Honey sesame chicken is a crispy, sweet, and savory dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Quick to prepare, this family-friendly meal is perfect for satisfying even the pickiest eaters!
Table of Contents
Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe Overview
Flavor Profile
This honey sesame chicken features a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, thanks to the honey and soy sauce blend. The crispy chicken is enveloped in a sticky sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and quick preparation time. It’s a wonderful way to bring the flavors of takeout home without the fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences, ensuring you can make it your own!
Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken
Chicken and Batter Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken breast tenderloins
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup lite soy sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Diced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes for perfectly crispy bites.
Making the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, and salt until you have a smooth batter. This will give your chicken a delightful crunch!
Frying the Chicken
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the battered chicken in a single layer. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain the excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate.
Preparing the Sauce
While the chicken fries, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined, and then pour this mixture into a large skillet over medium heat. Stir until it simmers and thickens.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is fried, remove it from the heat and toss it gently in the thickened sauce. Ensure every piece is coated with that scrumptious glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish your honey sesame chicken with sesame seeds and diced green onions for an extra pop of flavor. Serve it with fluffy rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s just bursting with flavor!
Tips for the Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this dish. Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor. You can also replace rice vinegar with white or apple cider vinegar for a unique twist.
Achieving the Right Texture
If you prefer a crispier texture, consider deep frying the chicken or using an air fryer with a light spray of oil. Both methods yield delicious results!
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need to make honey sesame chicken?
You will need chicken, eggs, cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and optional sesame seeds and green onions.
How do I achieve crispy chicken in honey sesame chicken?
To achieve crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, and consider using an air fryer or deep frying for a crunchier texture.
Can I make honey sesame chicken in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is best fried, you can use a slow cooker for a healthier version. Cook the chicken on low and add the sauce towards the end.
What are some good side dishes to serve with honey sesame chicken?
Good side dishes include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. These options complement the flavors perfectly!
How can I make honey sesame chicken healthier?
To make it healthier, use skinless chicken thighs, reduce the sugar in the sauce, or bake the chicken instead of frying.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Honey sesame chicken is a delightful dish that promises to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor! For more cooking inspiration, check out the amazing ideas on Pinterest.
Honey Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- large bowl
- large pan
- paper towel
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken breast tenderloins
- for frying Vegetable oil
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup lite soy sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- pinch red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
- Diced green onions for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, and salt to create the batter.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the batter.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat frying with remaining chicken.
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce into a skillet and whisk until it simmers.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
