There’s something so satisfying about recreating your favorite takeout dishes at home, and Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken is one of those must-try recipes! The crispy chicken, sweet honey glaze, and crunchy sesame seeds come together to create a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Plus, when you make it yourself, you can customize it to your liking—extra sauce, a little spicier, or even add more veggies! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a takeout treat but made fresh in your own kitchen.
The first time I tried Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken, I was hooked. The sweet and savory sauce paired with crispy, golden chicken and bright stir-fried veggies is a winning combination. But going out for takeout isn’t always convenient (or budget-friendly), so I decided to recreate it at home. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make—once you fry up the chicken, everything comes together quickly in the pan. And let’s not forget the sesame seeds! They add a subtle nutty flavor and a nice crunch that really elevates the dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even for a group, this Honey Sesame Chicken is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make: Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is straightforward and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Sweet and savory: The honey glaze has the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and savory soy sauce, creating a deliciously sticky sauce that coats the crispy chicken.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Family-friendly: The sweet honey sauce makes this dish a hit with kids, but you can also add a bit of spice for the adults by tossing in some chili flakes or sriracha.
- Customizable: Add more veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to make this a wholesome meal. It’s also easy to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different twist!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Start by setting up a breading station. Place the cornstarch in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the flour in a third. Dip each piece of chicken first in the cornstarch, then in the egg, and finally in the flour, making sure each piece is well-coated. Set aside on a plate while you heat the oil.
- Fry the chicken: In a deep frying pan or large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (or you can test it by dropping a small piece of bread in—if it bubbles and fries quickly, it’s ready), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Make the sauce: While the chicken is frying, make the honey sesame sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Stir-fry the veggies: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and zucchini, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still have some crunch. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine the chicken and sauce: In the same skillet, pour the honey sesame sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Once the sauce starts to thicken (this should take about 1-2 minutes), add the fried chicken pieces and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Add the veggies: Toss the stir-fried bell peppers and zucchini into the pan with the chicken, gently mixing everything together. Let it cook for another minute to ensure the chicken is fully coated and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top of the dish for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or fried rice on the side.
How to Serve:
- With rice: Honey Sesame Chicken is perfect served over a bed of fluffy white rice or fried rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- For a low-carb option: Try serving it over cauliflower rice or stir-fried vegetables for a lighter meal.
- Family-style: Serve it on a large platter with extra sesame seeds and green onions on top, so everyone can help themselves.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying: Fry the chicken in small batches to keep the oil hot and ensure the chicken stays crispy. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Make the sauce ahead of time: You can mix up the honey sesame sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just heat it in the pan, thicken with cornstarch, and add the chicken and veggies.
- Want extra crispy chicken? For an even crispier texture, double fry the chicken! Fry it once for 3-4 minutes, let it rest for a few minutes, then fry it again for another 1-2 minutes until extra crispy.
- Customize the heat level: If you like your Honey Sesame Chicken with a bit of a kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha into the sauce.
- Use a wok for stir-frying: If you have a wok, it’s ideal for stir-frying the veggies and combining everything at the end. Its high sides make it easy to toss the ingredients without spilling.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Fry the tofu in the same way as the chicken for crispy, flavorful bites.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free. You can also coat the chicken in gluten-free flour or rice flour for the crispy coating.
- Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for an extra spicy kick!
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the stir-fry like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: Serve this dish with classic white jasmine rice or brown rice to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
- Fried Rice: For a heartier meal, pair the Honey Sesame Chicken with fried rice. You can even stir some extra veggies or scrambled eggs into the rice for more texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Sides: A side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus pairs perfectly with this dish and adds a nice, light balance to the richness of the chicken.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storing leftovers: Store any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken pieces before tossing them in the sauce. Let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F until crispy, then toss in the heated honey sesame sauce.
- Reheating tips: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave. If you have leftovers with the sauce already on, warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Special Equipment:
- Deep frying thermometer: This helps to ensure that your oil is at the right temperature for frying the chicken. Too cool, and the chicken will absorb too much oil; too hot, and it will burn before cooking through.
- Wok or large skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying the veggies and combining everything with the sauce at the end, but a large skillet works just as well.
FAQ:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to use them if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
- What can I use instead of cornstarch? If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or even all-purpose flour to coat the chicken. For the sauce, arrowroot powder can also be used as a thickener.
- How do I keep the chicken crispy? To maintain the crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough when frying, and avoid adding too much sauce at the end. If you want extra crispy chicken, try double frying as mentioned in the tips above.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes! The sweetness of the honey makes this dish a favorite with kids. If you’re worried about spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes or chili paste.
Conclusion:
I hope you’re as excited to try this homemade version of Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken as I am to share it with you! It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The crispy chicken, sweet and savory honey glaze, and stir-fried veggies create a meal that’s satisfying and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to customize to suit your taste. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram when you make this—I’d love to see how your version turns out! Enjoy!
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Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
I’ve always loved Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken—the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy. My family is obsessed with it! After a few tries in the kitchen, I’ve managed to nail down a version that’s just as good as what you’d get at the restaurant, and now it’s one of our go-to meals. This recipe has quickly become a hit at home, especially when served with steamed rice or noodles. The honey sauce is just the right amount of sweet, with that subtle tang from the soy and vinegar. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something flavorful but want to skip the takeout line.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station with three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with cornstarch. Dredge the chicken pieces first in flour, then dip them in the egg, and finally coat them in cornstarch.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Sesame Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the bell peppers and sugar snap peas for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the honey sesame sauce over everything and toss to coat well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce glaze the chicken and veggies.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Honey Sesame Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
