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Honey Sesame Chicken
5 from 24 votes

Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken features battered and deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky sauce made from sugar, honey, ketchup, and rice vinegar. The chicken is marinated briefly in a sesame oil–flavored mixture before coating, which adds flavor depth. The batter uses baking powder and cornstarch for a crisp texture after frying. Toasted sesame seeds finish the dish, providing a nutty accent. This combination delivers a balance of crunch, sweet tanginess, and tender chicken.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Resting Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 465 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Meanwhile, stir the marinade ingredients together in a medium bowl, then add the chicken and toss gently to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, make the honey sauce by mixing all ingredients in a bowl and set aside for when the chicken is cooked.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 465

% 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.