Name: Honey Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup water; 2 teaspoon vegetable oil; 3 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoon ketchup; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 tablespoon water; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoon water; Green onion (sliced, for garnish); Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Why Make This Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken is a popular dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. It is a favorite in many homes and restaurants because it is easy to make and so delicious. Whether you’re looking for a fun family meal or something to impress your guests, this recipe is a winner. Plus, making it at home gives you control over the ingredients, so you can enjoy it guilt-free!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

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How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Ingredients

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
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoon ketchup
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoon water
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoon cornstarch
3 tablespoon water
Green onion (sliced, for garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and water. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water. Mix well and set aside.
Make the batter. In a medium bowl, add the eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and oil. Mix until smooth. Pour this batter over the chicken and coat each piece evenly.
Fry the chicken. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3 minutes, then use a spider strainer to remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Double fry the chicken. Raise the heat to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken again in batches for 2 minutes or until it is golden brown and crispy. Drain again on a wire rack.
Cook the honey sesame sauce. In the same wok, add 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the sauce mixture and let it simmer while stirring for about 2 minutes. Mix the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, stirring until it thickens, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat, then add sesame oil and mix well.
Combine and serve. Toss the fried chicken with the sauce until every piece is coated. Finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion before enjoying!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken tastes amazing when served hot. You can serve it over a bed of white rice or fried rice to soak up the extra sauce. Adding some steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side can also make a complete meal that looks fantastic.

How to Store Honey Sesame Chicken

If you have leftovers, let them cool down before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a microwave, but try to re-crisp it in a pan for better texture.

Tips to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
Double fry the chicken for an extra crispy coating.
Don’t skip the marination as it enhances the flavor significantly.

Variation (If Any)

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the sauce for added color and nutrition. For a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or chili sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs or breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. Make sure to check all other ingredients for gluten content.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and combine them right before serving.