Honey 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.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
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
- 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