Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Better Than Takeout

Chinese Honey Chicken is a Breeze Crispy Sesame Recipe

By Priya DesaiSeptember 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of Chinese takeaway magic but without the dodgy delivery fees? Then, I'm glad to tell you that Chinese Honey Chicken is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

This one's all about that amazing crispy chicken with a sweet, sticky, honey sesame sauce .

Brief Overview

This recipe is inspired by the classic Chinese Dishes you find in restaurants. Don't worry, it's totally doable at home! It's medium difficulty, taking around 1 hour 5 minutes from start to finish.

This will give you about 4 servings.

Main Benefits

The Homemade Honey Chicken offers a good protein boost. It’s just perfect for a Friday night fakeaway or any occasion where you want a comforting dish.

What makes this extra special? The homemade sauce is so much better than anything you can buy.

Let's Talk Ingredients, Shall We?

Right, let's get down to what you need. We're talking chicken breast (obviously!), some bits and bobs for a cracking marinade. And a gorgeous Honey Chicken sauce that tastes like sunshine.

Ingredients Rundown: The Star Players

We're going for 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts. Trust me, good quality chicken makes all the difference. For that banging marinade, you need soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry if you’re feeling fancy), ginger, garlic, and a dash of white pepper.

Batter Up! For the Perfect Crisp

You'll need cornstarch, plain flour, baking powder, salt, ice water, vegetable oil, and an egg white. Ice water makes a massive difference. Honestly, don’t skip it!

The Sauce That Binds: Sticky Honey Goodness

For the sauce, grab some honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and sesame seeds. Fresh green onions add a pop of freshness.

Toasting the sesame seeds? Absolutely essential . It unlocks a whole new level of flavour! That Honey Sesame Chicken Breast flavour is just.

..top-tier.

Frying Essentials: The Deep look into

Get ready to heat up about 4 cups (950ml) of vegetable oil for frying. A thermometer helps you keep the oil at the right temperature.

Remember, temperature is key . Get all of these in place, and you're on your way to recreating that amazing Panda Express Honey Chicken Recipe taste right at home.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks and talk ingredients. The secret to banging Chinese Honey Chicken is a ll about fresh, quality stuff. Honestly, you can taste the difference.

Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List

Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ), cubed. Get decent chicken. Not the watery stuff, okay?
Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (for marinade), 2 tbsp (for sauce). Use a good quality one, it really affects the flavour.
Shaoxing Wine: 1 tbsp (or dry sherry). This adds a nice depth, don’t skip it!
Ginger: 1 tsp , grated. Fresh is always best, innit?
Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Because everything is better with garlic.
White Pepper: 1/4 tsp . Adds a subtle warmth.
Cornstarch: 1/2 cup ( 65g ) (for batter), 1 tsp (for sauce). This is what gives you that crispy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup ( 30g ). Don't use self raising here!
Baking Powder: 1 tsp . Helps to lighten the batter.
Salt: 1/4 tsp . Just a pinch.
Ice Water: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Keep it ice cold !
Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp (for batter), 4 cups ( 950ml ) (for frying). Use one with a high smoke point.
Egg White: 1 , lightly beaten. Adds structure to the batter.
Honey: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Runny honey is easiest to work with.
Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp . Adds a touch of tang.
Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp . This stuff is potent!
Water: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). For thinning the sauce.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tbsp , toasted. Toasting is important, trust me.
Green Onion: 1 , thinly sliced. For garnish.

For that Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken texture, quality cornstarch is essential. Look for one that's super fine. If your batter isn’t cold enough, it won’t be as crispy .

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Bomb

Alright, here's the flavour lowdown. Soy sauce and sesame oil are essential for Chinese Dishes . A little rice vinegar balances the sweetness.

If you want a Spicy Kick , chuck in some red pepper flakes. For extra oomph, try a tiny bit of ground star anise.

Honestly, it's magic.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large bowl (for marinating)
Medium bowl (for batter)
Small saucepan (for sauce)
Wok or deep frying pan
Slotted spoon or spider
Paper towels
Thermometer (optional, but helpful)

You don't need fancy stuff. A wok is ideal, but a deep frying pan works fine. Got no spider? Use a slotted spoon. The easy Chinese Chicken Recipes are the best!

You are now ready to get started with the cooking! Let´s go!

Craving Chinese Restaurant Chicken? Let's Do This!

Honestly, who doesn't love Chinese Honey Chicken ? That sweet, sticky, crispy goodness gets me every time. We’re talking better than takeout, folks! I've had my fair share of disappointing Chinese dishes , and vowed to crack the code to easy Chinese chicken recipes myself.

And guess what? I did! This version of Honey Chicken hits all the right spots. Prepare to ditch those delivery apps, you’ll be whipping up the most delicious Homemade Honey Chicken ever! Forget the line for Panda Express Honey Chicken Recipe , we're making it better!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential mise en place: Before we get cooking, let's get organised. Chop 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes.

Grate 1 teaspoon of ginger and mince 1 clove of garlic. This is your mission, should you choose to accept it.

Honestly, getting everything prepped makes this so much faster.

Time saving organization tips: Measure out all your ingredients before you start cooking. Have your bowls ready for marinating and battering. It’s all about streamlining, innit?

Safety reminders: When frying, be super careful with hot oil! Have a lid nearby in case of splatters. Never leave hot oil unattended. Seriously, it’s not worth the risk.

