Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
User Reviews
4.6
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
-
Servings
2 people
-
Calories
416 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Chinese
Honey Sesame Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
Description
This recipe uses a batter made with egg white, cornstarch, baking powder, flour, and ice-cold water to create a thin, crispy coating that crisps well when deep-fried. Chicken breast is cut into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and optimal batter coverage. After frying the chicken until golden and crispy, some of the frying oil is reserved to stir-fry minced garlic, which forms a fragrant base for the honey sesame sauce.
The sauce is a mixture of honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt. It's cooked to a thickened consistency before coating the fried chicken pieces evenly. Toasted sesame seeds are added for a nutty crunch that contrasts with the crisp exterior and sticky sauce.
Served immediately, this chicken pairs well with steamed white rice or Chinese-style fried rice. The recipe notes include tips for selecting oil temperature, double frying for extra crispiness, and toasting sesame seeds for more flavor. The honey sesame sauce can be prepared ahead of time to streamline cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (500g) chicken breast cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes or long strips, boneless
- neutral cooking oil for deep-frying, generic cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- sesame seeds to garnish, toasted
Frying Batter:
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup water ice cold
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 pinch salt
Honey Sesame Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey pure
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the frying batter ingredients in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Cut the chicken into cubes then drop into the mixture. Coat evenly and set aside.
- Mix the honey sesame sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat up a saute pan and add about 2 inches of oil on medium to high heat. When the oil is ready, gently drop the battered chicken cubes one by one. Spread evenly into the pan to prevent the chicken from sticking to each other. Fry until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Transfer 2 tablespoons of frying oil to a wok or skillet. Stir-fry the garlic until it becomes aromatic. Add the honey sesame sauce from earlier and bring to a simmer or until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the fried chicken breast cubes in the sauce. Stir a few times to ensure the sauce coats the chicken cubes evenly. Add the toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately with steamed white rice or Chinese fried rice.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent batter coverage.
- Use ice-cold water, cornstarch, baking powder, and egg white in the batter to achieve a light and crispy coating.
- Maintain frying oil temperature between 350-375°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken.
- Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken by resting after the first fry, then frying again at higher temperature.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden to enhance their flavor before adding to the dish.
- The honey sesame sauce can be made up to two days ahead for convenience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 416 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2people | |
| Calories | 416kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 91g | 30% |
| Protein | 53g | 106% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1517mg | 63% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 47g | 94% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
You'll Also Love
