Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious, crispy dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savoury richness of sesame seeds. This popular Chinese-American recipe is a favourite for its perfect balance of crispy chicken and a flavorful glaze. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for the family, this dish is sure to please.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what makes Honey Sesame Chicken so special, the ingredients needed, and how to prepare it at home. We’ll also include tips for making the dish healthier and more customizable to fit your preferences.
Table of Contents
- What is Honey Sesame Chicken?
- The History of Honey Sesame Chicken
- Nutritional Information
- Health Considerations
- How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken at Home
- Variations and Customizations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
What is Honey Sesame Chicken?
Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish made with crispy chicken pieces that are coated in a sweet honey sauce and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. The dish is well-known for its delightful combination of crispy texture and smooth, sticky glaze. It’s often served with steamed rice and vegetables to make a complete meal.
You can easily prepare Honey Sesame Chicken at home with simple ingredients, or you can enjoy it at popular places like Panda Express, which offers a popular version of the dish. For a healthier twist on this classic, check out the Healthier Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe for a lighter version that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
The History of Honey Sesame Chicken
Honey Sesame Chicken has evolved as a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, gaining widespread popularity in the United States. While the dish itself is relatively modern, it is influenced by traditional Chinese cooking techniques and the use of honey and sesame seeds in Asian cuisine.
The dish became widely known in Chinese-American restaurants, often appearing on takeout menus and in buffets. Over time, various versions of Honey Sesame Chicken have emerged, with adjustments to the level of sweetness or spiciness in the sauce. For a taste of the original flavours, check out Honey Sesame Chicken – Panda Express Copycat, which replicates the famous restaurant version of the dish at home.
Nutritional Information
When considering Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s important to understand its nutritional content. Typically, a serving of this dish is rich in calories due to the crispy chicken and honey sauce, which contains sugar. The sauce provides a source of carbohydrates, while the sesame seeds contribute healthy fats and protein.
Below is a general breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-450 kcal |
| Protein | 20-25 grams |
| Fat | 15-25 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-35 grams |
| Sugar | 10-20 grams |
To make a healthier version of this dish, you can substitute fried chicken with grilled chicken or bake the chicken for less oil. Additionally, reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sweetener like stevia or agave.
Health Considerations
While Honey Sesame Chicken is undeniably delicious, it’s essential to consider its nutritional content if you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet. Here’s how you can make this dish healthier:
- Use lean protein: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breast or thighs.
- Baking over frying: Baking the chicken instead of deep frying can reduce the oil content and still keep it crispy.
- Reduce sugar: You can cut down on the amount of honey used in the recipe or replace it with a natural sweetener like agave or maple syrup.
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to popular dishes, check out more lightened-up recipes on our blog for inspiration.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken at Home
Making Honey Sesame Chicken at home is easy and can be a fun cooking experience. Follow the steps below to recreate this dish from scratch!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the key ingredients you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 1 pound (cut into cubes) |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame seeds (toasted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions
- Coat the chicken pieces evenly by tossing them in cornstarch. This will help create a crispy texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, around 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour the mixture into the same pan used for the chicken and let it simmer.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes (if desired) over the chicken for garnish.
Now your homemade Honey Sesame Chicken is ready to serve! Pair it with steamed rice or your favourite stir-fried vegetables.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Add chilli paste or Sriracha for a spicier take on the dish.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas to make the dish more colourful and nutritious.
Experimenting with these changes will allow you to make the dish your own!
Serving Suggestions
To complete your meal, serve Honey Sesame Chicken with a variety of side dishes:
- Steamed Rice: Serve over white or brown rice to soak up the sweet sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added texture and flavour.
- Asian-Inspired Salad: A refreshing Asian cabbage salad with a sesame dressing makes a great accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between Honey Sesame Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken?
While both are sweet, crispy chicken dishes, Honey Sesame Chicken tends to have a milder, sweeter sauce with honey and sesame seeds, whereas General Tso’s Chicken is often spicier with a tangy, soy-based sauce.
Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Keep the chicken and sauce separate before storing them in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and sauce when you’re ready to serve.
How do I make the chicken crispy?
To make the chicken crispy, coat it in cornstarch before frying and ensure that the oil is hot enough to cook the chicken thoroughly.
Is Honey Sesame Chicken spicy?
This dish is typically mild, but you can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chilli paste to the sauce.
Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savoury richness of sesame seeds. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for dinner and can be customized to suit your tastes. Pair it with steamed rice and vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, Honey Sesame Chicken is a dish that will quickly become a favourite.
For more easy and delicious recipes, check out our blog kevinsrecipes.com to learn how to make more of your restaurant favourites at home!