Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Introduction
There’s something about honey sesame chicken Panda Express style that just makes my heart sing. The combination of sweet honey, nutty sesame seeds, and tender-crisp chicken bites brings me straight back to those busy weekday nights when we’d swing by for takeout. It was always a family favorite, with the kids giggling as they fished out their favorite bits and my husband giving an approving nod after each bite.
But guess what? We don’t have to pack the kids in the car or fuss with a long line to get those flavors anymore. I’ve figured out how to bring that cozy goodness right into our own home, and I’m excited to share every last detail with you.
What Is Honey Sesame Chicken Panda Express?
Honey sesame chicken is a menu favorite at Panda Express, known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors. Imagine small pieces of chicken, lightly battered, fried until crisp, and then tossed in a sticky honey-infused sauce that’s speckled with sesame seeds. It usually includes fresh vegetables like string beans and bell peppers, bringing brightness and crunch to each bite.
This dish has always felt like a treat. Whether you order it at the restaurant or try your hand at a homemade version, you’ll find it can light up your dinner table in no time.
My Personal Connection to Honey Sesame Chicken
I remember the first time I had Panda Express honey sesame chicken. I was a few months pregnant with my first child, craving something comforting. The light sweetness was like a warm hug, and the subtle toasty flavor of sesame seeds made me feel right at home. Over the years, we’ve carried this dish into our family traditions. Sometimes we’d pick it up to celebrate a good report card or to reward ourselves after a long day.
Now, making it at home has become one of my little personal victories. It’s simple, soothing, and the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below, I’ve listed the must-haves for that iconic honey sesame chicken Panda Express taste. Don’t worry, these are easy to find in most grocery stores. If you prefer a healthier spin or have dietary restrictions, I’ve noted some possible swaps as well.
Key Components of the Sauce
- Honey: The star sweetness that makes this dish so special. Good-quality honey brings a mellow, floral sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory depth. If you want a lower-sodium version, grab a reduced-sodium soy sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a gentle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Sesame oil: A tiny drizzle adds that unmistakable, nutty aroma. Just a few drops go a long way.
- Cornstarch slurry: Helps thicken the sauce so it coats each piece of chicken beautifully.
Choosing the Right Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Either works. Thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts are leaner. I often use thighs because I love their tender bite, but if you have picky eaters who prefer white meat, go with breasts.
Vegetables That Shine in This Dish
- String beans or green beans: Add crunchy freshness and a pop of color.
- Yellow bell pepper (or red bell pepper): Sweet, vibrant, and pairs perfectly with the honey glaze.
Possible Ingredient Swaps
- Chicken swaps: Try tofu or shrimp if you’re looking to shake things up.
- Gluten-free: Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Sweetener changes: Maple syrup can stand in for honey if you prefer that flavor profile.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Panda Express Copycat
To bring this dish to life, we’ll break it down into easy steps. You’ll go from raw ingredients to a restaurant-style meal right in your own kitchen.
Preparing and Marinating the Chicken
- Dice the chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken pieces into bite-sized cubes. About 1-inch pieces are perfect.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in the mixture. Let them sit while you get the sauce ready. Even a short marinade helps add flavor.
Making the Sauce
- Combine the liquids: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a drop or two of sesame oil.
- Thicken it up: In a separate small bowl, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth.
- Add to the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into your honey mixture. This will help give your sauce that glossy, thick consistency.
Crisping Up the Chicken
- Coat the chicken: Toss the marinated chicken in a light dusting of cornstarch. This step makes it extra crispy once fried.
- Fry the chicken: Heat a few inches of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) in a heavy-bottomed pot. When it’s hot enough (around 350°F), add the chicken in small batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Tossing It All Together
- Stir-fry the veggies: In a wok or large skillet, stir-fry your green beans and sliced bell pepper until they’re crisp-tender.
- Add the sauce: Pour in the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer until thickened.
- Coat the chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces and toss until everything is nicely coated.
- Finish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and give it one last toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Congratulations! You’ve got a homemade version of honey sesame chicken Panda Express would be proud to serve.
