Honey Sesame Chicken

why make this recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken is a dish that brings a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors to your plate. It’s a favorite at many Chinese restaurants, but you can easily make it at home. This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky honey sauce that is enhanced by the nutty aroma of sesame oil and sesame seeds. It’s not only delicious but also quite simple to prepare. Making your own version allows you to adjust the ingredients to your taste and ensures you’re serving a fresh meal to your family. Plus, it’s a hit with both adults and kids!

If you’re looking for a quick meal that stands out in flavor, Honey Sesame Chicken is the perfect option. The combination of the crispy chicken and the rich sauce can satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. It’s also a versatile dish that can be paired with rice, noodles, or veggies, making it a complete meal in one.

how to make Honey Sesame Chicken

Making Honey Sesame Chicken involves several straightforward steps. You’ll want to make sure you have all your ingredients prepared before you start, as this will make the cooking process smooth and easy. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and soak up more flavor from the sauce. Once the chicken is cut, place it in a bowl and coat the pieces with cornstarch. The cornstarch will help create a crispy layer on the chicken when cooked.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. A good way to test the oil is to drop a small piece of chicken in it. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.
3. Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Spread them out in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. If necessary, do this in batches to maintain the heat of the oil.
4. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, you’re going to prepare the sauce. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Mix these ingredients well until you have a uniform sauce.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Gently toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm the sauce and let it thicken slightly.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove the pan from heat, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and 2 chopped green onions over the chicken. Toss lightly to distribute the toppings. Your Honey Sesame Chicken is now ready to serve!

how to serve Honey Sesame Chicken

Serving Honey Sesame Chicken is simple and versatile. You can serve it over a bed of steamed rice, which absorbs the extra sauce beautifully. Alternatively, you can pair it with cooked noodles for a different texture. A side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can add color and nutrition to your meal.

For an extra touch, garnish the dish with additional sesame seeds and green onions before serving. If you want to give your dish a bit of flair, you can serve it family-style in a large bowl or individual servings.

how to store Honey Sesame Chicken

If you have leftovers or want to prepare a batch in advance, storing Honey Sesame Chicken is quite easy. Allow the dish to cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration, you can add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to help thin it out when reheating.

tips to make Honey Sesame Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. If possible, use freshly minced instead of pre-packaged.
2. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to add more honey. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount for a more savory flavor.
3. Don’t Rush the Cooking: Let the chicken sear properly in the pan. Rushing this step can lead to soggy chicken instead of the desired crispy texture.
4. Experiment with Vegetables: You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the dish for extra nutrition and crunch. Just stir-fry them in the pan after the chicken is cooked.
5. Double the Sauce: If you love the sauce, consider doubling the amount so you have extra to drizzle over your rice or noodles.

variation

Honey Sesame Chicken can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick. This variation adds heat while still maintaining the sweetness of the dish.
• Honey Sesame Tofu: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of this recipe. Use extra-firm tofu, and press it to remove moisture before coating it with cornstarch.
• Add Nuts: For added texture, consider tossing in some chopped cashews or almonds just before serving. They can give the dish a nice crunch.
• Teriyaki Style: If you enjoy teriyaki flavors, consider replacing the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just combine and cook when you’re ready to eat.

1. What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?

• This dish pairs wonderfully with white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

1. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free soy sauce (also known as tamari) and ensure that your cornstarch is gluten-free.

1. Is it okay to reheat Honey Sesame Chicken?

• Yes, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Just be sure to heat it gently to avoid toughening the chicken.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious Honey Sesame Chicken that captures the joy of restaurant dining right in your kitchen. Enjoy this recipe for a delightful meal that will please the whole family!

Honey Sesame Chicken

Print Recipe

Delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors in a simple homemade Honey Sesame Chicken dish, perfect for the whole family.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and coat with cornstarch.
2. Heat the Pan: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
4. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour sauce over cooked chicken, toss gently, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the dish.

Notes

For extra flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. Adjust sweetness to your taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Honey Sesame Chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner