Have you ever had a craving for Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken but didn’t feel like leaving the house or putting on pants? I know I have. It can be frustrating trying to replicate restaurant dishes at home.
But don’t worry, my fellow Apron Aces, I’ve got you covered with this detailed copycat recipe and tips on how to make the best Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken at home. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade deliciousness!
Panda Express’ Honey Sesame Chicken: Everything You Need to Know
Panda Express is a fast-food chain that serves American Chinese cuisine. Their Honey Sesame Chicken dish is a popular menu item that features crispy chicken, bell peppers, and string beans all tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
To make this Chinese takeout at home, you’ll need ingredients such as chicken breast, cornstarch, flour, egg, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, sweet chili sauce, honey, white vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, string beans, red bell pepper strips, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot of ingredients – it’s totally worth it!
Ingredients
The Magical Mixture for a Finger-Lickin’ Dish. Get ready to whip up some seriously scrumptious Honey Sesame Chicken, folks! Here’s what you’ll need to work your culinary magic:
For the chicken:
- 1 pound skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch chunks. Chicken thighs work too if you’re a dark meat fan.
- 1/2 cup corn starch: For a crispy coating that’ll make you swoon!
- 1/4 cup flour: To team up with corn starch for the ultimate crunch.
For the marinade (aka, the flavor bomb):
- Large egg: To bind the flavors together like a culinary superhero.
- Salt: The secret ingredient for flavor enhancement.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add a touch of pizzazz to the chicken.
- Cegetable oil: For a smooth and slippery marinade.
For the sauce:
- Sweet chili sauce: The perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- Honey OR Brown sugar: For that signature honey flavor or a richer, caramel-like taste.
- Water: The unsung hero of sauce consistency.
- White vinegar: A tangy twist to keep your taste buds on their toes. If you don’t have one, try apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar instead.
- Lemon juice: Fresh and zesty – just like you!
- Salt: Yes, more salt. Trust us, it’s worth it.
- Soy sauce: The dark, savory backbone of the sauce.
For the veggies:
- Green beans: Green string beans for even more green goodness.
- Red bell pepper strips: For a pop of color and a boost of nutrition.
For garnish:
- Sesame oil: The pièce de résistance of our Honey Sesame Chicken.
- Sesame seeds: A little crunch goes a long way.
Equipment
Tools of the trade. To make this dish, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment such as:
- A large bowl: For marinating the chicken in a flavorful bath.
- A second bowl: For mixing the cornstarch and flour – organization is key!
- A large dutch oven or a wok: To fry the chicken and stir-fry the veggies, with high sides to prevent pesky oil splatters.
- A wooden spoon or spatula: To stir your masterpiece without scratching your precious cookware.
- Paper towels: For draining the fried chicken – no one wants a greasy meal!
- A small saucepan: To make the sauce and achieve the perfect thickness.
- Paper towel: For draining the chicken.
Instructions
Ready to make some delicious Honey Sesame Chicken at home? Follow these steps and prepare to be amazed.
Marinating the Chicken: Chicken Spa Treatment
Prepare your chicken for its delicious debut by giving it a luxurious spa treatment.
- In a large bowl, mix together the egg, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil, creating a luxurious chicken spa treatment.
- Add in the chicken chunks and toss to coat, ensuring they’re thoroughly pampered.
- Let the chicken relax and marinate for at least 30 minutes, giving them time to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Making the Sauce: Sweet and Saucy Serenade
Create a sweet and saucy symphony with this irresistible honey sesame sauce.
- In a small saucepan, mix together all the sauce ingredients – the sweet chili sauce, honey, water, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, soy sauce, and cornstarch, creating a symphony of sweet and savory notes.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until thickened, watching as it transforms into a glossy masterpiece. Use medium heat.
Cooking the Chicken: Crispy Chicken Chronicles
It’s time to transform your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary with a crispy, golden brown coating.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour, preparing a cozy blanket for the chicken.
- Dip each pampered piece of chicken in the flour mixture, wrapping them up snugly.
- Heat oil in a large dutch oven or wok to 375 degrees, ready for some chicken frying action. Use medium high heat.
- Fry the coated chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes, witnessing their journey to golden brown and crispy perfection.
- Drain the sizzling stars on paper towels, allowing them a moment to rest before their big debut.
Combining Everything Together: The Grand Finale
It’s time for the grand finale!
- Stir-fry the green beans and red bell pepper strips in the same dutch oven or wok used for frying the chicken, giving them a 30-second dance routine in the spotlight.
- Add in the cooked chicken, sesame oil, and honey sesame sauce to the wok with the veggies, welcoming them to the party.
