This recipe delivers a mouthwatering honey sesame chicken dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We'll cover everything from preparing the chicken to achieving that perfect honey-sesame glaze, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to impress!
What Makes This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe Special?
This isn't your average honey sesame chicken recipe. We've focused on creating a balanced flavor profile, ensuring the sweetness of the honey is complemented perfectly by the savory sesame and a subtle hint of spice. We also guide you through creating a crispy, juicy chicken that stands up beautifully to the rich glaze. It's a recipe designed for both ease and exceptional taste.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For the Honey Sesame Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dredge each chicken cube in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat again with the flour mixture. This double-coating ensures extra crispiness.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
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Make the Glaze: In the same skillet, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey sesame glaze. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with your favorite vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the amount of oil used for cooking the chicken. Additionally, using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the amount of honey can lessen the sodium and sugar content. Consider adding more vegetables to the dish to increase its nutritional value.
Can I use different types of meat?
While chicken breasts work best for this recipe due to their relatively quick cooking time and ability to hold their shape, you can experiment with other proteins like pork or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and the glaze separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine just before serving. Reheating can be done in a skillet or microwave.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover honey sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with honey sesame chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles (like lo mein or udon), quinoa, or a variety of vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in steamed instead of crispy chicken.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less red pepper flakes to control the level of heat.
- Get creative with your sides: Experiment with different vegetables and grains to create your perfect meal.
Enjoy your delicious and incredibly satisfying honey sesame chicken! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
