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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 66 reviews

Honey Sesame Chicken is a delicious and easy Chinese takeout style dish made with juicy, double-fried chicken pieces coated in a thick, sweet, and savory honey sesame sauce. This recipe features a flavorful marinade, a crispy batter, and a luscious homemade sauce that captures the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors for a satisfying dinner or lunch.

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, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cornstarch Slurry

  • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 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 well until combined and let the chicken 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 together thoroughly and set aside until ready to 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 smooth. Pour this batter over the marinated chicken pieces and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
  4. Fry the chicken (first fry): Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, gently place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 3 minutes until partially cooked. Remove using a spider strainer and place the chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  5. Double fry the chicken (second fry): Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Again, fry the chicken pieces in batches for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack to keep them crisp and free of excess oil.
  6. Cook the honey sesame sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the wok and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. Mix the cornstarch slurry again and gradually add it to the simmering sauce. Stir for approximately 1 minute until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat, stir in the sesame oil, and mix well.
  7. Combine and serve: Toss the double-fried chicken pieces in the thickened honey sesame sauce until fully coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your homemade honey sesame chicken fresh and hot!

Notes

  • Double frying the chicken ensures a crispy exterior that holds up well to the sauce.
  • Use a digital thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperature for crispy chicken without greasiness.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for more juicy and flavorful meat.
  • Adjust honey and sugar amounts to control the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: chinese chicken, chinese takeout recipe, sesame chicken, honey sesame chicken, fried chicken, sweet and savory chicken

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/honey-sesame-chicken-recipe/