Introduction

This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken recipe brings a deliciously crispy and sweet dish right to your home kitchen. With tender chicken strips coated in a light gluten-free batter and tossed in a sticky honey sesame sauce, it’s a perfect meal that pairs beautifully with sautéed veggies. Enjoy this flavorful Asian-inspired classic any night of the week.

The dish shows a white plate filled with three main layers: the base layer is made up of yellow bell pepper slices and long green chili peppers scattered throughout, the middle layer consists of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces covered in a shiny orange-red sauce, and the top layer is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a slightly blurred background, and part of a woven basket frame is visible in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 chicken fillets, cut into strips (about 10-12 oz)
1 yellow bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, sliced into thin strips
2/3 cup green beans, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
Vegetable oil for frying
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup gluten-free hot sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup filtered water
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the egg in a bowl and add the salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix well to combine.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cornstarch.
Step 3: Dip the chicken strips into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 4: Roll the egg-coated chicken strips in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet to about 350°F, filling the pan with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of oil. Fry the chicken strips for 6-7 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 7: In a separate pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the yellow bell pepper strips and green beans for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
Step 8: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and cornstarch lumps dissolve.
Step 9: Add the fried chicken and sautéed vegetables to the sauce. Toss well to coat everything in the sticky sauce and warm together for 2-3 minutes.
Step 10: Transfer the honey sesame chicken to a serving plate, sprinkle with white sesame seeds, and serve immediately. It’s excellent with steamed rice or on its own.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, double dip the chicken strips by dipping them again in egg and flour mixture before frying.
You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Adjust the level of heat by using more or less hot sauce according to your taste.
Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfect frying results without soggy or burnt pieces.

Storage

Store leftover honey sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warm, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much. Avoid storing with rice for best texture.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a shiny orange sauce, mixed with long green chili peppers and bright yellow bell pepper strips. The chicken has a crunchy texture with a glaze that shines under the light, sprinkled with small white sesame seeds scattered across the dish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth partially underneath, and part of a silver fork is visible at the edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe uses gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free hot sauce, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What sides pair well with honey sesame chicken?

This dish goes great with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or even simple steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.