Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
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If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a touch of crunch, look no further than Honey Sesame Chicken. This delightful recipe brings together tender, crispy chicken pieces drenched in a luscious honey and soy sauce glaze, accented with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Every bite offers a comforting mix of textures and flavors that make Honey Sesame Chicken an absolute weeknight star, yet impressive enough for company. Let me take you through a step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible meal that’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the magic of Honey Sesame Chicken. Each ingredient plays a special role, from ensuring the chicken is perfectly crispy to making the sauce shine with rich, layered flavors.
- Chicken (1 1/2 lb, breast or thighs): The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for a perfect crispy coating and tender inside.
- Chicken bouillon powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor during marination.
- White pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth without overpowering the sauce.
- Eggs (2 large): Key in creating the batter that helps the coating stick to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides the base for the crispy batter texture.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons): Perfect for crispness in the batter and thickening the sauce.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures the batter puffs up to a light, airy crunch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors in the batter.
- Vegetable oil (for frying and 2 teaspoons in batter): Delivers that golden, crispy finish.
- Light soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings savory depth to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich umami boost to the glaze.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Introduces a gentle acidity that brightens the sauce.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Provides a tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The hallmark ingredient that delivers natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
- Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Enhances the caramelized notes in the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Offers a toasty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- Green onion (sliced): Adds a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the dish.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Delivers crunch and a nutty aroma as the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a flavorful bath of chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and a little water. This step infuses the meat with savory goodness and helps tenderize it. Let it rest in the marinade for at least 10 minutes — patience here really pays off in flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water in a bowl. This sweet and tangy sauce blend will be the dazzling coat that turns crisp chicken into Honey Sesame Chicken perfection. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
Whisk together eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and a dash of vegetable oil. This luscious batter is essential for wrapping each chicken piece in a light, crispy shell that holds up beautifully when fried and coated in sauce.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken (First Fry)
Heat vegetable oil in your wok or heavy pot to about 365°F. Carefully place the battered chicken pieces in the oil, frying in small batches so they cook evenly without sticking together. Fry for about 3 minutes until they start to crisp, then place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This initial fry sets the stage for that amazing crunch.
Step 5: Double Fry the Chicken
Time to crank up the heat to 375°F for the second fry. Working in batches again, fry the chicken for 2 more minutes, achieving that golden-brown, irresistible crispy coat. This double frying method guarantees a texture that’s satisfyingly crunchy without being greasy. Rest them again on a rack to keep them crisp.
Step 6: Cook the Honey Sesame Sauce
In a clean wok, gently sauté minced garlic in a teaspoon of oil until fragrant. Pour in the reserved sauce mixture and bring to a light simmer, stirring constantly. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce until glossy and luscious. Finally, stir in the sesame oil for that signature nutty aroma that completes the sauce’s flavor profile.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Toss your crispy chicken pieces with the shiny honey sesame sauce until every bite is generously coated. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a burst of color, crunch, and fresh flavor. Your Honey Sesame Chicken is now ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds aren’t just pretty toppings; they add an essential crunch, aroma, and bright flavor contrast to the sweet and savory sauce. Consider adding some finely sliced red chili or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fun twist!
Side Dishes
Honey Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up that luscious sauce. For veggies, stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy add vibrant color and fresh crunch, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Honey Sesame Chicken over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or pile it into a warm tortilla wrap with shredded lettuce for a fusion-style meal. For a party, try it as bite-sized skewers with dipping sauce to wow your guests with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay flavorful, though it’s best to re-crisp the coating before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Honey Sesame Chicken in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. To keep the texture best, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F on a wire rack for about 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the chicken’s crispy texture intact, but if needed, zap briefly and then finish in a hot pan with a splash of oil.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for Honey Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually preferred by many for their juicier texture and more intense flavor, making your Honey Sesame Chicken extra tender and delicious.
Is it necessary to double fry the chicken?
Double frying is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior that doesn’t get soggy after tossing in sauce. The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second fry crisps it up beautifully.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile, though honey’s unique viscosity and flavor truly shine in this recipe.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
At least 10 minutes is enough for flavor, but you can marinate for up to an hour in the fridge for even more depth without affecting texture negatively.
Is Honey Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Not as is, since soy sauce and some flour contain gluten. You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for the batter.
Final Thoughts
Honey Sesame Chicken is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — sweet, crispy, and packed with flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a recipe that invites you to savor every bite and share the joy with family and friends. Give it a try on your next cooking adventure, and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Honey Sesame Chicken is a deliciously crispy battered chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. This recipe features a double-fry method for extra crispiness and a flavorful, thick honey glaze that perfectly complements the tender chicken pieces.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Honey Sesame Sauce
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
For Frying and Garnish
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying, about 2-3 inches)
- Green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces into a bowl and add chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water. Stir until all ingredients are well blended and set the sauce aside.
- Make the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil until a smooth batter forms. Pour the batter over the marinated chicken pieces and mix to coat each piece evenly.
- Fry the chicken – first fry: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pot to 365°F. Carefully add battered chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Fry for about 3 minutes until the coating is set but not fully crisp. Remove using a spider strainer and transfer chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Double fry the chicken: Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Fry the chicken again in batches for 2 minutes or until golden brown and extra crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack to eliminate excess oil.
- Cook the honey sesame sauce: In a wok over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer while stirring for 2 minutes. Mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water to create a slurry and stir into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil for extra aroma and flavor.
- Combine and serve: Toss the double-fried chicken pieces in the thickened honey sesame sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is properly monitored during frying for best crispy results.
- Double frying is key to achieving a crunchy exterior that holds up well to the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey and brown sugar to taste.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breast for leaner options.
- For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions and use corn starch-based batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying, Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 ounces of chicken with sauce)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Honey Sesame Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Deep Fried Chicken, Honey Sauce Chicken
