Sticky Sweet Honey Sesame Chicken Better Than Takeout
Sticky Sweet Honey Sesame Chicken Better Than Ta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction: Sticky Sweet Honey Sesame Chicken
Ever get that craving for Chinese takeout? Honestly, me too! This honey sesame chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Think sweet, savoury, and totally addictive. This Asian inspired chicken dish is even better than your local takeaway.
What’s the Deal With This Chicken?
Honey sesame chicken isn’t some new-fangled creation. It’s a classic! It is a true chinese chicken takeout . This version, though, gives it a fresh twist.
It's also not too difficult, even for a beginner cook. Prep takes about 20 minutes and it needs 30 minutes to marinate.
Cooking time is around 25 minutes. This recipe serves about 4 people.
Why You'll Obsess Over This Honey Sesame Chicken
This isn't just tasty; it's got perks! Chicken is packed with protein, hello muscles! Plus, this sweet and savory chicken recipe is perfect for a mid-week dinner or a weekend treat.
I mean come on, who doesn’t love a good sesame chicken stir fry ? What makes this recipe special is the sticky honey sesame sauce .
It's a real flavor bomb.
Let's Talk Ingredients!
Time to gather your bits! First, the chicken, around 1.5 lbs (680g) of thigh meat. You will also need one egg, cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper and vegetable oil.
Next, get ingredients to make the sauce which includes soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ketchup, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch slurry.
Don't forget garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Honey Sesame Chicken
Let's talk about the stuff you'll need for killer honey sesame chicken ! It's easier than you think, honestly. We are making it, better than takeout! We are not just making something, we are making a statement !
Main Ingredients: Get the Good Stuff
- Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g), boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces. Chicken thighs are the BEST. They stay juicy, you know? If you're looking for chicken thigh recipes , this is IT!
- Egg: 1 large. This helps the coating stick.
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g).
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons . Go for something neutral for frying.
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml). Use good quality for a richer flavor!
- Honey: 1/4 cup (60ml). Local honey if you can!
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons .
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon . This is KEY! Don't skip it.
- Ketchup: 1 tablespoon . I know, I know! But trust me!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon , grated.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick!
- Cornstarch slurry: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons . For garnish.
- Green onions: 2 , thinly sliced. For a pop of colour and flavour.
Quality matters for the soy sauce and honey. Look for dark, rich soy sauce and good quality honey. I honestly splurged once on manuka honey and wow! I never expected so much.
The depth of flavour in that sticky honey sesame sauce was unmatched.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
Essential spice combinations for your sesame chicken stir fry : Ginger and garlic are a MUST. Red pepper flakes are optional, but I like that bit of heat! You get me?
For flavour enhancers, a good splash of sesame oil elevates the aroma and adds that authentic Asian-inspired flavour. Want a sweet and savory chicken recipes ? This nails it!
Quick substitution options: If you don't have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works. Sesame oil is essential though. You can try a small amount of toasted walnut oil in a pinch, but that's not ideal
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large bowl for marinating.
- Whisk.
- Large skillet or wok.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board.
- Knife.
That's it! A wok is ideal for that true chinese chicken takeout feel, but a large skillet works perfectly fine.
Don't stress it! I used a wok that i borrowed form my mom that i never return ever, lol.
This easy honey sesame chicken is truly the best homemade sesame chicken ! You'll never order takeout again. Seriously! We are making a bomb of Asian-inspired flavour.
The sesame chicken with rice will be delicious.
Sticky Sweet Honey Sesame Chicken : Better Than Takeout!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Chinese chicken takeout dish? But let's be real, sometimes you just want something fresher .
I have a secret: you can whip up amazing homemade sesame chicken yourself, even if you're not a pro chef.
I'm talking about sticky honey sesame sauce that's absolutely addictive. Let's dive into how to make this delicious Asian inspired chicken dishes better than your local takeaway.
And this recipe uses my favorite chicken thigh recipes !
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first: mise en place , or everything in its place. It's fancy French talk for being organized. Cut 1.
5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Whisk together the egg, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Prep your sauce – whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
This makes the honey sesame chicken recipe so much smoother!
For the cornstarch slurry, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Thinly slice green onions, and measure out 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish.
Trust me, this prep work will save you a bunch of time later.
Step-by-Step to Easy Honey Sesame Chicken
Okay, ready to cook? This is the fun part!
- Marinate Time: Add the chicken to the egg mixture. Make sure the pieces are coated well. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Marinating is key, trust me on this!
