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Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 76 reviews

This copycat Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken strips coated in a sweet and tangy honey sesame sauce, paired with sautéed yellow bell peppers and green beans. The dish is gluten-free and perfect for a flavorful homemade takeout experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for egg mixture)
  • 2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 chicken fillets, cut into strips (about 10–12 oz)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Vegetables

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, sliced into thin strips
  • 2/3 cup green beans, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Sauce

  • 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 (for thickening sauce)

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Beat Egg, Salt, Pepper and Olive Oil: Beat an egg into a bowl, add salt, ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well until fully combined to create the egg wash for the chicken.
  2. Prepare Flour Coating: In another bowl, whisk together gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cornstarch until evenly mixed. This will be used to coat the chicken strips.
  3. Dip Chicken in Egg: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg mixture to ensure it is well-coated and ready for the flour mixture.
  4. Coat Chicken Strips in Flour Mixture: Roll the egg-coated chicken strips in the flour mixture until fully covered. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
  5. Fry Chicken in Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet to about 350°F, pouring enough oil to reach 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep. Fry the coated chicken strips for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove Fried Chicken From Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken strips onto paper towels or napkins to drain any excess oil.
  7. Sauté Veggies: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced yellow bell pepper and green beans, sautéing for around 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  8. Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, gluten-free hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, filtered water, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and no lumps remain.
  9. Mix Ingredients Together: Add the fried chicken strips and sautéed vegetables into the saucepan with the thickened sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly and warm the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  10. Garnish with Sesame Seeds and Serve: Transfer the honey sesame chicken to a serving plate, sprinkle with white sesame seeds, and enjoy immediately with rice or on its own.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F for crispy, perfectly fried chicken.
  • Use gluten-free ingredients to keep the dish safe for gluten-intolerant individuals.
  • The sauce should be whisked constantly when heating to prevent lumps from the cornstarch.
  • You can substitute the hot sauce with your preferred chili sauce depending on the desired spice level.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the coating can soften if left too long.

Keywords: Honey Sesame Chicken, Panda Express Copycat, Gluten-Free Fried Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Homemade Chinese Takeout

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/panda-express-honey-sesame-chicken-recipe/