Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features crispy double-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy honey sesame sauce. Marinated and battered for extra tenderness and crunch, the dish is finished with aromatic garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh green onions for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a delicious main course for home-cooked meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Batter:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Green onion, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the 1 inch cut pieces of chicken into a bowl with chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon water. Mix thoroughly to combine and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons water. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside for later use.
- Make the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, 1/4 cup water, and 2 teaspoons vegetable oil until a smooth batter forms. Pour the batter over the marinated chicken pieces and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the batter.
- Fry the chicken (first fry): Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Carefully add the battered chicken pieces individually to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through but not yet fully crisp. Remove with a spider strainer and drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Double fry the chicken: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken again in batches for 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. This double frying step ensures an extra crunchy texture. Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack.
- Cook the honey sesame sauce: In a clean wok over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer while stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. Mix the cornstarch slurry by combining 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water, then add it to the simmering sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Turn off heat, stir in the sesame oil, and mix to combine.
- Combine and serve: Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces with the thickened honey sesame sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, crispy honey sesame chicken!
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying each batch.
- Use a thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperature during frying.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by modifying the amount of honey and brown sugar to taste.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred over chicken breasts.
- Double frying is key to achieving a crispy exterior that holds up well with the sticky sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Honey Sesame Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Fried Chicken with Honey Sauce, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Double Fried Chicken