**Ready, Steady, Cook! Here's How to Make Amazing Honey Chicken**

Marinate Magic: In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), grated ginger, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper. Toss and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . Overnight is even better.
Batter Up! : In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup ice water, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1 lightly beaten egg white. Refrigerate for 30 minutes .
Sauce Boss: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until thickened.
Oil Check!: Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a wok to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer! It's worth it.
Fry Time: Dip each chicken piece in the batter, coating well. Fry in batches, don't overcrowd the pan.
Golden Glory: Fry for 3- 4 minutes per batch , flipping, until golden and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Drain the Gainz: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Sauce It Up!: Toss the crispy chicken with the Honey Sesame Chicken Breast until coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

**Pro Tips for Next Level Honey Sesame Chicken**

Expert techniques: For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken! Fry once, let it cool slightly, then fry again. Honestly, Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken is worth the double effort.

Avoid the Soggy Bottom: Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. It drops the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. No one wants that!

make-ahead option: The honey sesame sauce can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before tossing with the chicken.

So there you have it! The best Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is a game changer. Enjoy, you little legend!

Recipe Notes for Your Epic Honey Chicken Feast!

Honestly, making Chinese Honey Chicken is a total breeze once you get the hang of it. But like any good dish, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Consider this your personal cheat sheet to Homemade Honey Chicken glory.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Right, so you've made this awesome Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken . Now what? Don't just chuck it in a bowl! Presentation matters, innit? Think about this: a bed of fluffy steamed rice, piled high with your Honey Chicken .

Sprinkle with those toasted sesame seeds and a few sliced spring onions. Fancy, yeah? You could serve it alongside some stir fried broccoli or even a classic spring roll.

And to wash it all down? Iced green tea. Bob's your uncle!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that Chinese Restaurant Chicken straight into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days, easy peasy.

Freezing? Yeah, you can , but honestly, the Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken might lose a bit of its crispiness. If you must freeze, do it before you toss it in the sauce.

When reheating, a quick blast in a hot pan or oven (about 350° F/ 175° C ) will help revive it.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a bit of a twist? Chinese Honey Chicken is surprisingly adaptable. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and soy sauce.

Simple! And for a spicy kick? A dash of sriracha in the Honey Sesame Chicken Breast sauce will do the trick.

Feeling fruity? Swap some of the honey for orange juice concentrate for a tangy Orange Chicken vibe.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Look, Panda Express Honey Chicken Recipe might not be a health food, but it’s not all bad! You're getting a decent whack of protein from the chicken.

Plus, it's delicious! Each serving is roughly 450 calories , which includes protein: 35g , Fat: 20g , Carbohydrates: 30g , Sugar: 15g .

Key health benefits include the mood boosting effects of a delicious meal! Remember, everything in moderation!

So there you have it. A little guide to making the perfect batch of Easy Chinese Chicken Recipes . With a few tweaks and tips, you'll be a Chinese Cooking master in no time.

Go on, give it a go! You might be surprised at how blooming good it is!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Chinese Honey Chicken, is it similar to other Chinese takeout dishes?

Chinese Honey Chicken is a popular dish, often found in American Chinese restaurants, known for its crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and sticky honey based sauce. It's similar to other sweet and savory dishes like General Tso's Chicken or Sesame Chicken, but distinguishes itself with a more pronounced honey flavour and usually a lighter, less spicy profile.

Think of it as the comfort food of the East, like a good old Full English Breakfast but with a sweet twist!

How do I get the chicken super crispy? My last attempt was a bit soggy!

Crispy chicken is all about technique! First, ensure your oil temperature is consistently around 350°F (175°C) too low and it will be soggy, too high and it will burn. Don't overcrowd the pan while frying; work in batches to maintain the oil's heat.

Finally, a cornstarch based batter is crucial for that light, crispy texture. Chilling the batter for 30 minutes also helps!

Can I make this Chinese Honey Chicken healthier? All that honey makes me a bit nervous!

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of honey in the sauce or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar in smaller quantities. Baking the chicken instead of frying it will significantly cut down on the fat content, though you'll lose some of that signature crispiness consider an air fryer for a good compromise.

Also, serving with plenty of steamed or stir fried vegetables helps balance the meal.

What's the best way to store leftover Honey Sesame Chicken? Will it still be crispy the next day?

Store leftover honey sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The chicken will lose some of its crispiness as the sauce softens it, so the key to success is to store the chicken and sauce seperately if you can..

To revive it, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or in an air fryer for better results, but be honest the best method is to eat it all up.

I'm missing Shaoxing wine, is there a good substitute? I don't fancy popping to the shops for just that!

No worries, you can easily substitute dry sherry for Shaoxing wine. Alternatively, a good quality dry white wine or even chicken broth will work in a pinch, though the flavour profile will be slightly different. The Shaoxing wine adds a depth of flavour, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

Think of it as swapping out Tetley for Earl Grey still tea, just a different vibe!

Can I add any vegetables to this Chinese Honey Chicken recipe, and if so, which ones work best?

Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add more texture. Broccoli, bell peppers (especially red and yellow for colour), snap peas, and sliced carrots all work beautifully.

You can either stir fry them separately and serve them alongside the chicken, or toss them into the wok with the sauce towards the end of cooking. For best results add them halfway through cooking your chicken to get the best textures.