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Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken: Crispy Sweet Bliss You Can Make at Home

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful blend of crispy chicken and rich honey sesame sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast or Thighs Choose breast for a lean dish or thighs for added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder Enhances flavor; substitute with homemade broth for a fresher taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper Offers mild heat; black pepper can be used if necessary.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds the batter for crispiness; a flax egg works for a vegan version.
For the Batter
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Gives the perfect crunchy texture; gluten-free flour is a viable alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Key for crunch; arrowroot powder will work if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures puffiness; always check for freshness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Boosts overall flavor; adjust based on your dietary needs.
  • 1/2 cup Water Needed in batter; adjust for consistency.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil Ideal for frying; use canola or peanut oil for high smoke points.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Light Soy Sauce Adds depth; low-sodium soy sauce is a great gluten-free alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce Provides rich flavor; hoisin sauce serves as a vegetarian substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Balances sweetness; you can swap in apple cider vinegar if necessary.
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup Brings sweetness and tanginess; mix tomato paste with vinegar for a similar profile.
  • 1/2 cup Honey Sweetens the sauce beautifully; maple syrup can be a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Deepens sweetness; white sugar can be used but may change the flavor slightly.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adds aromatic appeal; garlic powder can serve as a convenient substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Imparts a nutty fragrance; peanut oil can be used if needed.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onion Enhances freshness; swap for cilantro if you prefer.
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds Optional for an added crunch and visual appeal, but recommended for the full experience.

Equipment

  • Deep Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by cutting your chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and enough water to coat it well. Let this mixture marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavor.
  2. While the chicken marinates, whisk together light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and a little water until fully combined. Set this flavorful mix aside.
  3. Combine eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and a splash of vegetable oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the batter is smooth and ready for dipping.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 365°F (185°C). Carefully dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter and fry in batches for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  5. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and return the fried chicken back into the hot oil in batches for an additional 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
  6. In another pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce for thickening.
  7. Add the crispy fried chicken into the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, then serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 23gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure your batter is thick enough to adhere to the chicken for a crispy coating. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and reheat using an oven or air fryer for the best results.

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