Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Honey Sesame Chicken is a deliciously crispy and sticky dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Its balance of flavors and crunchy texture makes it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (500g) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes or long strips
- Oil, for deep-frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Toasted sesame seeds, to garnish
Frying Batter:
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup water, ice cold
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pinch salt
Honey Sesame Sauce:
- 1/3 cup pure honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine all frying batter ingredients in a bowl and whisk thoroughly until smooth. Cut the chicken into cubes and drop them into the batter, coating evenly. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix all honey sesame sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. When hot, gently drop the battered chicken cubes one by one into the oil, spreading them evenly to prevent sticking. Fry until golden brown, then drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Step 4: Transfer 2 tablespoons of the frying oil to a wok or skillet. Stir-fry the minced garlic until aromatic. Add the prepared honey sesame sauce and bring to a simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Toss the fried chicken cubes in the thickened sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately with steamed white rice or Chinese fried rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use ice-cold water in the batter to keep it light and crispy when fried.
- Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Swap chicken breast for thighs for juicier results.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
While baking is possible to reduce oil use, frying is recommended to achieve the crispy texture that complements the sticky honey sesame sauce.
What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed white rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
PrintHoney Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features tender, crispy battered chicken cubes coated in a luscious, sweet and tangy honey sesame sauce. Ideal as a flavorful dinner served with steamed or fried rice, it combines the crunch of deep-fried chicken with a sticky, aromatic glaze enhanced by toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Chicken and Garnish
- 1 lb. (500g) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes or long strips
- Oil, for deep-frying (about 2 inches in pan)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Toasted sesame seeds, to garnish
Frying Batter
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup water, ice cold
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pinch salt
Honey Sesame Sauce
- 1/3 cup pure honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Frying Batter: In a bowl, combine the egg white, sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ice cold water, oil, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.
- Coat Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or strips. Drop the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Make Honey Sesame Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt until smooth. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Deep-Fry Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the oil one at a time, spreading them evenly to prevent sticking. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook Garlic and Sauce: Transfer 2 tablespoons of the frying oil into a wok or large skillet. Stir-fry the minced garlic until fragrant and aromatic. Pour in the prepared honey sesame sauce and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken cubes into the thickened sauce, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly with the glossy honey sesame glaze.
- Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the coated chicken. Serve immediately while hot, ideally with steamed white rice or Chinese fried rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating and avoid soggy chicken.
- Using ice cold water in the batter helps create a light and crispy crust.
- You can adjust the honey and vinegar quantities for a sweeter or tangier sauce according to taste.
- Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch as garnish.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispiness better than a microwave.
Keywords: Honey Sesame Chicken, crispy chicken, deep-fried chicken, honey sauce, Asian chicken recipe, easy dinner, Chinese cuisine
