Recipe for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken: Sweet, Sticky, and Oh-So-Satisfying
Craving takeout but short on time or cash? Whip up this restaurant-worthy Honey Sesame Chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen! This recipe is bursting with flavor, thanks to the sweet and sticky honey sesame sauce that coats crispy, golden chicken pieces. It’s easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and requires only 30 minutes of total cooking time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
● For the chicken:
○ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
○ 1/2 cup cornstarch
○ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
○ 1/2 teaspoon salt
○ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
○ 1 egg, beaten
● For the sauce:
○ 1/3 cup honey
○ 1/4 cup soy sauce
○ 2 tablespoons sesame oil
○ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
○ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
○ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
○ 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
● For serving:
○ Sesame seeds
○ Green onions, chopped (optional)
○ Cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Prep the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece in the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a wok or deep skillet to reach a depth of 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering hot.
3. Fry the chicken: Working in batches, carefully add the chicken to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic. Pour the sauce into the wok or skillet used for frying the chicken.
5. Thicken the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional minute, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Toss and serve: Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss with the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (optional), and serve over cooked rice.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
● Calories: 450
● Fat: 20g
● Carbohydrates: 45g
● Sugar: 25g
● Protein: 30g
● Sodium: 700mg
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4
Kitchen Tips:
● For extra crispy chicken, double dredge the pieces in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
● If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
● Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
● Serve this dish with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
FAQs:
● Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs and tenders may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
● Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cornstarch and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
● Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. However, the chicken will not be as crispy as when fried.
Recipiyo’s Verdict:
This Honey Sesame Chicken is a surefire crowd-pleaser! The combination of sweet, savory, and sesame flavors is irresistible, and the crispy chicken is pure perfection. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. So ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Happy cooking!
I hope this recipe helps you create a delicious and satisfying Honey Sesame Chicken dish at home. Don’t forget to share your creation and tag Recipiyo.