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Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Better Than Takeout

crispy honey sesame chicken - featured image

A quick and easy homemade crispy honey sesame chicken with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, delivering a crunchy, satisfying alternative to takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (thighs can be used for juicier bites)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for shallow frying (about 1-2 inches deep)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry to thicken sauce)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; whisk to blend.
  3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl until smooth.
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, then back into the flour mixture for a double coating; set aside.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to about 350°F (175°C), about 1-2 inches deep.
  6. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes each, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  7. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  8. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  9. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
  10. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions; serve immediately over steamed rice or with a crisp salad.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Double dredging the chicken ensures a crispy coating. Toss chicken in sauce just before serving to keep crunch. Toast sesame seeds for added nuttiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and soy sauce with tamari.

Nutrition

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