Sinking my teeth into crispy, tender chicken drenched in a sticky-sweet honey sauce always transports me to a bustling Chinese takeout, where the aroma of sizzling stir-fries fills the air. But what if I told you that you could recreate that magic at home, while keeping it gluten-free and dairy-free? That’s exactly what I did when I whipped up this delightful copycat version of Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken. With vibrant bell peppers and fresh green beans tossed in, this dish not only satisfies your takeout cravings, it’s also a healthier option that everyone in the family will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good about what’s on your plate without sacrificing flavor or fun. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite!
Why is this Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken special?
Deliciousness: It brings bold flavors of sweet honey and zesty spices together in a delightful homemade dish.
Health-Conscious: This gluten-free and dairy-free recipe invites everyone to enjoy their favorite takeout without the guilt.
Easy Prep: With a simple cooking process, you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
Vibrant Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers and green beans not only add color but also a nutritious boost to your plate.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for families or dinner parties, it brings smiles and satisfied appetites wherever it’s served!
This comforting dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, making it feel like a fiesta at home!
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Ingredients
• Gather these delicious ingredients to whip up your gluten-free goodness!
For the Chicken Coating
- Egg – Binds the flour coating to the chicken; substitute with aquafaba for an egg-free option.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; can be substituted with fine sea salt or Himalayan pink salt.
- Black Pepper – Adds heat; optional if you prefer a milder dish.
- Olive Oil – Used for frying; extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for flavor.
- Gluten-Free Flour – Keeps the dish gluten-free; choose a high-quality all-purpose blend.
- Cornstarch – Aids in making the chicken crispy; you can use potato or tapioca starch if needed.
- Baking Soda – Improves texture when frying; ensure it’s gluten-free.
For the Chicken and Veggies
- Chicken Fillets – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts yield the best results.
- Bell Pepper – Adds flavor and color; yellow is preferred, but red or green works too.
- Green Beans – Freshness is key; string beans can also be used in place of green beans.
For the Sauce
- Honey – The star of the dish, providing that essential sweetness; no substitutes recommended!
- Hot Sauce – Adds a spicy kick; make sure to use a gluten-free version for dietary needs.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Delivers tangy balance to the sauce; rice vinegar can be a good alternative.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed enhances the overall flavor profile.
For Garnish
- Sesame Seeds – Traditionally white, but a mix of black and white adds visual appeal!
With these carefully selected ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a scrumptious plate of Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Gluten-Free) that can be made right in your kitchen!
How to Make Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
-
Beat Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined. This mixture will help the gluten-free coating to stick nicely to the chicken.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and cornstarch. Whisk these together until evenly blended, creating a dry mix that will give your chicken a fabulous crunch.
-
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is coated. Then, take the chicken and roll it in the flour mixture until it is fully coated. Set aside.
-
Heat Oil: In a medium skillet, add vegetable oil, about 1-1.5 inches deep, and heat it to 350°F. The oil should shimmer, indicating it’s ready for frying!
-
Fry Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken strips to the hot oil. Fry the chicken for 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
-
Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step keeps them crunchy and oil-free!
-
Sauté Veggies: In a separate pan, heat a splash of olive oil and add the bell peppers and green beans. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet vibrant in color.
-
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, water, and a bit of cornstarch. Heat this mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, ensuring there are no lumps.
-
Combine Ingredients: Toss the fried chicken strips with the sautéed veggies and the honey sauce in the pan. Heat everything through for 2-3 minutes until well coated.
-
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish before serving hot. This final touch adds a delightful crunch!
Optional: Serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken?
The perfect meal is about harmonizing flavors and textures, and this dish shines when complemented by the right sides.
-
Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully, creating a delicious balance.
-
Brown Rice: A wholesome, nutty alternative that adds a chewy texture and more fiber for a filling meal.
-
Cauliflower Rice: Ideal for a low-carb option, it’s light yet satisfying and offers a nice contrast to the sticky chicken.
-
Stir-Fried Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli provides a fresh crunch, enriching the meal with nutrients while adding vibrant green color.
-
Asian Slaw: A refreshing side with a tangy dressing brightens up the plate and adds a crispy texture that complements the chicken.
