Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Honey Sesame Chicken, a delightful dish that brings together crispy chicken pieces in a luscious, sticky honey sauce. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick weeknight meal. The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic creates an irresistible taste that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: The blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic makes every bite burst with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Crispy Texture: The coating on the chicken gives it a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the sticky sauce.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.
Tools and Preparation
To make Honey Sesame Chicken successfully, having the right tools is essential. Below are some key items you’ll need to prepare this dish efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even frying of the chicken pieces, ensuring they cook thoroughly without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowl: This is crucial for seasoning your chicken evenly and coating it with cornstarch before frying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup cornstarch
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Garnish
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Coat each piece thoroughly with cornstarch until evenly covered.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
1. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in batches.
2. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
1. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Return the fried chicken to the skillet.
1. Toss to coat each piece in the sweet sauce.
2. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your Honey Sesame Chicken to a serving platter.
1. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately over steamed rice for an enjoyable meal!
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken
Serving Honey Sesame Chicken is all about enhancing its delightful flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that complement its sweet and savory profile.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to absorb the delicious honey sauce.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Pair with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for added nutrition and crunch.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crunchy lettuce leaves as wraps, creating a fresh, hand-held meal option ideal for casual dining.
Drizzled with Extra Sauce
- For those who love extra flavor, drizzle additional honey sauce on top just before serving for an even stickier experience.
Garnished with Peanuts
- Add crushed peanuts as a garnish to introduce a nutty flavor and extra texture that’s irresistible.
As Part of a Rice Bowl
- Create a rice bowl by adding pickled vegetables and avocado slices for a balanced meal packed with flavor.
How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken
To achieve the best Honey Sesame Chicken, focus on these essential tips that enhance the dish’s taste and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality soy sauce elevate the flavor of your sauce significantly.
- Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough when frying to achieve crispy chicken without absorbing too much oil.
- Double Coating Method: For extra crispiness, consider double-coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying.
- Let Sauce Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly; this creates that sticky consistency you crave in Honey Sesame Chicken.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after coating it in sauce. This allows flavors to meld better.
- Experiment with Add-ins: You can add vegetables like snap peas or carrots directly into the sauce during cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Honey Sesame Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fried Rice: A classic Asian side dish that complements the chicken’s sweetness perfectly.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers and sesame dressing offers a cool contrast.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies provide an additional crunch alongside your chicken.
- Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad dressed in soy sauce makes a light, flavorful complement.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comforting umami flavors that balance out the sweetness of the chicken.
- Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli adds a healthy touch while enhancing visual appeal on your plate.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf brings protein and fiber, making your meal wholesome.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables offer a sharp contrast that brightens up every bite of honey chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Honey Sesame Chicken can be simple, but common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Neglecting to season the chicken: Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before coating it. This step enhances the flavor significantly.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Fry the chicken in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying, resulting in less crispy pieces.
- Skipping the sauce simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it and brings out the flavors. Don’t rush this step for a better taste.
- Using low-quality honey: The quality of honey impacts the final flavor of your dish. Opt for a pure, high-quality honey for a rich taste.
- Not garnishing properly: Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions elevates presentation and flavor. Don’t skip this for a more appealing dish.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Honey Sesame Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken
- Place cooled Honey Sesame Chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Sesame Chicken?
Honey Sesame Chicken is a popular Asian dish made with crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory honey sauce. It’s known for its delightful balance of flavors.
Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them right before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I make Honey Sesame Chicken spicier?
To add a kick, incorporate some red pepper flakes or sriracha into the sauce while cooking.
Final Thoughts
Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that makes it an appealing choice for any dinner. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or spice levels based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Honey Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Savor the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with Honey Sesame Chicken, an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. This recipe features crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious honey sauce, enhanced by the aromatic flavors of garlic and soy sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a well-rounded dinner that bursts with flavor. With its irresistible taste and satisfying crunch, Honey Sesame Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garnish: sesame seeds, green onions
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat each piece in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar; simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce; heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions over rice or veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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