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Honey Sesame Chicken

Savory Honey Sesame Chicken to Brighten Your Weeknight Dinners

This Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful Chinese-American dish that brings sweet and savory flavors together, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Chicken Breasts/Thighs Use tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon Powder Substitute with chicken stock in marinade for more depth.
  • 1 teaspoon White Pepper Black pepper can be used if unavailable.
  • 1 large Eggs Replace with 1/4 cup applesauce for an egg-free version.
For the Batter
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour No substitutions suggested.
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch No substitutions suggested.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder No substitute recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil Can substitute with canola oil.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Light & Dark) Optional dark soy sauce deepens color and flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce Omit for vegetarian or substitute with mushroom sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup No substitutions suggested.
  • 1/2 cup Honey Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar White sugar can be used if needed.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is best, but garlic powder can be a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Essential for flavor.
For Garnishing
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Slice thinly for best presentation.
  • 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds Lovely finishing touch!

Equipment

  • deep frying pan
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Sesame Chicken
  1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Sprinkle in chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and enough water to cover the chicken. Let this marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and a splash of water until well combined. Set this aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and combine them with all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and a bit of water until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 365°F (185°C). Carefully add the battered chicken pieces in small batches, frying them for about 3 minutes until they turn lightly golden. Drain on a wire rack.
  5. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and return the chicken pieces to fry for an additional 2 minutes for crispiness. Drain again on a wire rack.
  6. In the same pan, add a touch of oil if needed, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in your sauce mixture and let it simmer.
  7. Add the fried chicken to the pan with the simmering sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

If freezing, keep chicken and sauce separate to maintain crispiness upon reheating.

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