a delightful flavor infusion.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the vegetable mix for an extra burst of heat that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in chopped peanuts or cashews at the end for a crunchy finish and a delightful nutty taste that elevates the dish.
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Zucchini Noodles: Serve the chicken over zucchini noodles instead of rice for a low-carb option that adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
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Sweet & Tangy: Mix in sliced pineapples or mango chunks for a tropical twist that enhances the sweet and tangy sauce, making it a delightful summer dish.
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Honey Alternative: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version that still delivers sweetness and depth to the sauce.
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Creamy Sauce: For a richer sauce, stir in a handful of creamy peanut butter after thickening the sauce; it adds a delicious creaminess that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
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Rice Options: Serve with cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or go with traditional jasmine rice for a classic accompaniment that soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
Explore these variations as you create a dish that perfectly matches your tastes, and don’t forget, this delicious honey sesame chicken shines just as brightly with a side of my homemade fried rice!
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken for Honey Sesame Chicken?
When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are plump and firm to the touch. They should be a pale pink color, without dark spots or a strong odor. If you can find organic or free-range chicken, that’s a great choice too—it tends to have more flavor and better texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely! To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the sauce to maintain that crispy coating. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I freeze Honey Sesame Chicken for later?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To do this, let the dish cool completely before transferring. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce ends up too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of water slowly, stirring continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. I often mix in a little more cornstarch mixed with water if I’m in a hurry—just make sure to let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce is silky smooth.
Is this Honey Sesame Chicken safe for my gluten-free diet?
Yes, indeed! This recipe uses gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten. However, always double-check your labels to ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially with sauces and seasonings!
Irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken You'll Crave Again and Again
Equipment
- skillet
- Medium saucepan
- mixing bowls
- whisk
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper Adds a little kick to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil Keeps the batter moist and adds richness.
- 1 cup Gluten-free all-purpose flour Perfect for those avoiding gluten.
- 1 cup Cornstarch Helps create a crunchy texture when frying.
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda Lightens the batter for a fluffier bite.
- 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into strips for even cooking.
For the Vegetables
- 1 medium Yellow bell pepper Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 cup Green beans Provides crunch and freshness.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil Used for frying.
- ½ cup Honey The key ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons Hot sauce Gives a delightful spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar Adds a tangy depth.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Brightens up the flavors.
- ¼ cup Filtered water Helps in achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (for sauce) Thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds For garnish and added crunch.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Crack an egg into a bowl, whisk with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, cornstarch, and baking soda.
- Dip chicken strips into egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken strips for 6-7 minutes.
- In another pan, heat olive oil and stir-fry yellow bell pepper and green beans for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch, heat until thickened.
- Combine fried chicken strips and vegetables with the sauce, warm for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
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