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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 large eggs, beaten - Vegetable oil, for frying - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both tasty and simple. You need chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor. The flour and cornstarch mix helps create that lovely crunch we crave. The eggs act like glue, helping the dry mix stick to the chicken. For spices, baking powder gives extra lift, while salt and black pepper enhance the taste. The glaze is a sweet and tangy mix of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Finally, sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, and green onions bring a fresh touch. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish stand out. Choosing fresh and high-quality items will make your meal even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix these well. This blend adds a great crunch to the chicken. Next, let's coat the chicken. You will dip each piece of chicken into: - 2 large eggs, beaten Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken with your dry mixture. Make sure every piece is fully covered. This step is key for crispiness! Now, it’s time to fry. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Aim for 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While the chicken is frying, prepare the honey glaze. In a saucepan, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Cook over medium heat. Stir continuously and bring it to a gentle simmer for about 3 minutes. The glaze will thicken slightly. Once your glaze is ready, add the fried chicken to the saucepan. Toss the chicken well. Make sure every piece gets that sweet honey glaze. Finally, add some finishing touches. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the glazed chicken. Toss gently to distribute the seeds. Let the chicken sit for a minute. This allows the glaze to set. Then, serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Enjoy your crispy honey sesame chicken! To get the best crispy honey sesame chicken, follow these tips. First, ensure your oil is hot enough. Heat the oil to about 350°F. If it’s too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. Next, coat each piece of chicken well. Dip it in egg first, then cover it with the flour and cornstarch mix. This double coating helps create a great crunch. Fry the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil’s temperature and makes it hard to fry evenly. For frying, vegetable oil is your best bet. It has a high smoke point, which is perfect for frying. You can also use canola or peanut oil. These oils have a light flavor that won’t overpower your chicken. Always keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too hot, it can burn the chicken. If it’s too low, it can make the chicken greasy. The right balance is key for perfect frying. If you want a healthier option, try baking or air-frying the chicken. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air-frying, set your air fryer to 375°F. Cook the chicken in a single layer for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Both methods will give you crispy chicken without deep frying. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures a juicier and more flavorful dish, as thighs have a higher fat content. Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier coating, consider dipping the chicken back into the egg and then into the flour-cornstarch mixture a second time before frying. Monitor Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn; if it's too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil. Let the Glaze Cool Slightly: Allow the glaze to cool for a minute after cooking before adding it to the chicken. This will help it adhere better and create a thicker coating. {{image_4}} You can add heat to your crispy honey sesame chicken in many ways. One option is to mix chili flakes into the dry mixture. This adds a nice kick to the coating. Another choice is to stir in Sriracha or chili paste into the honey glaze. This will give your dish a sweet and spicy twist. If you love heat, try using spicy honey instead of regular honey. To make a vegetarian version, use tofu or seitan. For tofu, press it to remove extra moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Coat and fry the tofu just like the chicken. If you choose seitan, slice it into pieces and follow the same steps. Both options will give you a tasty, meat-free meal. Pair your crispy honey sesame chicken with great sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables for color and nutrition. A fresh salad can balance the meal, too. Try adding some pickled cucumbers for a crunchy contrast. This adds flavor and makes the dish pop on the plate. To keep your crispy honey sesame chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it instead. Use freezer bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. To reheat the chicken and keep it crispy, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to restore the crunch. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-8 minutes. Crispy honey sesame chicken lasts about three days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you know when it’s time to eat or toss it. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! The best oil for frying chicken is vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point, which means it can get hot without burning. You can also use canola oil or peanut oil. These oils are good because they won’t change the flavor of the chicken. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Look for cornstarch that is labeled gluten-free as well. This will keep the dish tasty without any gluten. To keep the chicken crispy, you should drain it well after frying. Place it on a paper towel to absorb extra oil. Serve it right after coating with glaze. This way, it stays crunchy and delicious! Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Just remember that chicken breasts can dry out quicker. Make sure you don’t cook them too long. Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too! This blog covered all steps for making honey sesame chicken. You learned about key ingredients and made a tasty glaze. We also shared tips for a perfect, crispy finish. Different cooking methods and fun variations could fit your taste. Good storage and reheating methods help keep it fresh. Now, you can make this dish confidently and impress your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet honey glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dry Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture.
  • Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet, pour in about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (or 175°C).
  • Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Prepare the Honey Glaze: In a separate saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar over medium heat. Stir continuously and bring it to a gentle simmer for about 3 minutes.
  • Coat the Chicken with Glaze: Once the glaze is ready, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss them well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
  • Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the glazed chicken and gently toss again to evenly distribute the seeds.
  • Allow to Set: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the chicken sit for a minute, allowing the glaze to set.
  • Garnish and Serve: Serve the crispy honey sesame chicken hot, garnished with the sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a large platter, drizzled with any remaining honey glaze and adorned with additional sesame seeds and green onion slices.
Keyword chicken, crispy, honey, sesame