Panda express honey sesame chicken copycat: the ultimate guide

Craving Panda Express’s iconic Honey Sesame Chicken? Now, you can enjoy this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home with our step-by-step guide. Follow along as we reveal the secrets to creating this mouthwatering dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/2 cup of cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Honey Sesame Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and pour in the honey sesame sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Cook over medium heat until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken

• Use fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken.
• Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy for maximum flavor.
• Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.

Variations on Honey Sesame Chicken

• Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Orange Honey Sesame Chicken: Substitute orange juice for half of the rice vinegar in the sauce for a citrusy twist.
• Pineapple Honey Sesame Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple chunks to the sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Honey Sesame Chicken over rice or noodles.
• Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
• Enjoy it as an appetizer or main course.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use lean chicken breasts instead of regular chicken breasts.
• Reduce the amount of oil used for frying.
• Opt for whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Use less sugar in the honey sesame sauce.

Summary: Sweet and Savory Delight

With its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and crispy flavors, Honey Sesame Chicken is a dish that will satisfy every craving. Whether you’re a Panda Express fan or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, this recipe will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate Honey Sesame Chicken experience.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before cooking.

Q: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce to your desired level of heat.

Q: What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
A: You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for rice vinegar.

Q: How long can I store Honey Sesame Chicken?
A: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately and reheat the chicken and sauce together before serving.