Honey Sesame Chicken

Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; ½ teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon water (for marinade); 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup water (for batter); 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (for batter); Vegetable oil for frying (enough for 2–3 inches deep in pot); 3 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; ¼ cup honey; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 tablespoons water (for sauce); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for slurry); 3 tablespoons water (for slurry); Green onion, sliced (for garnish); Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

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If you’re craving Chinese takeout but want something fresher and more flavorful, this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is your answer. Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze made with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil — creating the perfect blend of texture and taste. This homemade version rivals your favorite takeout spots like Panda Express or P.F. Chang’s but is even more satisfying because it’s made from scratch with simple pantry staples.

Crispy, Sticky, and Utterly Satisfying

Honey Sesame Chicken isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish delivers bold flavor without complexity. The chicken is double-fried for extra crunch, then coated in a rich sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and umami. What makes it even better is its compatibility with rice, noodles, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables. It’s a comfort food classic and a go-to family favorite.

What You’ll Need to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Core Ingredients

Chicken (breast or thigh): Provides juicy, tender bites that crisp up beautifully.
Chicken bouillon powder: Deepens the savory profile of the chicken.
Salt and white pepper: Basic but essential seasoning for balance.
Eggs: Help the batter cling and puff up.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating.
Cornstarch: Adds lightness and extra crunch.
Baking powder: Introduces air pockets for maximum crisp.
Vegetable oil: Needed for frying; use a high-smoke-point oil.
Light soy sauce: Adds a salty umami base to the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Infuses richness and complexity.
Rice vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the sweetness.
Ketchup: Offers a tangy, savory note.
Honey: The sweet, glossy signature of this dish.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth.
Sesame oil: Delivers the nutty sesame aroma.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce into a glaze.
Green onions & sesame seeds: Final garnish for crunch and freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Every Pantry

Tamari or coconut aminos: Great gluten-free or soy-free soy sauce alternatives.
White vinegar: Works in place of rice vinegar, though slightly sharper.
Granulated sugar: Can sub in for brown sugar if needed, though you’ll lose some depth.
Grated ginger: Add for a zingy boost of heat and freshness.
Chili oil or sriracha: Introduce spice for a kick in the sauce.
Air-fry or pan-fry method: Skip deep-frying for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken

Marinate the chicken: Combine chicken with bouillon powder, white pepper, and water. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water in a bowl. Set aside.
Make the batter: In a separate bowl, combine eggs, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil. Pour over marinated chicken and mix until fully coated.
First fry: Heat oil to 365°F. Fry battered chicken pieces for 3 minutes in batches. Remove and let drain on a wire rack.
Double fry: Increase oil to 375°F. Fry chicken again for 2 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain again.
Cook the sauce: In a wok, sauté garlic in a teaspoon of oil. Add the sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Finish with sesame oil.
Combine: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onion.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Honey Sesame Chicken

Even cutting: Uniform chicken pieces ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
Double-frying: This step is crucial for crunch that lasts—even after saucing.
Monitor oil temp: Use a thermometer to keep oil between 365°F and 375°F.
Simmer thoroughly: Let the sauce thicken into a glaze before adding chicken.
Batch frying: Don’t overcrowd the pan; it cools the oil and softens the crust.
Dark soy sauce (optional): Add a splash for a richer color and sweeter depth.

Delicious Pairings and Creative Variations

Serve With

Steamed white rice
Egg fried rice
Garlic chili noodles
Soy sauce pan-fried noodles

Vegetable Sides

Garlic bok choy
Green beans
Cucumber salad

Variations

Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Air-Fried Version: Use an air fryer for a lighter twist on crispy chicken.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari and cornstarch-only batter.
Kid-Friendly: Omit oyster sauce and increase the honey slightly for milder flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven at 350°F to restore crispiness.
Freeze: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Cultural Roots of a Takeout Classic

Though rooted in Chinese-American cuisine, Honey Sesame Chicken reflects the evolution of East-meets-West comfort food. While not a traditional Chinese dish, its sweet-savory profile and crispy texture have earned it a permanent spot in the hearts—and menus—of countless homes. Its popularity at restaurants like Panda Express speaks to its universal appeal, but when made at home, you can control the quality, flavor, and freshness.

This better-than-takeout Honey Sesame Chicken is a celebration of texture and taste—a satisfying meal that delivers crunch, sweetness, and umami in every bite. Whether you’re new to cooking Asian dishes or a seasoned home chef, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe brings together everything you crave from Chinese takeout—crispy chicken, a thick, sweet-savory glaze, and a satisfying finish of toasted sesame seeds—all made fresh at home. It’s an ideal balance of texture and flavor, made even better with your choice of pairings like rice, noodles, or vegetables. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is easy to master, endlessly adaptable, and always crowd-pleasing. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your home-cooked rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Honey Sesame Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken?

Both are popular Chinese-American dishes featuring battered and fried chicken, but the sauces differ significantly. Honey Sesame Chicken is sweeter and more delicate with notes of honey and sesame oil, while General Tso’s Chicken has a bold, spicy, and tangier profile. If you prefer a milder, sweet-savory flavor, honey sesame is the better choice.

Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and even fry the chicken ahead of time. For best results, store the fried chicken and sauce separately to maintain the crispiness. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer and warm the sauce on the stove before combining.

Is this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe gluten-free?

The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour and soy sauce, which both contain gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce and use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch-only batter. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

More Relevant Recipes

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe: If you love the sweet and tangy flavors of Honey Sesame Chicken, this copycat Orange Chicken recipe is a must-try. It features crispy fried chicken bites smothered in a zesty orange sauce with a hint of spice—perfect for those craving a citrusy Asian-inspired dish.
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe: While seafood-based, this bold and flavorful recipe echoes the savory-sweet balance of Honey Sesame Chicken. The Cajun seasoning and buttery finish make it a rich and satisfying alternative with a touch of spice.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Quick & Easy Dinner: This creamy shrimp recipe brings the same comfort-food satisfaction with a garlic-forward, rich sauce. While different in protein, it delivers on the luxurious texture and bold flavor you’d expect from a dish like Honey Sesame Chicken.

Honey Sesame Chicken – Easy Recipe You’ll Crave

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