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For Honey Sesame Chicken, gather these items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick) - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tbsp rice vinegar - 1 tbsp sesame oil - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) - 3 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) - Cooked white rice or jasmine rice (for serving) Measuring ingredients helps ensure great taste. Use dry measuring cups for flour and cornstarch. Level off the top for accuracy. For liquids, use a clear measuring cup. Check at eye level. Always use a scale for precise weight, especially for chicken. This keeps your dish balanced and flavorful. Fresh ingredients often bring brighter flavors. Use fresh garlic for a strong taste. Dried spices can work, but they may not have the same punch. For sesame seeds, toasted adds depth. If you opt for dried herbs, use them sparingly. Their flavor is more concentrated. Fresh green onions give a nice crunch and bright color to the dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your chicken. Use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab a medium mixing bowl. In it, whisk together: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) Add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Toss them well so each piece is coated with the mix. This coating will help the chicken turn crispy when fried. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil is hot. This step is key for a good fry. Add the chicken in batches. Don’t crowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken, and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will soak up any extra oil. After frying, it’s time to make the sauce. Carefully drain the excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Lower the heat to medium. Add the following ingredients to the skillet: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tbsp rice vinegar - 1 tbsp sesame oil Whisk the sauce together until smooth. Allow it to simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly. Once it's ready, return the fried chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken gently in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors blend. Frying chicken is simple but needs care. Start with dry chicken pieces. Pat them with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps the coating stick better. Use a heavy skillet or wok for even heating. Heat your oil until it's hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of chicken. If it sizzles, it's ready. Fry in small batches. Overcrowding cools the oil and makes the chicken soggy. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. If your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer. This cooks off extra liquid and thickens the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more soy sauce. Mix it well and heat until it reaches your desired thickness. You can boost the flavor with more ingredients. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. They add crunch and nutrition. For a spicy kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you like garlic, add minced garlic to the sauce. These simple tweaks make your dish even better. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Ensure Even Coating: Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the flour and cornstarch mixture for a consistent texture and crunch when frying. Oil Temperature Matters: Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of chicken in; it should sizzle immediately. This ensures a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil. Thickening the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to achieve the right thickness; this will help it cling better to the chicken. Garnish for Flavor and Color: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions; they not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of your Honey Sesame Chicken by adding veggies. This not only enhances the dish but also adds color and flavor. Good options include: - Broccoli florets - Bell peppers, sliced - Snap peas - Carrots, julienned To add them, stir-fry the vegetables in the skillet before adding the sauce. This way, they stay crisp and vibrant. You can use any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. If you want to switch up the protein, there are many tasty choices. Instead of chicken, consider using: - Tofu for a vegetarian option - Shrimp for a seafood twist - Beef strips for a heartier meal Ensure you adjust cooking times based on your chosen protein. Each option offers a unique flavor and texture to the dish. You can easily change the sweetness of your Honey Sesame Chicken. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. Start with an extra tablespoon and taste as you mix. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey. You can also balance it with more soy sauce for a savory kick. Finding the right sweetness makes this dish perfect for your taste! After you enjoy your Honey Sesame Chicken, store leftovers in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. If you leave it out too long, it can spoil. When reheating, use the stovetop for the best results. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until the chicken is hot. You can also use a microwave, but the stovetop keeps it crispy. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make Honey Sesame Chicken in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Allow them to cool before storing. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, just reheat the chicken in a pan. This keeps the flavors fresh. Honey Sesame Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli - Fried rice - Snap peas - Stir-fried vegetables - Asian-style coleslaw - Egg rolls These sides add color and balance to the meal. To add spice, use cayenne pepper in the flour mix. Start with 1/4 teaspoon. You can increase it for more heat. Another option is to add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh jalapeños can also give it a kick. Adjust the spice to your taste for a perfect dish. You learned how to create delicious Honey Sesame Chicken with clear steps and tips. We covered the best ingredients, preparation, and frying methods. You now have advice on customizing flavors and storing leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun! Try new ideas and adjust the recipe to your taste. You can enjoy this dish any night of the week, impressing family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite!

Honey Sesame Chicken Delight

A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 1 2 cup honey
  • 1 4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 4 cup toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 3 pieces green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked white rice or jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optionally, cayenne pepper for added heat. Add the pieces of chicken to the mixture and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated.
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • In the same skillet, carefully drain the excess oil, leaving just about 1 tablespoon. Lower the heat to medium and add the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk the sauce together until combined, and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece of chicken evenly with the delicious sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  • Once the chicken is fully coated with the sauce, generously sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve the Honey Sesame Chicken hot over a fluffy bed of cooked white rice or jasmine rice for an ideal accompaniment.

Notes

To elevate the dish, consider serving it in a shallow bowl with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a vibrant color contrast. A sprinkle of additional sesame seeds can also enhance visual appeal.
Keyword chicken, honey, sesame, stir-fry