- Fry That Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until the internal temperature reaches 165° F/ 74° C . Don't overcrowd the pan! We need golden-brown goodness.
- Sauce It Up: Pour the honey sesame sauce into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens. This should only take about 1- 2 minutes.
- Combine and Conquer: Add the fried chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for about a minute. We want the chicken nice and hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve immediately and get ready for the compliments! This is the best sesame chicken with rice ever!
Pro Tips for Seriously Good Chicken
Want that extra oomph ? Here are some tricks. First, don't overcrowd the pan when frying. You'll end up with soggy chicken, and nobody wants that.
Also, taste the sauce as you go. Want more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Need more sweetness? A little more honey works wonders.
Oh, and fresh ginger and garlic are a must ! They make a huge difference.
And seriously, don't overcook the chicken . Nobody likes dry chicken. And now you know how to make my family’s favorite sweet and savory chicken recipes !
Recipe Notes: Making Your Honey Sesame Chicken Dreams Come True
Alright, so you're about to tackle this sticky sweet honey sesame chicken recipe! Here are a few extra bits of wisdom to help you ace it.
Honestly, chinese chicken takeout will be a distant memory.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Dinner
Forget boring plating! Pile your honey sesame chicken with rice high on a plate. Then, sprinkle extra sesame seeds. Garnish with a generous amount of green onions.
It looks super fancy. On the side, try some steamed broccoli for a bit of green. This sesame chicken stir fry is so versatile.
Maybe add some spring rolls or egg rolls. These are a perfect crispy contrast to the sticky honey sesame sauce .
Pair your meal with a crisp, light beer or some jasmine tea. Ah, bliss!
Storage Tips: Saving the Goodness
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your leftover homemade sesame chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist. Honestly, it's still delicious the next day.
Variations: Tailoring to Your Taste
Want to mix it up? Try spicy honey sesame chicken . Add extra red pepper flakes. Go wild! For a dietary twist, try honey sesame tofu .
It's a great vegetarian option. You can also swap out soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. You know?
For those watching their sugar, try using a sugar substitute in the sauce. No one will know the difference, and you'll have guilt free sweet and savory chicken recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Each serving of this Asian inspired chicken dishes is estimated to have 450-550 calories. It's packed with 35-40g of protein from the chicken.
Plus, you get a good dose of carbohydrates from the sauce and rice.
The sauce has sugar, but not too much. This easy honey sesame chicken also offers key nutrients. These nutrients are from the garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds.
Who knew chicken thigh recipes could be so good for you.
This honey sesame chicken recipe is all about feeling good. It’s quick. It's easy. Plus, it's seriously tasty. So, give it a go, and enjoy! You’ve got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make honey sesame chicken ahead of time? Is it alright to prep for meal planning?
Absolutely! The honey sesame chicken sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Fry the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispiness. If you're meal prepping, be aware that the chicken might lose some of its initial crispiness when reheated, but it will still taste delicious!
My honey sesame chicken sauce isn't thickening. What am I doing wrong?
This can happen if your cornstarch slurry wasn't mixed properly or if your heat isn't high enough. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the cold water before adding it to the sauce. Also, ensure the sauce is at a simmer, not just gently warm, for the cornstarch to activate. Keep stirring constantly while the sauce is thickening, or you might end up with lumps – nobody wants that!
I don't have all the ingredients. What are some good substitutions for this honey sesame chicken recipe?
No worries, substitutions are easy! If you don't have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will work in a pinch. For the sesame oil, a tiny amount of toasted walnut oil can offer a similar nutty flavour (but use it sparingly!). If you’re trying to keep it gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos – simples!
Is honey sesame chicken healthy? What's the nutritional information like?
While incredibly tasty, honey sesame chicken is a treat, so be mindful of portion sizes. It contains a good amount of protein from the chicken, but also has sugar from the honey and sodium from the soy sauce. You can make it healthier by using less honey, opting for low-sodium soy sauce, and serving it with lots of vegetables like stir-fried broccoli or peppers.
How do I store leftover honey sesame chicken?
Leftover honey sesame chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. As with most fried foods, the chicken won’t be as crispy as it was when freshly made, but it will still be delicious!
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this honey sesame chicken?
You certainly can, although chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy. If using chicken breast, be sure to cut it into evenly sized pieces and be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more easily than thighs. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature (165°F/74°C) and adjust the cooking time accordingly. No one wants a chicken breast drier than the Sahara, right?
