Honey Sesame Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Resting Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
465 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Honey Sesame Chicken
Description
This recipe calls for cutting chicken breast into strips or cubes, then marinating them in a mixture of water, white wine, toasted sesame oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. The marinade imparts moisture and subtle flavors. The batter is created from all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, egg white, water, vegetable oil, and salt, producing a light and crisp coating when fried.
Chicken pieces are coated in the batter and deep-fried in hot oil at 350°F until golden brown and cooked through, about five minutes per batch. The honey sauce combines sugar, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, and salt, offering a slightly sweet, tangy glaze that is tossed with the crispy chicken. Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top add flavor and texture.
This dish works well as a main course, served with rice or steamed vegetables. It brings a contrast between crunchy batter and sticky, sweet sauce. Because the chicken is battered and fried, it is best suited for deep or shallow frying rather than air frying to preserve batter crispness.
The notes recommend using an electric deep fryer for temperature control and warn against air frying due to batter texture issues. A spider skimmer can be used to remove chicken from oil safely.
Ingredients
Batter:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 heaping tablespoon baking powder
- 1 egg beaten, white
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Pinch kosher salt
Marinade:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil toasted
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- Pinch granulated sugar
- ¾ pound chicken breast cut into ½-inch-by-2-inch strips or 1-inch cubes, boneless skinless, or tenders
Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Pinch kosher salt
To Fry:
- vegetable oil as needed, or canola or peanut oil
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
- For the batter, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, then add the egg white, water, and oil. Stir until smooth, and set aside for 30 minutes to rest.
- Meanwhile, stir the marinade ingredients together in a medium bowl, then add the chicken and toss gently to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the honey sauce by mixing all ingredients in a bowl and set aside for when the chicken is cooked.
- Pour enough oil into a 2-quart saucepan or deep fryer to come to a depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Use a large slotted spoon to remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and transfer into the batter mixture. Turn to coat. In batches, using large tongs or chopsticks, drop battered chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes, as needed, turning over once or twice throughout cooking for even browning (I typically fry this in 3 batches). Drain in a single layer on paper towels or on a metal cooling rack.
- Heat the honey sauce mixture in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, stirring until the mixture bubbles (don’t overcook or it will become caramel). Remove from the heat.
- Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and stir once more. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not air fry the battered chicken to avoid mess and improper batter setting; use deep or shallow frying instead.
- An electric deep fryer helps maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking.
- Remove fryer basket to save oil and fry chicken directly, using a spider skimmer to remove pieces safely.
- Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even crisping.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 465kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 508mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 172mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 31g | 62% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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