There’s something truly satisfying about transforming ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot. With this homemade Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken, you get golden, crispy chicken bites drenched in a sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every crunchy edge. The marriage of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, while a hint of sesame oil and seeds lends that unmistakable nutty depth. Tossed with vibrant red and yellow bell peppers and snap peas, each forkful brings a pop of color and a fresh, crisp contrast that makes you wonder why you ever settled for boxed dinners. It’s a simple, beginner-friendly recipe that turns your kitchen into a bustling little Chinese takeout haven—without a single line around the counter.
As a home cook who lives for those quick weeknight wins, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up this dish in under 40 minutes flat. With just 15 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cooking, it’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but doesn’t bog you down with complicated techniques. You’ll find yourself humming along while dredging the chicken in a light cornstarch-and-flour coating, then searing it to a perfect golden crisp. When the sweet honey sesame sauce comes together in that same skillet—infusing the garlic, peppers, and tender chicken—the whole kitchen lights up with excitement. Whether you’re cooking for hungry teenagers, a busy partner, or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious homemade Chinese takeout experience.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PANDA EXPRESS HONEY SESAME CHICKEN
To create these irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken bites, we rely on a handful of simple pantry staples and fresh produce that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The star of the show, chicken breasts deliver lean protein and are easy to cut into bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
- Cornstarch
When mixed with flour, cornstarch helps create a light, ultra-crispy coating that locks in the juicy tenderness of the chicken.
- All-purpose flour
Works alongside cornstarch to form a delicate crust on the chicken, ensuring each piece gets that golden-brown crunch.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the chicken and balance the sweet sauce, making every bite perfectly seasoned.
- Vegetable oil
Provides a neutral base for frying the chicken, allowing you to achieve that crispy exterior without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sesame oil
A small drizzle adds a distinct nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish, infusing the sauce with authentic Asian-inspired depth.
- Honey
Delivers a rich, natural sweetness that becomes the backbone of the sticky sauce, coating each chicken bite in a luscious glaze.
- Soy sauce
Brings salty, umami complexity to the sauce, balancing the honey’s sweetness and adding that signature savory depth.
- Rice vinegar
Adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the honey and balances the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame seeds
Sprinkled on top at the end, these tiny seeds add a final textural crunch and a subtle toasty finish.
- Red and yellow bell peppers
Provide bursts of vibrant color, crisp sweetness, and a lovely contrast to the sticky chicken.
- Snap peas
Add a pop of fresh green color and a snappy crunch that keeps each bite lively.
- Minced garlic
Infuses the dish with a savory aromatics layer, delivering that unmistakable garlicky warmth.
- Green onion
Thinly sliced and tossed on top at the finish, green onion adds a fresh, sharp note and a burst of color that complements the sesame seeds.
HOW TO MAKE PANDA EXPRESS HONEY SESAME CHICKEN
Ready to dive into making your own Honey Sesame Chicken that’s just as good as (or better than) takeout? Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll see just how easy it is to get restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Turn each piece of chicken in this seasoned mixture, ensuring every surface is evenly coated to build that crispy crust.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once, until each piece is deeply golden and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, pour in the sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to let it burn.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and snap peas to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still retain a bright color and slight crunch.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until fully blended. Carefully pour this glossy sauce into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
6. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss everything together so that each bite is generously coated in the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onion over the top for a finishing touch of texture and vibrant color.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PANDA EXPRESS HONEY SESAME CHICKEN
Once your Honey Sesame Chicken is sizzling and ready to enjoy, there are endless ways to serve it up for maximum delicious impact. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, these serving suggestions will help you present this dish in style.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
Ladle the honey sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the sauce to soak into each grain. Garnish with extra green onions for a classic, comforting meal.
- Stir-Fried Noodles
Toss freshly cooked egg noodles or ramen with a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil. Top with the sticky chicken and vegetables for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl.
- Lettuce Wraps
Spoon a few pieces of chicken and peppers into crisp butter lettuce leaves. Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for a light, handheld treat.
- Family-Style Platter
Arrange the chicken and veggies in a large serving dish, surround with small bowls of pickled cucumbers, steamed buns, or edamame for a festive dinner spread that invites everyone to dig in.
HOW TO STORE PANDA EXPRESS HONEY SESAME CHICKEN
Whether you’ve made a big batch to enjoy over several meals or simply want to stash leftovers for a quick lunch, proper storage will keep your Honey Sesame Chicken tasting fresh and flavorful. Follow these tips to extend the life of your dish without sacrificing texture or taste.
- Refrigeration in Airtight Containers
Allow the chicken to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing for Longer Storage
Spread the cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air. Store for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight before reheating.
- Gentle Reheating on the Stovetop
Place the chicken and sauce in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Cover and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Microwave with Care
For a super-quick reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second bursts. This method helps retain moisture without making the coating soggy.
CONCLUSION
Now that you’ve mastered this homemade version of Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken, you’ve unlocked a secret to quick, delicious dinners that impress every time. From the perfectly crisp chicken bites to the glossy honey soy glaze, each element works in harmony to deliver that sweet-and-savory punch we all crave. You can print this article or bookmark it in your favorite recipe collection for later, knowing you’ll always have a reliable, beginner-friendly guide at your fingertips. Beneath this conclusion, you’ll also find a handy FAQ section to answer any lingering questions and share extra tips.
I’d love to hear how your kitchen adventure goes! If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment below with your feedback—whether you added a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, swapped in hoisin sauce, or served it over noodles instead of rice. Your questions, tweaks, and success stories help build our cooking community, so don’t hesitate to share. Happy cooking!
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Description
This homemade Honey Sesame Chicken features golden, crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky-sweet sauce, complemented by crisp snap peas and color-packed bell peppers for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in this mixture until they are fully coated.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Add sesame oil to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add bell peppers and snap peas to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
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In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it with the sauce and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
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Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onion over the chicken and vegetables just before serving.
Note
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
- Adding a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the mix can enhance the flavor depth.
