Honey Sesame Chicken

Yummy sticky and sweet Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine straight to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, sweet sauce that is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, you’ll love how quickly you can create this delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Deliciously Sweet: The sticky honey sauce perfectly balances sweetness and savory flavors for an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served over rice or noodles, this dish adapts to your preferences.
• Family Friendly: Kids will enjoy the sweet flavor, making it a hit with the whole family.
• Impressive Presentation: Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it looks as good as it tastes.

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Tools and Preparation

To make Honey Sesame Chicken, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Slotted spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: This allows for even frying of the chicken, ensuring a crispy texture without burning.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for easily combining all batter ingredients without spills.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for lifting fried chicken out of hot oil while letting excess oil drain away.
• Whisk: An important tool for ensuring that the sauce ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Ingredients

Yummy sticky and sweet honey sesame chicken.

For Frying

• 4-6 c vegetable oil for frying
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips

For the Batter

• 1/2 c flour, sifted
• 1/4 c corn starch
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg white
• 1/3 c water

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice apple vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp honey
• 4 tsp corn starch
• 2/3 c water

For Garnish

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame Seeds

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Mix all batter ingredients in a glass bowl until smooth.
2. Add the chicken strips to the batter and stir until fully coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan and heat to medium (350 degrees).
2. Ensure there is enough oil so that chicken pieces float without touching the bottom.
3. Using tongs, add chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Cook each batch for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Check doneness by cutting open a piece.

Step 3: Drain Excess Oil

1. Use a slotted spoon to remove cooked chicken from the oil.
2. Place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and whisk until well mixed.
2. Heat a frying pan over low heat.
3. Pour in the sauce mixture and turn heat to medium.
4. Constantly whisk as it heats up; bring to a gentle boil.
5. Once thickened, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Add cooked chicken into the thickened sauce in the pan.
2. Toss gently to ensure every piece of chicken is coated in sauce.

Step 6: Serve

1. Pour everything into a serving bowl.
2. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before enjoying!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey sesame chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve honey sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice will soak up the sweet sauce, creating a delicious combination.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Toss the chicken with cooked noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. Add some vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the honey sesame chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a fun and interactive meal perfect for gatherings.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the dish with colorful stir-fried vegetables. The fresh flavors will complement the sweetness of the honey sesame chicken beautifully.

As Part of a Chinese Feast

• Include honey sesame chicken as one of several dishes in a Chinese feast. It pairs well with dumplings, spring rolls, and fried rice for an authentic experience.

How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken

To achieve the best results with your honey sesame chicken, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and quality honey will enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry the chicken in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Whisk Sauce Continuously – Keep whisking while cooking the sauce to prevent burning and ensure it thickens evenly.
• Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to tweak the amount of honey and sugar based on your taste preference.
• Let Rest Before Serving – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together.
• Garnish Thoughtfully – A sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds adds visual appeal as well as flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken

Complementing honey sesame chicken with delightful side dishes enhances your meal’s overall experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Fried Rice – A classic side that brings savory flavors; consider adding peas and carrots for color.
2. Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat make for a crunchy accompaniment.
3. Asian Slaw – A fresh slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing adds crunch and balance.
4. Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet nutritious; steamed broccoli provides color and health benefits.
5. Garlic Green Beans – Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic offer an aromatic touch to your plate.
6. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar complements the sweetness of the chicken nicely.
7. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup brings warmth and umami flavors that pair well with Asian cuisine.
8. Scallion Pancakes – These flaky pancakes offer texture and flavor—perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Honey Sesame Chicken at home can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes can make your dish even better.

• Not preparing the chicken properly: Ensure you cut the chicken into uniform strips for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overdone.
• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and other seasonings adds flavor. Don’t skip this essential step to enhance the dish’s taste.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to keep everything crispy.
• Ignoring sauce thickness: If your sauce isn’t thick enough, it won’t stick to the chicken well. Be sure to whisk it continuously until it reaches a thick consistency.
• Using old oil for frying: Fresh oil ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy. Always use clean, fresh vegetable oil for frying.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Honey Sesame Chicken.

What is Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey Sesame Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.

Can I use different meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or pork for varied flavors and textures.

How do I make my sauce thicker?

To thicken your sauce, whisk in additional cornstarch mixed with water as it simmers until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is Honey Sesame Chicken healthy?

While it’s delicious, Honey Sesame Chicken is best enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar content. You can adjust ingredients for a healthier version by using less sugar or opting for whole-grain alternatives.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.

Final Thoughts

Honey Sesame Chicken is not only satisfying but also versatile enough for any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it with rice or stir-fried veggies, it’s sure to please everyone. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients!