Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken
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Craving a delicious homemade sesame chicken recipe? This crispy chicken recipe brings authentic Asian-inspired flavors to your kitchen!
In just under 30 minutes, you can make a mouthwatering meal for two. It’s packed with flavor. The chicken becomes crispy and golden, coated in a sweet and tangy honey sesame sauce.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests. It has the perfect balance of crispy texture and irresistible sauce. With only 416 calories per serving, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without the guilt.
Grab your apron and get ready to become the star chef of your kitchen. I’ll guide you through each step to create a crispy chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
What Makes This Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Special
Get ready to discover why this homemade Chinese food recipe will become your ultimate go-to dinner favorite. The magic lies in three key elements that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
Perfect Crispy Chicken Coating
The secret to an irresistible crispy chicken coating is all about technique and ingredients. Our special recipe uses a precise blend of flour and cornstarch that creates a light, crunchy exterior. When you bite into this chicken, you’ll experience a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish.
- Flour-to-cornstarch ratio: 1.5:1
- Frying temperature: Optimal golden-brown result
- Cooking time: 4-5 minutes until perfectly crisp
Sweet and Savory Sauce Balance
The honey sesame sauce is where real culinary magic happens. A carefully crafted combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing depth and richness.
- Honey to soy sauce ratio: 1:0.75
- Sauce cooking time: 1-2 minutes
- Key flavor enhancers: Garlic, sesame oil
Restaurant-Quality Results
Imagine creating a takeout-style dish right in your own kitchen. This recipe guarantees professional-level results that will impress your family and friends. With just under 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a nutritious meal packed with flavor.
Nutritional highlights include 477 calories per serving, 44g of protein, and a perfect balance of essential nutrients. Whether paired with white rice or steamed vegetables, this crispy honey sesame chicken promises a delightful dining experience.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
Creating the perfect crispy honey sesame chicken starts with the right ingredients. Your Asian cooking essentials are key to this tasty homemade Chinese sauce.
For the chicken, you’ll need these important parts:
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Two eggs for binding
- Breading mixture:
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
The magic happens with the sauce ingredients. Your homemade Chinese sauce needs:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Pro tip: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a big difference. Adjust spices and seasonings to your liking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Making sesame chicken at home is simpler than you think! I’ll guide you through making a crispy, top-notch dish. It’s all about the prep and frying.
First, cut 1.5 pounds of chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Dry the chicken with paper towels – this is key for a crispy outside. Mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, and your favorite seasonings for a tasty breading.
Preparing the Chicken Coating
Start with a great dredging station. Whisk eggs in one bowl and mix dry ingredients in another. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then coat in flour mixture. This double-dip makes the coating thick and crispy, perfect for the sauce.
Making the Signature Sauce
The sauce is where the magic happens. Mix 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Heat until it thickens and coats a spoon, creating a glossy glaze.
Frying Technique Tips
Heat your oil to 350°F for perfect frying. Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden. For extra crispiness, try double-frying for 2-3 minutes each time. Your chicken will be crispy outside, juicy inside, and full of flavor!