How To Make Panda Express Honey Chicken – The Most Popular Recipe On The Internet!

Craving the irresistible crunch and sweet-savory goodness of Panda Express Honey Chicken? With this comprehensive guide, you’ll embark on a culinary adventure to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

2. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, add the chicken to the saucepan with the sauce.

2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Create the Perfect Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Mandarin orange slices

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Honey Chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with your desired garnishes. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or chow mein.

Tips for Achieving Perfection

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or rice vinegar to thin it out.
• For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, as it will become dry and tough.

Explore the Culinary Possibilities

• Spicy Honey Chicken: Add an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Orange Honey Chicken: Stir in some mandarin orange slices to the sauce for a vibrant and tangy twist.
• Honey Garlic Chicken: Omit the red pepper flakes and add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce for a savory and aromatic flavor.

The Verdict: A Culinary Triumph

With this detailed guide, you’ve mastered the art of making Panda Express Honey Chicken at home. This dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, delighting your family and friends with its irresistible flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will have a slightly more tender texture.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it over low heat before using.

Q: What side dishes go well with Honey Chicken?
A: Steamed rice, chow mein, egg rolls, and spring rolls are all great options.

Q: How can I make the dish healthier?
A: Use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and reduce the amount of oil used for frying. You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Honey Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze Honey Chicken for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing, and store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.