Honey Sesame Chicken

Yummy sticky and sweet honey sesame chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Its unique sticky sauce and crispy chicken make it a show-stopping meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it suitable for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly, perfect for any skill level.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a deliciously sweet glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own. It’s adaptable to various side dishes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a larger batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats well and stays flavorful.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty dish, making it a hit at dinner tables.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: Allows for even cooking by providing enough oil for frying without touching the bottom.
• Glass bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients as you can see the mixture clearly while whisking.
• Whisk: Ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a smooth sauce.
• Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing excess oil from fried chicken without leaving too much behind.

Ingredients

Yummy sticky and sweet honey sesame chicken.

Chicken and 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

Sauce Ingredients

• 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: Mix the Batter

Start by combining all batter ingredients in a glass bowl. Whisk them together until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Add the chicken strips into the batter mixture. Stir to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan. Heat it to medium heat (about 350 degrees). Ensure there’s enough oil so that chicken won’t touch the bottom while cooking.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Using tongs, add the battered chicken in batches to the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Check doneness by cutting open a piece.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked chicken from the pan and place it on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In another bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 7: Cook the Sauce

Heat a separate frying pan on low heat. Pour in the sauce mixture. Increase heat to medium while constantly whisking until it begins to boil.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

Once boiling, turn off the heat when the sauce has thickened nicely.

Step 9: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Add your fried chicken into the sauce and toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly.

Step 10: Serve

Transfer everything into a serving bowl. Top with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds generously over your dish before serving!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Serving Honey Sesame Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed rice is a classic pairing that absorbs the sweet and savory flavors of the honey sesame chicken, providing a balanced meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken on a bed of fresh greens such as spinach or mixed lettuce for a healthier option that adds crunch and color.

As Tacos

• For a fun twist, use small tortillas to create honey sesame chicken tacos. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.

With Noodles

• Pair the chicken with stir-fried noodles for a hearty meal that combines texture and taste, perfect for noodle lovers.

In a Wrap

• Roll the honey sesame chicken in a wrap with crunchy veggies and drizzled sauce for an easy-to-eat lunch option.

Over Quinoa

• For a nutritious touch, serve the chicken over quinoa. This adds protein and gives an interesting texture contrast to the dish.

How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken

Perfecting Honey Sesame Chicken involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. By following these guidelines, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your dish, ensuring it tastes better.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keeping the frying oil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for crispy chicken. Too hot will burn it; too cool will make it soggy.
• Coat evenly: Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the batter before frying to achieve that sticky glaze.
• Whisk sauce constantly: While cooking the sauce, continuous whisking prevents burning and helps achieve the right consistency.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference; more honey gives additional sweetness.
• Garnish creatively: Use green onions and sesame seeds not just for flavor but also to add visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken

To complement your Honey Sesame Chicken, consider serving it with side dishes that balance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice
   A flavorful fried rice with peas and carrots makes an excellent companion, adding both color and taste.

2. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide a satisfying crunch alongside your chicken.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   A mix of colorful vegetables stir-fried quickly in soy sauce offers freshness that pairs well with the sweet dish.

4. Miso Soup
   A light miso soup can cleanse the palate between bites of rich honey sesame chicken, enhancing overall enjoyment.

5. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar brings brightness to your plate while balancing out flavors.

6. Spring Rolls
   Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or veggies add texture and are great for dipping in sauce alongside your main dish.

7. Chow Mein
   These stir-fried noodles bring both taste and substance, making them a hearty addition to your meal.

8. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli provides a nutritious boost while complementing the dish’s sweetness beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking honey sesame chicken can be straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrect Oil Temperature: Cooking the chicken at too low or too high of a temperature can result in greasy or burnt pieces. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature and cause uneven cooking. Fry in batches for the best texture and flavor.
• Inadequate Batter Coating: Not fully coating the chicken strips can lead to dry bites. Make sure each piece is well-covered with the batter before frying.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Immediately adding cooked chicken to sauce without letting it drain can make it soggy. Allow excess oil to drain on paper towels first.
• Neglecting Sauce Thickness: If you don’t whisk or monitor your sauce while cooking, it may not thicken properly. Stir continuously as it heats to achieve that perfect sticky texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store honey sesame chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken

• Place cooled honey sesame chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding honey sesame chicken that may enhance your cooking experience.

What is Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey sesame chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish known for its sweet and sticky sauce made from honey and soy sauce, served with crispy fried chicken.

How do I make my Honey Sesame Chicken crispy?

To achieve crispiness, ensure that your oil is hot enough when frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Proper batter coating also helps maintain crunchiness.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different take on this delicious recipe while maintaining similar flavors.

What should I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles. You can also add a side salad for freshness.

Is Honey Sesame Chicken gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are free from gluten contaminants.

Final Thoughts

Honey sesame chicken is not just a delightful dish; it’s versatile enough to customize according to your preferences. Whether you want it spicier or prefer different proteins, this recipe adapts beautifully. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!