Honey Sesame Chicken

Yummy sticky and sweet Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something deliciously comforting. With its addictive sweetness and crispy texture, this dish stands out as a favorite among chicken recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 50 minutes, you can whip up this tasty meal in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a sticky glaze that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal that suits everyone’s palate.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness to match your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish fits any occasion.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather all the necessary tools before you start. This ensures you have everything at hand while preparing your Honey Sesame Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Glass bowl
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: This allows you to fry the chicken evenly without overcrowding, achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• Glass bowl: Great for mixing ingredients as it helps you see when everything is well combined.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for draining excess oil from fried chicken while keeping it intact.

Ingredients

Yummy sticky and sweet honey sesame chicken.

Ingredients:
– 4-6 c vegetable oil for frying
– 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/2 c flour, sifted
– 1/4 c corn starch
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1 egg white
– 1/3 c water
– 1 tbsp canola oil
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice apple vinegar
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 4 tbsp honey
– 4 tsp corn starch
– 2/3 c water
– Green onions, sliced
– Sesame Seeds

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix all batter ingredients in a glass bowl until smooth. Add the chicken strips and stir until they are well coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan. Heat to medium heat (350 degrees). Ensure there is enough oil so that chicken pieces can float while cooking.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Using tongs, carefully add chicken pieces in batches. Cook each batch for about 5 minutes. Check doneness by cutting one piece open; it should be fully cooked.

Step 4: Drain Excess Oil

Once cooked, remove the chicken using a slotted spoon. Place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Whisk until well blended.

Step 6: Heat the Sauce

Heat a frying pan on low heat and add the sauce mixture. Gradually turn heat to medium while whisking constantly until it begins to boil.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Turn off heat once the sauce has thickened nicely.

Step 8: Coat the Chicken

Add cooked chicken into the sauce and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Step 9: Serve

Pour everything into a serving bowl and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Honey Sesame Chicken!

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Serving Honey Sesame Chicken is all about enhancing its sticky sweetness and savory flavor. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dish.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed rice is a classic pairing that absorbs the sweet sauce, making each bite even more delicious.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh contrast. Add some cucumber slices for extra crunch.

With Noodles

• Pair your honey sesame chicken with stir-fried noodles tossed in soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

As a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with honey sesame chicken, sliced carrots, and bell peppers for a fun, handheld option.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Complement the dish with vibrant stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for added color and nutrition.

How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken

To ensure your Honey Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality honey will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Control Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350 degrees) before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Whisk Sauce Thoroughly: A well-mixed sauce will combine flavors better and ensure even coating on your chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches prevents temperature drops in the oil, ensuring that each piece cooks evenly.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference; you can use less for a less sweet dish.
• Garnish Generously: Adding plenty of sesame seeds and green onions not only enhances presentation but also adds texture.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Honey Sesame Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fried Rice
   A flavorful fried rice cooked with peas, carrots, and eggs complements the taste of honey sesame chicken beautifully.

2. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls stuffed with vegetables or meat provide a crunchy contrast to the sweet chicken.

3. Sweet and Sour Cabbage Salad
   This refreshing salad balances sweetness with tanginess, creating a delightful mix of flavors on your plate.

4. Asian Slaw
   A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing adds texture and brightness to your meal.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the sweetness of the dish.

6. Sesame Noodles
   Cold or warm sesame noodles tossed in sesame oil offer an additional layer of flavor that complements honey sesame chicken perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results when making Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls.

• Using too much oil: Excess oil can lead to greasy chicken. Ensure you use just enough oil for frying so the chicken doesn’t touch the bottom while cooking.
• Not checking chicken doneness: Undercooked chicken can be unsafe. Always cut a piece open to confirm it is fully cooked before removing from oil.
• Skipping the whisking step: A well-mixed sauce ensures even flavor. Take the time to whisk all sauce ingredients together until fully combined.
• Overcooking the sauce: Cooking the sauce too long can make it too thick or burnt. Keep an eye on it and turn off the heat as soon as it thickens.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t forget to sprinkle them on top before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Honey Sesame Chicken.

What is Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey-sesame sauce.

Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

How do I make Honey Sesame Chicken spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick that complements the sweetness.

What sides go well with Honey Sesame Chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even pork if you prefer different proteins.

Final Thoughts

Honey Sesame Chicken is not only a delightful dish bursting with flavor but also offers versatility for customization. You can adjust sweetness levels or add your favorite vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy this comforting meal!