Finally Revealed: How To Make Honey Sesame Chicken From Panda Express – It’s Easier Than You Think!

Craving the irresistible crunch and sweet glaze of Panda Express‘s Honey Sesame Chicken? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary adventure, revealing the secrets to recreating this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with homemade honey sesame chicken that rivals the restaurant’s original.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.

4. Glaze the Chicken:

• Return the chicken to the skillet and add the sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the Sesame Seeds:

• Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to combine.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with green onions, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For extra crispy chicken, double the amount of cornstarch in the coating.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• To add a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve the honey sesame chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations:

• Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sauce.
• Orange Honey Sesame Chicken: Replace the rice vinegar with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
• Pineapple Honey Sesame Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple to the sauce for a tropical flavor.

The Bottom Line

With this step-by-step guide, you’ve unlocked the secret to making homemade honey sesame chicken that tastes just as delicious as the Panda Express original. Impress your family and friends with this culinary masterpiece, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will take a little longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make the honey sesame chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce over medium heat until warmed through.

3. What sides go well with honey sesame chicken?

Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a side salad are all great options to pair with honey sesame chicken.