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To make honey sesame chicken, you need some key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that sweet and savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need: - 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - ½ cup cornstarch - ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying - ⅓ cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to give the dish its unique taste. The chicken is the star, while the cornstarch helps create a crispy layer. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce and sesame oil bring depth. Garlic and ginger add warmth and flavor. Sesame seeds and green onions finish the dish with a nice crunch and color. When you gather these ingredients, think about the freshness. Fresh chicken and veggies make a big difference. Using high-quality honey enhances the overall taste. This dish is not just easy; it’s packed with flavor and perfect for any dinner table. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Use just enough to enhance the flavor. Next, dip each piece into cornstarch. Make sure every piece gets a nice coat. This step is key for that crispy texture. Shake off any extra cornstarch before cooking. This helps avoid clumping when you fry them. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Test the oil by adding a small piece of chicken. It should sizzle right away. This means the oil is ready. Add the chicken pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken. Place them on a paper towel to drain off the oil. In a small saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook this over medium heat. Stir it occasionally. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly. This should take just a few minutes. You want a nice sticky sauce that clings to the chicken. After the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken pieces to it. Use a spatula to toss them gently. Make sure each piece is coated in the honey glaze. Let this cook on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step warms everything through and blends the flavors nicely. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken. Toss them again to mix well. This adds crunch and flavor. Transfer the honey sesame chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color. Serve it hot for the best taste! To make your chicken crispy and juicy, follow these steps: - Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh chicken breast for best flavor. - Coat Evenly: Dip chicken in cornstarch. This step helps create a crispy crust. - Heat the Oil: Ensure the oil is hot before adding chicken. A small piece should sizzle. - Fry in Batches: Do not overcrowd the pan. This keeps the heat steady and helps the chicken cook evenly. - Check Doneness: Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. These tips will help you achieve the perfect texture! To boost the flavor of your honey sesame chicken, consider adding: - Chili Flakes: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes. - Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest brightens the dish. - Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh cilantro or basil for a fresh twist. - Sesame Oil: Use a bit more sesame oil for a nutty flavor. Experiment with these ingredients to find your perfect mix! Make your dish look as good as it tastes with these serving suggestions: - Serve on a Platter: Arrange chicken on a large platter for a family-style meal. - Garnish: Use sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. - Add a Side: Pair with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. - Create Layers: Serve chicken over a bed of rice for a beautiful layered look. These ideas will impress your guests and make your meal memorable! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before coating with cornstarch. Control the Heat: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; if it's too hot, the chicken will burn. If too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil. Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers to the dish when combining with the sauce. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispiness. {{image_2}} You can make Honey Sesame Chicken lighter. Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and add flavor. You can also replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. These options have lower calories. If you want a plant-based dish, use tofu or tempeh. These proteins soak up the sauce well. You can still coat them in cornstarch for that crunchy texture. Want to spice things up? Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. This gives the dish a nice kick. You can also swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option. For a fruity twist, mix in orange juice or zest. This adds a fresh taste. You can also try adding pineapple chunks for sweetness. Pair Honey Sesame Chicken with steamed rice or quinoa. These sides soak up the sticky sauce. You can also serve it with a fresh salad, like a cabbage slaw. The crunch adds texture. For a complete meal, add some stir-fried veggies. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work great. They add color and nutrition to your plate. To keep your Honey Sesame Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing it. If you have a lot, split it into smaller portions. This helps it chill faster. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. This way, it stays tasty for up to three months. When reheating, you want to keep that sticky texture and sweet flavor. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the chicken moist. Add the chicken and stir gently. Cook until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts and cover it loosely to avoid drying it out. Honey Sesame Chicken lasts about three days in the fridge. After three days, it starts to lose flavor and texture. If you freeze it, the chicken can last up to three months. However, for best taste, eat it sooner. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Your taste buds will thank you! Honey sesame chicken is a sweet and savory dish. It features crispy chicken coated in a sticky honey sauce. The dish has roots in Chinese-American cuisine. It combines flavors of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients create a rich taste that many love. Yes, you can make honey sesame chicken in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the chicken crispy and the sauce fresh. When ready to serve, just reheat them together in a pan. Absolutely! You can use tofu or seitan as substitutes for chicken. Both options absorb flavors well. Just make sure to fry them until golden. You can follow the same sauce recipe for a tasty dish. Yes, you can try different sauces. Teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce works well. They can add a unique twist to the dish. Experimenting with flavors can lead to a new favorite! This blog post outlined the ingredients and steps to make Honey Sesame Chicken. You learned how to prepare, cook, and combine the chicken with a flavorful sauce. I shared tips for achieving the perfect texture and enhancing flavor. We also explored variations, storage tips, and answered your common questions. With these insights, you can create a delicious dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to get creative with flavors!

Sweet & Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken

A delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish coated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze with sesame seeds.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions sliced for garnish
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each chicken piece into cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough (but not smoking) by testing with a small piece of chicken – it should sizzle immediately upon contact.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in batches, avoiding crowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • In a separate small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer and thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sticky honey glaze. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat until everything is heated through.
  • Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and toss again to combine.
  • Transfer the honey sesame chicken to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture.
Keyword Chicken, honey, sesame, stir-fry