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- Chicken - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - Coating ingredients - 1 cup cornstarch - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) - Sauce ingredients - 1/2 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish) The chicken is the star here. I use thighs because they stay juicy. The coating gives it that crunchy texture. Cornstarch, eggs, and flour work great together. The sauce blends sweet and savory. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce brings depth. Sesame oil and garlic give it a kick. Don't forget the green onions for a fresh touch. Each part of the dish plays a key role in flavor and texture. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to bread the chicken. Start by mixing cornstarch with salt and pepper in one bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Next, take each piece of chicken. Dip it in the cornstarch first. Then, coat it in the egg. Finally, roll it in the flour mix. Make sure every piece is well-covered. This helps create a crispy crust. Now, let’s fry the chicken. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan, mix together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil. Stir often to prevent sticking. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. After the sauce thickens, it’s time to coat the chicken. Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Gently fold the chicken into the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. For presentation, transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Finish by garnishing with sliced green onions. This adds color and freshness to your dish. To get the best crispiness, you need the right cooking temperature. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check this. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. If it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Frying technique matters too. Fry the chicken in small batches. This keeps the oil temperature steady. Do not overcrowd the pan. Each piece needs space to fry evenly. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. To make your dish pop, try adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You can also mix in garlic powder for more flavor. If you lack some ingredients, you can make substitutions. Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. You can swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness. Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish lighter without losing taste. Adjust according to your preferences! Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest and most flavorful results. They stay tender and absorb the sauce beautifully. Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy coating, consider double-dipping the chicken. After the initial coating, dip it back in the egg and then back into the flour mixture. Temperature Matters: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it's not hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Make it Your Own: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the frying pan for a colorful and nutritious twist on this dish. {{image_2}} You can make Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken healthier. Try baking instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Coat the chicken pieces as before. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get golden edges. This method cuts down on oil and calories. You can also use low-sugar sauce options. Many brands offer honey or soy sauce with less sugar. Look for these when shopping. You can mix honey with a bit of water and lemon juice. This creates a lighter sauce that still tastes great. If you need gluten-free options, switch the coating ingredients. Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch. These will help keep the crunch without gluten. Always check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. You can also try chicken alternatives. For a twist, use tofu or tempeh. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same breading steps. They soak up the sauce well, and you still get that crispy texture. This can be a fun option for vegetarians or anyone trying to eat less meat. To keep your crispy honey sesame chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays tasty for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it. Use a freezer bag and press out the air. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. Set it to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crunch and flavor intact. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy. You can make chicken crispy without frying by baking or air frying. To bake, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and seasonings. Place them on a baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispness. An air fryer also works well. Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Both methods give you a crispy texture without all the oil. Yes, you can use other meats like pork or tofu. For pork, choose boneless cuts like tenderloin. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same breading process. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. Coat and cook just like chicken. Both options absorb flavors well and give a delicious result. You can serve this dish with rice or noodles. Steamed white rice or fried rice pairs nicely. You might also enjoy it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. A fresh side salad adds a nice crunch too. For a complete meal, consider serving dumplings or spring rolls on the side. We explored how to make Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken using simple steps. First, we covered the key ingredients, including chicken, coating, and sauce. Next, I walked you through preparation, cooking methods, and assembly for a tasty dish. I shared tips for crispiness and flavor boosts, plus variations for health and diet needs. Lastly, we discussed storage tips and reheating methods. This dish is delightful and versatile. You can easily adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken

A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet honey sesame sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 2 all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 2 honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In one bowl, mix the cornstarch with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the flour with baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each piece of chicken first into the cornstarch, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
  • Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • In a separate saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the fried chicken pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the honey sauce.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and toss gently one last time.
  • Transfer the honey sesame chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Keyword chicken, crispy, honey, sesame