Elevate your home cooking: how to make panda express honey chicken that rivals the original

Craving that irresistible Panda Express honey chicken but don’t want to leave the comfort of your kitchen? This comprehensive guide will empower you with the step-by-step instructions and secret techniques to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Marinate: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder. Set aside.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Coat the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture. Shake off any excess.
6. Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain: Remove the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
8. Combine the Sauce and Chicken: In the same skillet used to fry the chicken, bring the sauce mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
9. Add the Chicken: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
10. Serve: Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Sesame Honey Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish.
• Orange Honey Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice to the sauce mixture.
• Pineapple Honey Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of diced pineapple to the sauce mixture.

Tips

• For a crispier coating, double-dredge the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or rice vinegar.
• Serve the honey chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage: Store leftover honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the honey chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQ

1. Can I use dark meat chicken instead of white meat?

Yes, you can use dark meat chicken, but it will take longer to cook.

2. What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

3. How do I know when the sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when it has thickened and is bubbling slightly.

4. What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

You can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check if it is cooked through. The juices should run clear.

5. How do I make sure the chicken is crispy?

Double-dredge the chicken in cornstarch before frying and make sure the oil is hot enough.

Conclusion: Master the Art of Honey Chicken

With patience, practice, and the right ingredients, you can now recreate the beloved Panda Express honey chicken in your own kitchen. Experiment with different variations and tips to find your perfect combination of flavors and textures. Remember, cooking is an art form that allows for creativity and personal expression. So don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of authentic Panda Express honey chicken at home.