Craving honey sesame chicken? here’s how to replicate panda express’ beloved dish in your own kitchen

Craving the irresistible sweet and savory flavors of Panda Express‘s Honey Sesame Chicken? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and add the prepared sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly.

Step 5: Toast the Sesame Seeds

In a small skillet or toaster oven, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the honey sesame chicken. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or vegetables.

Tips for Success

• For a crispier chicken, double the amount of flour used for dredging.
• To thicken the sauce further, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Serve the honey sesame chicken with a side of orange sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce.
• Orange Honey Sesame Chicken: Replace the rice vinegar with orange juice and add 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest to the sauce.
• Teriyaki Honey Sesame Chicken: Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce in the sauce.

The Verdict: A Taste of Panda Express at Home

With just a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can now enjoy the delectable flavors of Panda Express‘s Honey Sesame Chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Its sweet and savory balance, crispy texture, and toasted sesame seeds will leave you craving more.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but they may take slightly longer to cook.

Q: What can I serve with honey sesame chicken?
A: Honey sesame chicken pairs well with steamed rice, vegetables, noodles, or fried rice.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. However, the chicken may lose some of its crispiness when reheated.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze honey sesame chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze honey sesame chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.