Honey Seared Chicken from Pei Wei features tender chicken breast glazed with a sweet honey sauce, complemented by a savory blend of garlic and ginger, served with crisp steamed vegetables for a flavorful and colorful dish.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Wok or large skillet
- Medium saucepan (for steaming vegetables)
- Steamer basket
- Baking sheet (optional, for keeping cooked chicken warm)
- Paper towels (for draining)
- Plate or serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 large carrot
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing Honey Seared Chicken, it's important to use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender texture and to ensure even cooking. Coating the chicken with a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour creates a crispy exterior that holds the sweet honey glaze effectively. Fresh garlic and ginger provide the savory depth to the sauce, while low-sodium soy sauce and rice vinegar balance the sweetness from honey and brown sugar. Incorporating crisp steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, red bell pepper, and carrot adds color and nutritional value to your dish. Your Honey Seared Chicken from Pei Wei copycat menu will replicate the authentic flavor and vibrant presentation of the original.
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces on the cutting board.
- Mince garlic and ginger with chef’s knife.
- Slice red bell pepper and carrot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and water.
- In another mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, then dip into egg mixture, and again in flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through; drain on paper towels.
- Steam broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot in medium saucepan with steamer basket until crisp-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Remove oil from wok, leaving a thin coating; return chicken to wok.
- Pour sauce over chicken; toss to coat evenly until sauce thickens and glazes chicken.
- Arrange steamed vegetables on plate or serving dish.
- Serve honey-seared chicken over vegetables.
Substitution
Honey Seared Chicken from Pei Wei copycat menu can be adapted easily if you lack specific ingredients such as fresh ginger or garlic by using ginger powder or garlic powder in moderation. When preparing the chicken, you can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour if allergic or unavailable. For the vegetables, frozen broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers work well if fresh produce is out of season or inconvenient to source. Using a wok or large skillet is ideal for even cooking, but a heavy-bottomed pan can serve as a substitute without compromising flavor. Your choice of oil matters; vegetable oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point, though canola or peanut oil can also be used safely.
Tips
Make sure to properly coat the chicken pieces by dredging them twice in the flour mixture with an egg wash in between to ensure a crispy texture. Heat the vegetable oil to medium-high before frying to cook the chicken evenly and avoid sogginess. When steaming your snap peas, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, aim for crisp-tender to retain nutrients and vibrant color. You can keep your cooked chicken warm on a baking sheet while preparing the sauce and vegetables so Your dish stays hot and fresh.
Nutritions
Honey Seared Chicken from Pei Wei provides a balanced mix of lean protein from chicken breast and vitamins from steamed broccoli, snap peas, bell pepper, and carrot. The honey glaze adds natural sugars, while the garlic and ginger contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce sodium intake compared to regular soy sauce. Your dish delivers essential nutrients including dietary fiber, vitamin C, and iron, supporting a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Storage
To store your Honey Seared Chicken, place the cooled chicken and steamed vegetables in separate airtight containers to maintain texture and flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the sauce remains thick and coats the chicken well to prevent dryness. For longer storage, freeze the chicken separately from vegetables, reheating thoroughly in a skillet to retain the glaze's rich honey and soy flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result. Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to change the sweetness profile while keeping the glaze sticky. Instead of frying, try baking the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet at 425degF (220degC) until golden and crisp, reducing oil usage. You can steam vegetables like asparagus or snap peas alongside carrots and bell peppers depending on your preference, keeping Your dish colorful and nutritious.
Allergies
Honey Seared Chicken from Pei Wei contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from all-purpose flour), soy (from soy sauce), and sesame oil, which could trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes honey, which some people may have allergies to, though it is less common. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to communicate your concerns before consuming to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Honey Seared Chicken from Pei Wei restaurant captivates diners with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with tender, juicy chicken pieces that are expertly seared for a crispy finish. The dish features a signature honey glaze infused with Asian spices, making it a unique and flavorful option that stands out on the menu. You'll find the combination of fresh vegetables and rice complementing the rich sauce, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Recreating this popular dish at home offers the chance to enjoy an authentic Pei Wei experience while customizing ingredients to suit your taste preferences.