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.

Honey Sesame Chicken – Easy Recipe You’ll Crave

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)

Description

Honey Sesame Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a thick, sweet, and savory honey sesame glaze. Perfectly balanced with umami, sweetness, and nutty sesame flavors, it’s a better-than-takeout recipe that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Place the chicken pieces into a bowl with chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon water. Mix and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons water. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, ¼ cup water, and 2 teaspoons vegetable oil until smooth.
Pour the batter over the chicken and stir to coat each piece evenly.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 365°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 3 minutes. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
Increase oil to 375°F and double-fry the chicken for 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain again.
In a wok, heat 1 teaspoon oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
Turn off heat and add sesame oil, then toss in the fried chicken and coat evenly.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

Double-frying helps maintain crispiness even after saucing.
Use a thermometer to control oil temperature for best frying results.
Dark soy sauce (1 tsp) can be added for richer sauce color.
For a spicy version, add chili oil or sriracha to the sauce.
Store chicken and sauce separately if making ahead to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying & Sautéing
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 355 kcal
Sugar: 19 g
Sodium: 1172 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0.03 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 127 mg