Flavor Variations and Tweaks
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to adjust this recipe:
- Extra heat: Add a dash of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick.
- Citrus twist: A small squeeze of fresh orange juice can bring bright notes.
- More veggies: Throw in broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms. They soak up that lovely sauce and bring variety to the plate.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve honey sesame chicken with simple sides that round out the meal. White rice or brown rice is a classic choice because it soaks up the sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or bok choy works beautifully, too.
If you’d like a break from rice, noodles are a fun alternative. Lo mein or even spaghetti works in a pinch. The sauce clings to noodles just as well as it does to chicken, giving you a simple and kid-approved meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed in my house), store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, it’s best to warm them in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Want to prep ahead? Make the sauce a day in advance and chop your veggies the night before. This way, dinner can come together even faster.
A Brief History & Cultural Background
Honey sesame chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that highlights the fusion of flavors created by Chinese immigrants adapting their cooking styles to available ingredients in the United States. Panda Express, founded in 1983, played a big role in popularizing certain dishes in American mall food courts and beyond. Honey sesame chicken fits into that larger story of cultural exchange, satisfying cravings for something both comfortingly sweet and savory.
For more historical tidbits on Chinese-American cuisine, you might find Serious Eats’ guide on sesame seeds interesting. Sesame seeds have been cherished for thousands of years, and it’s fun to see them show up in modern takeout favorites.
Pairing Ideas: Drinks and Desserts
What do you serve with honey sesame chicken?
- Drinks: A mild green tea or jasmine tea works nicely. If you prefer something bubbly, try sparkling water with a twist of lemon. For special occasions, a light white wine or a crisp cider pairs well with the sweet-salty flavors.
- Desserts: After something rich and sweet like honey sesame chicken, a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of sliced oranges can be delightfully cleansing. If you want a more indulgent treat, consider a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or mango sorbet.
FAQs: Your Honey Sesame Chicken Questions Answered
It’s a signature dish featuring lightly battered chicken tossed in a sweet honey sesame sauce, often served with crunchy vegetables like green beans and bell peppers. The flavors are gently sweet and savory, with a toasty sesame finish.
Not typically. It’s more sweet and savory than spicy. If you want heat, add chili sauce or some sliced fresh chilies at home.
No, the standard recipe at Panda Express contains soy sauce with wheat. For a gluten-free version at home, substitute gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and confirm all ingredients (like cornstarch) are certified gluten-free.
Typically, you’ll find string beans and yellow bell peppers. Feel free to add other veggies at home, like broccoli or carrots, to make it your own.
Follow the detailed recipe in this post. It involves frying bite-sized chicken pieces, stirring up a honey-sesame sauce, and tossing it all together with crunchy veggies. It’s easier than you might think!
The menu can vary by location and season. Honey sesame chicken sometimes appears as a limited-time offer. If it’s not available near you, now you’ve got this copycat recipe for your cravings.
If you enjoyed this dish, you might love these other recipes on my site. They’re family-friendly and bring a bit of restaurant-style fun into your kitchen:
- For a creamy, comforting chicken dinner, try my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
- Love the crunch of a cheesy crust? Don’t miss my Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
- On chilly evenings, curl up with a bowl of my Marry Me Chicken Soup—it’s as cozy as a big hug.
If you feel like branching out into new flavors, consider reading about the benefits of honey at Healthline or learning about Chinese-American cuisine history from a culinary perspective on an educational site (searching NPR’s food section can bring up fascinating reads).
Conclusion
There’s no need to rely on takeout when you can bring the flavors of honey sesame chicken Panda Express right into your home kitchen. This dish has the perfect balance—sweet, savory, crispy, and comforting. I hope this recipe encourages you to gather around your table with family and friends, savoring each bite and maybe sharing a few stories in between.
Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe and make it your own. Swap the veggies, add a kick of spice, or try new sides. Cooking is about having fun, experimenting, and enjoying what you create.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments. Your feedback always makes my day. And if you found this helpful, share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!