Honey Sesame Chicken Your Favorite Takeout Homemade

- Recipe Introduction
- What Makes This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken So Good?
- Here's What You Need (Your Shopping List!)
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Homemade Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
- Frying Like a Pro: Your Honey Sesame Chicken Adventure Begins!
- Recipe Notes: Nail Your Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken !
- Frequently Asked Questions
Honey Sesame Chicken Your Favorite Takeout Homem

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken without the queue? Ever wondered how to get that sweet, savory, and crispy combo at home? This recipe nails it.
It's a tasty trip to flavour town.
Brief Overview
Honey Sesame Chicken has roots in classic Chinese-American cuisine. It is a family favourite. It is easier than you think to make at home.
This Sesame Chicken Recipe is a medium difficulty. It takes about 50 minutes from start to finish. It makes about 4 servings of deliciousness.
Main Benefits
This Honey Sesame Chicken is better than takeaway. You control the ingredients. It's packed with protein. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
It'll impress your mates. This recipe is special because it's Homemade Panda Express but fresher and healthier.
Ready to dive in?
What Makes This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken So Good?
Honestly, I get cravings for takeaway. This recipe satisfies that craving but is better. It lets you enjoy that sweet and savory flavour without leaving your house.
Think juicy chicken, a sticky sauce, and a whole lot of yum. We're talking about Crispy Sesame Chicken , friends.
Here's What You Need (Your Shopping List!)
Alright, here's your shopping list of ingredients to buy. Don't worry; nothing too fancy or hard to find! I even remember when I didn't add the ginger, I thought I had ruined the whole batch.
Do as you want. You'll be whipping up this Panda Express Sesame Chicken in no time. I have done it many times, It is the simplest thing.
Even Gordon Ramsay would be impressed! Let's get cooking.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Homemade Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Right, let's get down to brass tacks! Making awesome Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken at home is totally achievable. And honestly, it's much better than takeout.
Main Ingredients: No Obscure Stuff Here!
You won't need any mad skills or bizarre ingredients. I promise! Here's your shopping list, good enough to impress even Gordon Ramsay!
- Chicken Marinade Stage
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed. Fresh is best. It has to feel firm.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) low-sodium soy sauce. Kikkoman is a solid choice.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry). Don't sweat it if you can't find Shaoxing.
- 1 tsp (5ml) grated ginger. Fresh ginger makes all the difference. It must be firm and smell spicy.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) garlic powder.
- ¼ tsp (1.25ml) white pepper.
- 1 large egg white.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) cornstarch.
- Crispy Chicken Coating Stage
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour.
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch.
- ¼ tsp (1.25ml) salt.
- ¼ tsp (1.25ml) black pepper.
- Honey Sesame Sauce Stage
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey. A good quality honey will give you the best flavour!
- 2 tbsp (30ml) low-sodium soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) rice vinegar.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil. This is essential! Don't skimp.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) water.
- 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch.
- 1 clove garlic, minced.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) grated ginger.
- ¼ tsp (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional).
For the chicken, go for breasts that look plump and pink. Avoid anything slimy!
Seasoning is Key for Crispy Sesame Chicken !
Okay, let's talk flavour. The secret to that Panda Express Sesame Chicken taste is the balance.
We're going for savory, sweet, and just a touch of heat. The honey and soy sauce are your base. Don't be afraid to add a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
Can't find an ingredient? Try soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, or honey!
Essential Equipment
Right. Equipment. Don't worry, you won't need a fancy wok unless you are a pro!
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Plates for breading
- Large skillet (non-stick is your friend!)
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
A good non-stick skillet is worth its weight in gold. Honestly, though, if you don't have one, a regular pan will do.
Just keep an eye on things. You can even use baking sheet for the chicken. I once used a camping skillet, it worked surprisingly well!
Frying Like a Pro: Your Honey Sesame Chicken Adventure Begins!
Honestly, who doesn't love Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken ? I know I do. This is a cooking method that can seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s totally doable! Think of it as leveling up your kitchen skills.
Now, let's fry up some deliciousness, shall we? We're diving deep into frying that Honey Sesame Chicken , turning those chicken cubes into golden, crispy goodness.
This Sesame Chicken Recipe is gonna rock your world.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your chicken into 1-inch cubes.
