Honey Sesame Chicken

Yummy sticky and sweet Honey Sesame Chicken is the perfect dish for a quick dinner or a special gathering. This flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of honey with savory soy sauce and sesame seeds, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a festive gathering, this dish will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Fusion: The combination of honey and sesame creates an irresistible sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with rice or noodles.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to entertaining guests, this dish is sure to please everyone.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting.
• Healthier Alternative: By controlling the frying process and using fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier take on takeout.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Honey Sesame Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right items on hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Glass bowl
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Tongs
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: This tool allows for even cooking of chicken strips in hot oil, ensuring they are crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Glass bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients without any risk of chemical reactions that can occur with metal bowls.
• Whisk: Helps to combine sauce ingredients smoothly, ensuring all flavors meld together seamlessly.

Ingredients

Yummy sticky and sweet honey sesame chicken.

For Frying Chicken

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

For Batter

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

For 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

Garnish

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame Seeds

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix all batter ingredients in a glass bowl until smooth. Add the chicken strips into the mixture and stir well until they are fully coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil in a deep frying pan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees. Ensure there’s enough oil so that chicken doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan 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 until golden brown. Check doneness by cutting open a piece to ensure it’s cooked through.

Step 4: Drain Excess Oil

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

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In another bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and whisk until well mixed. Heat a frying pan over low heat, then add the sauce mixture.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Turn heat to medium and whisk continuously as it comes to a boil. Once thickened, turn off heat.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Add fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly.

Step 8: Serve

Pour everything into a serving bowl and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your homemade Honey Sesame Chicken!

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 weeknight meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or white rice pairs perfectly with the sticky sauce, absorbing the flavors beautifully.

In a Wrap

• Create a quick wrap using lettuce leaves or tortillas for a fresh and easy meal on the go.

Over Noodles

• Serve honey sesame chicken over cooked noodles like lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty option.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Add some colorful stir-fried veggies such as bell peppers and broccoli on the side for added nutrition and crunch.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnish your dish with sliced green onions to add flavor and a pop of color.

How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken

Perfecting honey sesame chicken comes down to technique and ingredient quality. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delightful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and high-quality honey enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
• Maintain Oil Temperature – Keeping the oil at the right temperature ensures your chicken gets crispy without absorbing too much oil.
• Whisk Sauce Thoroughly – A well-mixed sauce will combine all flavors evenly, preventing any ingredients from clumping.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Frying in batches helps maintain oil temperature and ensures even cooking of each piece of chicken.
• Allow Chicken to Drain – Letting the fried chicken rest on paper towels helps remove excess oil, keeping it crispy.
• Adjust Sweetness – Customize the sweetness of your sauce by altering the amount of honey or sugar based on preference.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken

Complementing honey sesame chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some top picks that pair well with this flavorful dish.

1. Fried Rice – A classic side that adds texture and flavor, making it an ideal match for honey sesame chicken.
2. Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Asian Slaw – A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds a nice crunch and balances out the sweetness.
4. Sautéed Bok Choy – Lightly sautéed bok choy offers a subtle bitterness that complements the dish’s sweetness well.
5. Cucumber Salad – This cool salad brings freshness and acidity, enhancing overall flavor harmony.
6. Miso Soup – A light miso soup serves as a warm counterpart, perfect for completing an Asian-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Incorrect oil temperature: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350 degrees.
• Not coating the chicken properly: Skipping the batter or not coating it evenly can lead to dry chicken. Make sure every piece is well-coated before frying.
• Crowding the pan: Overloading the frying pan can cause the temperature to drop, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the best results.
• Skipping the sauce whisking: Failing to whisk the sauce continuously can result in uneven thickening. Stir constantly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
• Ignoring resting time: Removing chicken immediately from hot oil can make it lose moisture. Let it rest on paper towels briefly to maintain its juiciness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best taste.

Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions you might have about making Honey Sesame Chicken.

What is Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and sticky honey-sesame sauce. It’s perfect for dinner!

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu if desired. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make Honey Sesame Chicken healthier?

You can bake the chicken instead of frying it or use less sugar in the sauce to lower calories while retaining flavor.

What should I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Honey Sesame Chicken is not only delightful but also versatile enough for various occasions. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!