Honey Sesame Chicken Breast from Panda Express features tender, juicy chicken breast pieces glazed with a sweet honey and toasted sesame sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, delivering a savory and satisfying blend of flavors and a glossy, appetizing appearance.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Wok or large skillet
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Plate (for draining)
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet (optional, for draining or resting)
- Small bowl (for garnishes)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2-3 scallions
Ensure the chicken breast pieces are cut evenly to cook uniformly and maintain their tenderness. Use a precise mix of cornstarch and all-purpose flour for the coating to achieve a crispy exterior without heaviness. The honey and toasted sesame sauce gets its perfect balance from the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar; adjusting these can alter the sweetness and tanginess to your preference. When frying, maintain the vegetable oil temperature around 350degF to avoid greasy chicken and ensure a crispy texture. Your dish will closely resemble the Honey Sesame Chicken Breast from Panda Express, capturing its signature sweet and savory glaze topped with sesame seeds and scallions for authenticity.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs.
- In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup flour.
- Dredge chicken pieces in egg, then coat with flour mixture.
- Heat 1-2 cups vegetable oil in wok/large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through; transfer to paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar; whisk to combine.
- Mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form slurry.
- Stir slurry into sauce and cook until thickened.
- Add fried chicken to sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer to serving plate.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast from Panda Express copycat menu can be adapted by substituting chicken thighs for breast to enhance juiciness and tenderness. You can replace cornstarch with potato starch or rice flour for a crispier coating if cornstarch is unavailable. If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the brown sugar or swap soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure even cooking without excess oil absorption. Your garnishes such as sesame seeds and scallions can be toasted or fresh based on preference to add texture and flavor depth.
Tips
Ensure your vegetable oil reaches the correct temperature of 350degF (175degC) before frying to achieve a crispy, golden crust without absorbing excess oil. Use separate bowls for the egg wash and flour-cornstarch coating to prevent clumping and ensure even breading on each chicken piece. When making the sauce, stirring in the cornstarch slurry gradually prevents lumps and helps achieve a smooth, glossy texture. To maintain crispiness, drain fried chicken on paper towels or a baking sheet before tossing in the sauce, and serve your Honey Sesame Chicken Breast immediately.
Nutritions
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast from Panda Express offers a protein-rich option with lean chicken breast providing essential amino acids to support muscle health. The dish combines honey and brown sugar, contributing natural and refined sugars for quick energy, while sesame seeds add healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Soy sauce and sesame oil enhance flavor but contain sodium, so watch your intake if managing salt consumption. Your meal can be balanced by pairing this savory dish with steamed vegetables or whole grains for added fiber and nutrients.
Storage
Store your Honey Sesame Chicken Breast in an airtight container to maintain its tender, juicy texture and preserve the sweet honey and toasted sesame flavors. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain the glossy sauce and savory taste.
Variation or Alternatives
For a healthier variation, you can bake the chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying, ensuring they remain juicy by brushing with a bit of sesame oil before baking. Substitute the cornstarch and all-purpose flour coating with panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. If you prefer a spicier twist, add 1 teaspoon of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture to enhance the flavor without overpowering the honey glaze. You can customize your garnish by incorporating thinly sliced red bell peppers or fresh cilantro alongside the sesame seeds and scallions.
Allergies
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast contains common allergens such as soy from the soy sauce and sesame from sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, both of which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes eggs, which are a known allergen, and wheat present in the all-purpose flour may pose a risk for gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Be sure to review the ingredients carefully if you have food allergies to protect your health and enjoy your meal safely.
Why this recipe?
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast from Panda Express is loved for its perfectly balanced combination of sweet honey glaze and savory sesame flavors, creating a mouthwatering taste experience. The tender, crispy chicken breast pieces provide a satisfying texture that complements the rich sauce, making every bite flavorful and enjoyable. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference, ensuring a fresher, healthier dish tailored to your taste. You can recreate this popular menu item at home, saving money while delighting your palate with a restaurant-quality meal.