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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

5 from 71 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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