Cooking honey sesame chicken at home can be a delightful experience. Imagine crispy, juicy bites of chicken, coated in a finger-licking sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess. This Chinese takeout favorite is now made better with crunchy veggies and a rich, nutty flavor from toasted sesame oil. If you've never tried it, you're missing out on a truly satisfying meal.

To recreate the Panda Express classic, start by making a copycat version with chunky pieces of chicken breast, coated in cornstarch and egg, then fried until golden. The sauce combines honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and toasted sesame oil, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Toss in some bell peppers and green beans for added texture and flavor. Serve over a bed of Southern rice or Squiggly Noodles for a complete meal. This dish is a healthier twist on traditional Orange Chicken, using white meat for a lighter yet still delicious option.

What is Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey sesame chicken is a popular dish found in Chinese restaurants in the U.S, like Panda Express. While not authentically Chinese, it is loved for good reasons. The chicken is fried until crispy and tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce that achieves a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This dish combines honey, sesame, and chicken, creating a delightful experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

Why I Love This Recipe

This honey sesame chicken from Panda Express is a staple that you’ll want to make every week. The perfectly balanced flavor is both savory and sweet, with a tangy and vinegary twist that makes the dish super addictive. It’s a one-pan meal, perfect for a weeknight. You only need to prepare the juicy protein with crisp green beans and bell peppers, making it a wholesome and healthier option.

This recipe calls for pan-fried or air-fried chicken breast, which is much healthier compared to what you get at a restaurant. Plus, it’s both gluten-free and paleo-friendly.

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this copycat recipe in advance. Start by prepping the chicken, dicing the vegetables, and combining the sauce ahead of time. This way, when you're ready to cook, everything is already prepared, making the process quick and easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, chopped

Method:

Preparation:

• In a bowl, mix the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and the beaten egg until well-coated.
• In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, white vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon water. Set aside.

Cooking:

• Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

• In the same pan, add the honey mixture. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce, stirring until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

• Add the fried chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top before serving.

Additional Info About Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken.

Health Benefits:

• High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Antioxidants: Sesame seeds contain antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress.
• Healthy Fats: The use of sesame oil adds healthy fats to the dish, which are beneficial for heart health.

Notes:

• Adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness.
• You can add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Nutritional Information (2 serving)

• Calories: 900 Kcal
• Total Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 300 mg
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 184g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 256g
• Protein: 72g
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 15%
• Potassium: 15%

Equipment:

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula

Serving Suggestions

Panda Express honey sesame chicken can be served with many dishes. Try it with Frozen French Fries, a grinder salad, or other proteins. Pair this delicious dish with garlicky shirataki fried rice for a wholesome dinner. If you like simple, tasty side dishes, buffalo chicken Caesar salad is both appetizing and easy to prepare. For a unique twist, add Japanese-style hibachi vegetables. Their flavorful and buttery taste will keep you coming back for more.

The options are endless for how to serve this dish. My favorite way to enjoy it is with steamed Jasmine rice or coconut rice. It's also delicious with fried rice or beef chow. Another great side is green onion paratha. For a full spread, try some Soy Marinated Raw Crab on the side. This variety makes every meal exciting and enjoyable.

Storing

To store your honey sesame chicken, portion the dish into individual airtight containers. These can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you place the leftovers in the refrigerator, the chicken will not remain crispy. If you are not enjoying it right away, consider stir frying the chicken instead of breading it.

Always allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature before sealing it, or you’ll just store bacteria.

Reheat

To reheat any leftovers, use the microwave. Although the chicken won’t be as crispy, the flavors and texture will remain excellent.

When Is Chicken Safe To Eat?

When making Honey Sesame Chicken from Panda Express at home, ensure the chicken is cooked properly. The USDA states chicken is safe to eat when its insides reach 165 degrees F (73.8 degrees C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring a delicious and worry-free meal.

Do You Need to Marinate the Chicken?

Marinating the chicken is not always necessary, especially if you use chicken thigh. However, if you use chicken breast, I recommend marinating the chicken in the batter and storing it in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cooking. This ensures the chicken stays nice and tender after frying.

Why is it called sesame chicken?

The preparation of honey sesame chicken at Panda Express includes seasoning and cooking the chicken, then topping it with sesame seeds. The sesame seeds, which may or may not be toasted, add crunch and flavor, making the dish delicious.

What is Panda Express honey sesame chicken made of?

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken includes crispy strips of all-white meat chicken with string beans and yellow bell peppers, cooked in a honey sauce and topped with sesame seeds. This blend of chicken, vegetables, and sauce provides a flavorful dish.

What happened to Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken?

In 2013, Panda Express introduced the Honey Sesame Chicken Breast. It was brought back several times for people to enjoy. Its return was sporadic, but fans were always excited. In August, it was a limited-time offer. Now, it’s a permanent item on the menu, ensuring everyone can savor it anytime.

Is Honey Sesame Chicken the Same as Orange Chicken?

Honey sesame chicken and orange chicken both use boneless chicken but have different flavors. Honey sesame chicken has a soy sauce base with sesame oil for a savory, nutty flavor. Orange chicken uses soy sauce and orange zest for a sweet and tangy taste. These dishes highlight how their sauces enhance the chicken.

What does honey sesame chicken taste like?

The chicken is coated in a sticky honey-based sauce balancing sweet and savory flavor. Panda Express combines honey and sesame for a unique taste. The sauce, with soy sauce and sesame oil, offers intense umami flavor. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and heat, creating a harmonious blend. The dish is indulgent and satisfying, perfectly balancing sweet, savory, and spicy notes.