Irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken – Better Than Takeout!
The Secret to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
If you’re craving the irresistible flavors of takeout but want to whip it up in your own kitchen, this Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) is your answer. With its crispy texture and a mouthwatering sweet-savory sauce made from honey, ketchup, and sesame oil, this dish will have you wondering why you ever ordered takeout in the first place. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Imagine biting into tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce that’s both sticky and satisfying. Each bite is enhanced with toasted sesame seeds that provide an extra crunch and nutty flavor. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s a quick and easy way to bring the vibrant essence of Chinese cuisine right to your dining table!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
– Quick preparation time: Ready in just 25 minutes!
– Crispy exterior: The perfect frying batter ensures each piece is crunchy.
– Flavorful sauce: A delightful blend of sweet and savory that tantalizes your taste buds.
– Versatile meal: Serve it over steamed white rice or Chinese fried rice for a complete dinner.
– Cost-effective: Homemade means you can save money while enjoying restaurant-quality food.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To get started on this delicious dish, gather the following kitchen tools:
– Mixing bowls: For combining the batter and sauce ingredients.
– Whisk: To ensure your batter is smooth and well-mixed.
– Frying pan or deep fryer: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
– Slotted spoon: Useful for removing the fried chicken from the oil without excess grease.
– Wok or skillet: Ideal for stir-frying the garlic and sauce together.
Preparation Tips
For the best results, make sure your frying oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; this will help achieve maximum crispiness. Also, consider using ice-cold water in your batter for an extra light texture. Lastly, let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a minute to absorb any excess oil.
Ingredients for this Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
For the Chicken Battering
– 1 lb. boneless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes or long strips)
– Oil (for deep-frying)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– Toasted sesame seeds (to garnish)
– 1 egg white
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup water (ice cold)
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 pinch salt
For the Honey Sesame Sauce
– 1/3 cup pure honey
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 teaspoon salt
Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
This crispy honey sesame chicken comes together in under 30 minutes and is coated in a mouthwatering sweet and savory sauce that’s totally irresistible! The sauce blends honey, ketchup, and sesame oil, and it’s finished off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra crunch and nutty kick. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish right at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Frying Batter
Start by combining the egg white, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ice-cold water, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth batter. This is the secret to that delightful crispy coating we all love! Once your batter is ready, cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes or long strips and toss them into the bowl. Make sure each piece is evenly coated — this will help create that perfect crunch when fried.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Sesame Sauce
In another bowl, mix together the honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. This sauce is where all the magic happens; it’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious! Set it aside for now while you prepare to fry the chicken.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Grab a sauté pan and pour in about 2 inches of oil. Heat it over medium to high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C), which is ideal for frying. To test if your oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it bubbles up immediately, you’re good to go!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Once your oil is hot enough, gently drop the battered chicken pieces into the pan one by one. Make sure to spread them out so they don’t stick together while frying. Cook them until they turn a beautiful golden brown — this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Garlic
Transfer about 2 tablespoons of your frying oil into a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until it’s aromatic but not burnt. This step adds an extra layer of flavor to your dish!
Step 6: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Pour your prepared honey sesame sauce into the wok with the garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly as you stir frequently. Then add in your fried chicken pieces and toss them around until they are evenly coated with that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over your honey sesame chicken for that lovely finishing touch. Serve immediately alongside some steamed white rice or Chinese fried rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Notes
This honey sesame chicken recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap out chicken for other proteins like tofu or shrimp if you want something different. You can also add veggies such as bell peppers or broccoli right before adding the sauce for added nutrition and color. To elevate flavors even more, consider adding fresh ginger or green onions as garnish before serving.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients can lead to a less crispy batter.
– Overcooking garlic can give an unpleasant bitter taste.
– Crowding the pan while frying may cause uneven cooking.
– Not allowing the oil to reach proper temperature can result in greasy chicken.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (though I doubt there will be any!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat properly without losing that crispiness, consider using an oven instead of a microwave — just pop them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Freezing isn’t recommended due to potential texture changes after reheating.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 416 kcal
– Protein: 53 g
– Fat: 15 g
– Carbs: 91 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken breast cubes, make sure they are fully thawed before preparing them according to this recipe.
What can I serve with honey sesame chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or Chinese fried rice. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to your honey sesame sauce mixture for a spicy kick!
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe as I am! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor — perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting yet satisfying. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out; I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy cooking!
Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the egg white, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ice-cold water, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Toss the chicken pieces into the bowl to coat.
- In another bowl, mix honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt until well combined.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a sauté pan over medium to high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
- Drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Transfer about 2 tablespoons of frying oil into a wok or large skillet. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the honey sesame sauce into the wok with garlic and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the fried chicken and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and serve immediately with steamed white rice or Chinese fried rice.
