Honey Sesame Chicken

Yummy sticky and sweet honey sesame chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right into your kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, glossy sauce that balances sweetness and savory notes perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Its unique flavor profile and easy preparation make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavors: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame creates a mouthwatering glaze that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal that’s customizable to your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the sweet and savory profile of honey sesame chicken.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients, this dish can fit into various healthy eating plans.

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Tools and Preparation

To make honey sesame chicken successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large glass bowl
• Saucepan
• Slotted spoon
• Whisk
• Frying pan
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large glass bowl: Ideal for mixing the batter without staining or retaining odors from other materials.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing fried chicken from oil while allowing excess oil to drain away.
• Frying pan: A versatile tool that helps you heat up sauces evenly without burning them.

Ingredients

Yummy sticky and sweet honey sesame chicken includes the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Batter

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

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix all batter ingredients in a large glass bowl until smooth. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and stir well to coat.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan and heat over medium heat (about 350 degrees). Ensure there’s enough oil so that pieces of chicken won’t touch the bottom while cooking.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Using tongs, carefully add chicken strips to the hot oil in batches. Cook each batch for about 5 minutes. Check doneness by cutting one piece open; it should be cooked through.

Step 4: Drain Excess Oil

Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil. Place it on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined.

Step 6: Heat the Sauce

Heat a frying pan over low heat. Pour in the sauce mixture and increase heat to medium. Constantly whisk as it starts to boil.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Once thickened, turn off the heat.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add fried chicken strips into the sauce and toss until well coated.

Step 9: Serve

Pour everything into a serving bowl. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before enjoying your delicious honey sesame chicken!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Serving Honey Sesame Chicken can elevate any meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its sweet and savory flavors.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the sauce perfectly.
• Fried Rice: Adds a flavorful twist with vegetables and soy sauce.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option that complements the dish’s sweetness.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Broccoli: Offers a crunchy texture and balances the sweetness.
• Sauteed Bell Peppers: Adds color and a hint of spice to your plate.
• Roasted Asparagus: Provides a tender, earthy contrast to the chicken.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sliced Green Onions: Fresh and zesty, they enhance presentation and flavor.

How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken

To achieve the best version of Honey Sesame Chicken, consider these essential tips.

• Choose the Right Oil: Use vegetable oil for frying as it has a high smoke point, ensuring crispy chicken.
• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing chicken strips to marinate in soy sauce enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Control Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even cooking and avoid sogginess.
• Whisk Sauce Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a smooth, cohesive sauce.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan when it’s hot and sticky.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skip on sesame seeds; they add texture and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken

Complement your Honey Sesame Chicken with these delightful side dishes that round out your meal perfectly.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful medley of rice, veggies, and eggs stir-fried to perfection.
2. Spring Rolls: Crisp wrappers filled with vegetables or shrimp offer a crunchy contrast.
3. Sweet Corn Soup: A warm, comforting soup that balances the dish’s sweetness.
4. Egg Fried Noodles: Soft noodles stir-fried with eggs and vegetables create a satisfying texture.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers dressed in vinegar adds brightness to your plate.
6. Sesame Spinach Salad: Lightly dressed spinach topped with sesame seeds provides an earthy side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Incorrect oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350 degrees Fahrenheit before frying.

• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to maintain proper heat.

• Not whisking the sauce enough: Failing to whisk the sauce continuously while it cooks can cause it to burn or thicken unevenly. Keep stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

• Skipping the paper towel step: Not draining excess oil from the fried chicken can result in a soggy texture. Place cooked chicken on paper towels immediately after frying.

• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality soy sauce or honey can greatly affect flavor. Choose high-quality ingredients for a more delicious outcome.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze your Honey Sesame Chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm it over medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Honey Sesame Chicken that might help you with your cooking journey.

What is Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savory dish made with crispy chicken coated in a sticky honey-sesame sauce. It’s a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even pork for different flavors and textures.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use less sugar or substitute honey with agave syrup. Also, consider baking instead of frying the chicken for a lighter version.

What side dishes pair well with Honey Sesame Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that complements its sweet flavors.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sticky sweetness with crispy perfection. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins and vegetables. Whether it’s for dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!