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Honey Sesame Chicken: A Beginner’s Guide to Panda Express Deliciousness at Home

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Craving Panda Express but don’t want to leave the house? This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is your answer! Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy honey sesame sauce, served with your favorite sides, make for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal. Imagine golden-brown chicken glistening with the flavorful sauce, ready to be devoured. It’s a feast for the senses and a perfect way to satisfy your takeout cravings at home. This easy recipe is ideal for beginner cooks, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 pound green string beans, trimmed
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

    1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients: sweet chili sauce, honey, water, ketchup, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Whisk the sauce vigorously until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. Set the sauce aside.

    1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour.

    1. Coat the Chicken: This is a crucial step for achieving crispy chicken. Take each piece of chicken and first dredge it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, immediately transfer the chicken to the cornstarch and flour mixture, coating it thoroughly on all sides. Shake off any excess coating. Repeat this process for all of the chicken pieces. Set the coated chicken pieces on a plate while you prepare to fry them.

    1. Fry the Chicken: Heat enough oil in a large pot or skillet to fully submerge the chicken pieces. The oil temperature is critical for achieving crispy and evenly cooked chicken. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature; aim for around 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread browns quickly (within about 30 seconds), the oil is hot enough. Add the coated chicken to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Crowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and prevent the chicken from getting crispy. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F.

    1. Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will help to keep the chicken crispy.

    1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet (you can use the same skillet you used to fry the chicken, but be sure to remove any remaining oil and bits of coating from the frying process). Add the trimmed green beans and thinly sliced yellow bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened but still slightly crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some of their crunch. Don’t overcook them.

    1. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the prepared honey sesame sauce into the hot skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. Stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the chicken and vegetables.

    1. Coat the Chicken: Add the cooked and crispy chicken to the pan with the thickened sauce and vegetables. Toss the chicken gently but thoroughly to coat it evenly in the delicious honey sesame sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is glistening with the sauce.

    1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Honey Sesame Chicken with sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Ensure oil is hot enough for crispy chicken.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
  • Adjust sauce sweetness/spiciness to your liking.
  • Serve with rice or noodles.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/honey-sesame-chicken-a-beginners-guide-to-panda-express-deliciousness-at-home/