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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

4.6 from 58 reviews

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy double-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Marinated chicken is battered and fried to perfection, then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, honey, and garlic. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and bold flavors perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 ½ lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water

Batter

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 teaspoon vegetable oil

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon ketchup
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoon water
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cornstarch Slurry

  • 2 teaspoon corn starch
  • 3 tablespoon water

Garnish

  • Green onion, sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Place the 1 inch cut pieces of chicken into a bowl with chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly until combined and allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and water. Stir until all ingredients are well blended and set aside for later use.
  3. Make the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil until a smooth batter forms. Pour this batter over the marinated chicken pieces and toss to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Fry the chicken: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove with a spider strainer and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  5. Double fry the chicken: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken again in batches for 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack. This double frying technique creates a superior crispy texture.
  6. Cook the honey sesame sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the wok over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir well. Bring to a simmer while stirring continuously for 2 minutes. Mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water) and add it to the simmering sauce, stirring until it thickens, about 1 minute. Turn off heat, stir in sesame oil, and combine well.
  7. Combine and serve: Toss the double-fried chicken pieces with the thickened honey sesame sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure oil temperature is accurate using a thermometer to achieve crispy chicken without greasiness.
  • Double frying is key to the signature crunch of this dish.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast for juicier results.
  • Adjust honey and sugar amounts if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
  • Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Honey Sesame Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Fried Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken