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Sesame Honey Chicken Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

This crispy Sesame Chicken recipe features tender pieces of chicken breast coated in a flavorful batter, deep-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sweet and savory honey-soy glaze. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it’s a delightful Asian-inspired dish perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for frying (enough to fill 3 inches in a deep pan)

Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare Egg Mixture: Place the beaten eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly to create the egg wash.
  2. Mix Dry Coating: In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch until well combined for the chicken coating.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour and cornstarch blend, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Set aside the coated chicken pieces.
  4. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 3 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C) — use a thermometer if available to maintain the temperature.
  5. Fry Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches (7-8 pieces at a time) for about 5 minutes or until each piece is crispy and a golden brown hue. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  6. Drain Chicken: Remove the fried chicken pieces and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  7. Prepare Sauce Mixture: While frying, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a bowl. Stir well to blend the ingredients.
  8. Cook Sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the drained crispy chicken to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the thickened sauce.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the coated chicken. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use reduced sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for crispy coating without greasiness.
  • Work in batches when frying to avoid crowding and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust sweetness or tanginess in the sauce by modifying the amount of honey or rice vinegar according to your taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.