- Toss quickly to combine, ensuring everyone gets a taste of the delectable sauce.
- Serve your homemade Honey Sesame Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds, and bask in the glory of your culinary creation!
There you go! Your very own Panda Express Menu. Now get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this mouthwatering recipe.
Best Side Dishes: What to serve with your homemade Honey Sesame Chicken
Wondering what to serve with your homemade Honey Sesame Chicken? Some great side dishes that pair well with this dish include rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Grilled vegetables such as corn or zucchini also make a tasty and healthy side. If you’re in the mood for something fresh and crunchy, try serving a salad such as a three-bean salad or a carrot sesame salad. Or just serve it with some good old-fashioned french fries – no judgment here!
Variations: Make Your Honey Sesame Chicken Unique
Orange Chicken Twist
Add the zest of 1 orange and 2 tablespoons of orange juice to the sauce for an “Orange Chicken” spin on the classic Honey Sesame Chicken recipe. This will give the dish a citrusy, tangy flavor that’s reminiscent of Orange Chicken.
Brown Sugar Swap
Replace the honey in the sauce with an equal amount of brown sugar to give the dish a richer, caramel-like taste.
Veggie Delight
Add more vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or baby corn to make it a colorful and nutritious feast.
Nutty Boost
Sprinkle some chopped cashews or peanuts over the dish before serving for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
With these variations, you can easily customize your Honey Sesame Chicken recipe to suit your taste buds and preferences. Enjoy experimenting and making the dish your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! You can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce (also known as tamari) instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply stir-fry the string beans and bell pepper strips, add in the cooked chicken and sauce and heat everything together.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely! To make Honey Sesame Chicken in an air fryer, follow these steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- After coating the chicken with the cornstarch and flour mixture, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Storing: Leftovers? What leftovers?
If you have any Honey Sesame Chicken left over (which might be unlikely because it’s so delicious), store it in the fridge and enjoy it the next day. The flavors will have melded together even more, making your taste buds sing with delight. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stove until heated through.
Tips: Take your Honey Sesame Chicken to the next level
- Extra crispy: For an extra crispy coating on the chicken, double-dredge it by dipping it in the egg mixture and flour mixture twice before frying.
- Spice it up: If you like your food spicy, try adding some hot sauce like sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Going healthy: For a healthier version of this dish, try baking the chicken instead of frying it.
Wrap Up
And there you have it, Apron Aces! A scrumptious Honey Sesame Chicken recipe that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. With its crispy golden chicken coated in a glossy, finger-licking honey sesame sauce, it’s no wonder this dish will be the talk of the table. So, tie on your apron, fire up that stove, and let the culinary magic begin! Remember, practice makes perfect, and with a dish this tasty, you’ll be itching to whip it up time and time again. Happy cooking, and may the Apron be with you!
Best Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken: Easy Recipe
Equipment
- 2 large bowl
- 1 dutch oven (or large wok)
- 1 wooden spatula (or wooden spoon)
- 1 small saucepan
- 5 paper towels
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lbs chicken breasts (skinless)
- ½ cup corn starch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the marinade:
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
For the veggies:
- ½ lbs green beans
- ½ cup red bell pepper (strips)
For garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix together the egg, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil, creating a luxurious chicken spa treatment.
- Add in the chicken chunks and toss to coat, ensuring they're thoroughly pampered.
- Let the chicken relax and marinate for at least 30 minutes, giving them time to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Making the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, mix together all the sauce ingredients – the sweet chili sauce, honey, water, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, soy sauce, and cornstarch, creating a symphony of sweet and savory notes.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until thickened, watching as it transforms into a glossy masterpiece. Use medium heat.
Cooking the Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour, preparing a cozy blanket for the chicken.
- Dip each pampered piece of chicken in the flour mixture, wrapping them up snugly.
- Heat oil in a large dutch oven or wok to 375 °F, ready for some chicken frying action. Use medium high heat.
- Fry the coated chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes, witnessing their journey to golden brown and crispy perfection.
- Drain the sizzling stars on paper towels, allowing them a moment to rest before their big debut.
Combining Everything Together:
- Stir-fry the green beans and red bell pepper strips in the same dutch oven or wok used for frying the chicken, giving them a 30-second dance routine in the spotlight.
- Add in the cooked chicken, sesame oil, and honey sesame sauce to the wok with the veggies, welcoming them to the party.
- Toss quickly to combine, ensuring everyone gets a taste of the delectable sauce.
- Serve your homemade Honey Sesame Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds, and bask in the glory of your culinary creation!