Mix your flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Get your marinated chicken ready to dredge. Seriously, having everything ready will save you a ton of stress.
Plus, safety first! Have your paper towels and tongs at the ready to avoid any splashy incidents with the hot oil.
Step-by-Step Frying Process
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet to submerge the chicken. Heat to 350° F ( 175° C) . Get yourself a thermometer.
- Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture. Ensure they are fully coated.
- Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, a few pieces at a time. Don't overcrowd!
- Fry for 3- 4 minutes , until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Remove the chicken using tongs and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps the Crispy Sesame Chicken crispy.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Fry
A key to great fried chicken is frying in batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Trust me, been there, done that.
Also, don't be tempted to crank up the heat too high to speed things up. You'll end up with burnt outsides and raw insides.
No bueno ! If you want to make this even easier, you can shallow fry. This requires less oil, and is much easier to manage.
Ready to create that Homemade Panda Express ? With this method, you're just moments away from delicious Sesame Chicken Stir Fry !
Recipe Notes: Nail Your Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken !
Alright, you've got the recipe! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things to make your Honey Sesame Chicken experience absolutely banging.
Honestly, these tips can elevate this from good to "OMG, is this actually Panda Express ?!"
Ace-ing the Serve: Plating and Sidekicks
Presentation matters, right? Bish, bash, bosh, in fact! Pile that glorious Sesame Chicken Stir Fry on a bed of fluffy rice.
For sides, keep it simple. Steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch. A side of egg rolls is a total winner.
And for the beverage? A cold Tsingtao beer or a crisp Pinot Grigio works wonders. Trust me.
Storage Savvy: Keeping It Fresh
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but hey, it happens!) Store your Crispy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing isn't the best option, TBH. The chicken can get a bit soggy. Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle pan-fry does the trick.
Just be sure to reheat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Food safety first, always!
Tweak It 'Til You Make It: Variations and Swaps
Fancy a bit of a twist? Make it gluten-free! Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Swap the chicken for cauliflower florets for a veggie version. Use arrowroot instead of cornstarch.
For a seasonal spin, add some stir-fried bell peppers in the summer. You could add some roast pumpkin in Autumn.
Get creative, people! Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. This recipe is a canvas for your creativity!
Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Body
Okay, let's be real – this isn't exactly a kale smoothie. But hey, everything in moderation! Honey Sesame Chicken provides a good source of protein.
It also offers some carbs for energy and a bit of fat for flavor. So enjoy your Homemade Panda Express .
So there you have it! With these notes, you're totally equipped to create the best Sesame Chicken Recipe ever. Go on, get cooking, and get ready to impress everyone with your Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken copycat skills! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my chicken is extra crispy like the Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken?
Achieving super crispy chicken is all about technique, darling. First, make sure you pat the marinated chicken dry before dredging it in the flour mixture – this helps the coating stick. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and dropping the oil temperature. And don't be afraid to double-fry! A second dip in the hot oil after the first fry will really take it over the top.
My honey sesame sauce is too thick or too thin. How do I fix it?
Sauce troubles? No worries, it happens to the best of us! If your sauce is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, make a slurry of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk that into the simmering sauce. Cook for another minute or two until it thickens up. It's like magic, innit?
Can I make this Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken recipe ahead of time?
You can certainly prep components in advance. Marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. However, for the best results, fry the chicken and toss it with the sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness. Otherwise, you might end up with a soggy bottom (and nobody wants that!).
Is there a healthier way to make this Honey Sesame Chicken, perhaps lower in sugar or fat?
Absolutely! To reduce the sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for part of the honey. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. For a lower-fat version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. Coat the dredged chicken with a light spray of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through. It won't be quite as crispy, but it's a healthier alternative!
What's the best way to store leftover Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken?
Store any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the chicken will lose some of its crispiness as it sits in the sauce. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for a better texture, try reheating it in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to help crisp it up again. A dash of extra sesame oil can also help revive the flavour.
I don't have Shaoxing wine. What can I use instead in this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe?
No Shaoxing wine, no problem! Dry sherry is a very close substitute and will give you a similar flavour profile. You could also use mirin, which will add a touch of sweetness. If you don't have either of those, you can even use a dry white wine or chicken broth in a pinch. Just remember to use a small amount, as the flavour will be more subtle.