-
Wonton Soup: A warm, comforting dish that blends savory flavors and is perfect as a light starter, setting a delightful tone for the meal.
Pairing these options with your Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken will not only elevate the dining experience but also create a joyful and balanced meal that everyone will adore!
Make Ahead Options
These Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken strips are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the chicken by coating it with the egg and flour mixture up to 24 hours in advance, then store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The sautéed vegetables can also be made ahead and stored separately for up to 3 days, which will help save you time on busy weeknights. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the chicken until crispy, sauté the veggies if needed, and toss everything together with the honey sauce. This way, you’ll enjoy deliciousness with minimal effort, ensuring that your homemade dish remains just as tasty!
Expert Tips for Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
-
Crispiness Factor: Serve the chicken immediately after cooking. Letting it sit in the sauce can make it soggy, so timing is everything!
-
Flavor Balance: Taste the sauce as it heats. Adjust the level of hot sauce based on your heat preference to keep your Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken perfectly balanced.
-
Storage Savvy: For make-ahead meals, store the cooked chicken and sauce separately. This will help maintain the chicken’s crunch when reheating.
-
Veggie Variety: Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and color. This can elevate your dish while keeping it gluten-free.
-
Healthier Sweetness: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using less honey or a sugar substitute in the sauce, but be mindful of the flavor changes this might bring.
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Variations
Customize your dish to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs with these fun and flavorful twists!
- Pork Swap: Use thinly sliced pork tenderloin instead of chicken for a different protein that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Fish Fun: Swap in flaky white fish like tilapia or cod for a lighter take on this classic.
- Tofu Twist: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes, then pan-fried for extra texture.
- Colorful Veggies: Mix in a variety of bell peppers, like orange or purple, or add snap peas for a vibrant crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes directly into the sauce for those who enjoy a spicy challenge.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option that still retains a satisfying sweetness.
- Savory Layering: Add sesame oil to the marinade for the chicken to enrich the flavor profile with a nutty undertone.
- Nutty Garnish: Add crushed peanuts or cashews for an added crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dish.
Each variation opens up a world of delicious possibilities, encouraging you to make this recipe truly your own!
How to Store and Freeze Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, separate the chicken from the sauce before refrigerating.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken strips without sauce for up to 2 months. For best results, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in an oven or skillet to keep the chicken crispy; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Serving Freshness: For best flavor and texture, enjoy your Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken fresh after cooking, but leftovers can still be delicious with proper storage!
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select chicken fillets?
When choosing chicken fillets, opt for boneless, skinless breasts that are firm and have a pink hue. Avoid any pieces that show signs of discoloration, such as gray edges or dark spots, as these indicate age. If you’re purchasing frozen chicken, check packaging for ice crystals, indicating potential thawing and refreezing, which can affect texture.
How should I store leftovers of my Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken?
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to separate the chicken from the sauce to preserve its crispiness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the chicken in an oven or skillet rather than a microwave for the best texture.
Can I freeze Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely! For freezing, place the cooked chicken strips without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. Once frozen solid, transfer the strips to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring that they are not stacked, to prevent sticking. This method keeps them fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness.
What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?
If your chicken isn’t achieving that desired crunch, make sure your oil is at the right temperature – around 350°F is ideal. Too cool oil will cause the chicken to absorb oil and become soggy. Another tip is to ensure that you coat the chicken well with the flour mixture and allow excess coating to fall off before frying. Additionally, frying in smaller batches can help maintain oil temperature, resulting in even crispier chicken!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken is gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring those with such restrictions can enjoy it without worry. If you have other dietary needs, like allergies to specific ingredients, you can easily substitute the egg with aquafaba for an egg-free version or adjust the hot sauce to find a suitable alternative. Always check individual ingredient labels to confirm they meet your dietary criteria.
Delicious Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Made Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and cornstarch.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
- In a medium skillet, add vegetable oil, about 1-1.5 inches deep, and heat it to 350°F.
- Carefully add the coated chicken strips to the hot oil and fry for 6-7 minutes.
- Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a separate pan, heat a splash of olive oil and add the bell peppers and green beans.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Toss the fried chicken strips with the sautéed veggies and the honey sauce in the pan.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish before serving hot.