Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this homemade Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken. Crispy fried chicken thighs are tossed in a rich honey sesame sauce, making it a perfect indulgent meal you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Green onion, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- ½–¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, egg, water, baking powder, and baking soda until smooth. Start with ½ cup water and add more one tablespoon at a time if the batter is too thick.
- Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 4: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully place in hot oil. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until simmering and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 6: Toss the fried chicken in the honey sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 7: Serve hot over crispy rice noodles or white rice, garnished with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken by frying a second time for 1–2 minutes after the first fry and draining.
- Substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs will stay juicier.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use pure maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain crispness. Avoid microwaving directly as it may make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
You can replace corn syrup with honey or pure maple syrup in equal amounts to achieve a similar sweetness and texture in the sauce.
PrintPanda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a light batter, deep-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sweet, tangy honey sesame sauce. Perfect as a comforting meal served over rice or crispy noodles, this recipe brings the iconic restaurant flavor right to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces
- 2 Tablespoons Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon White Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
Batter
- 1 Cup All-purpose Flour
- ¼ Cup Cornstarch
- 1 Egg
- ½–¾ Cup Water
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda
Frying
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
Honey Sesame Sauce
- ½ Cup Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
Garnish
- Green Onion, sliced
- Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, baking powder, and baking soda until smooth. Gradually add ½ cup water, adding more by tablespoon if needed, until the batter reaches a slightly thick but dippable consistency.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat to 350°F (175°C) to ensure ideal frying temperature for crispy results.
- Fry the Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the prepared batter, letting excess drip off carefully. Fry the chicken in batches in the hot oil, cooking each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the warm honey sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the glaze.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the honey sesame chicken hot, ideally over crispy rice noodles or white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer intensifies flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy coating.
- Use a deep pot/skillet to avoid oil splatters while frying.
- Adjust batter consistency with water to prevent it from being too thick or thin.
- Can be served alongside steamed vegetables or fried rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: Honey Sesame Chicken, Panda Express Copycat, Fried Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken
