Did you know Panda Express sells over 100 million pounds of chicken every year? That’s enough to feed New York City for a month! The honey sesame chicken breast Panda Express offers is a favorite for its sweet and savory taste.
I’ve always been intrigued by the flavors in this dish. The crispy, sesame-flavored chicken with bell peppers and green beans is perfect. As someone who loves Asian cuisine, I wanted to make this at home.
My quest to make this recipe at home was exciting. Finding the right balance of sweet and tangy in the sauce was key. The chicken must be crispy outside and tender inside. It’s a challenge, but it’s worth it.
In this guide, I’ll share my secrets for making honey sesame chicken breast just like Panda Express. You’ll learn about choosing ingredients and cooking techniques. Get ready to wow your family and friends with your own version of this dish!
The Story Behind Panda Express’s Famous Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
Panda Express is a top name in quick-service restaurants, known for its American Chinese food. The honey sesame chicken breast is a standout dish. It has a unique history and qualities that have won over many fans.
A Journey to Permanent Status
The honey sesame chicken breast first appeared at Panda Express in 2013. For seven years, it was a limited-time offer, tempting customers with its taste. In October 2020, it became a permanent menu item. To celebrate, Panda Express gave away a year’s supply to some lucky winners!
What Sets It Apart
This dish is unique for several reasons. It’s made with white meat chicken, making it a healthier choice. It has no heat, which is great for those who like milder flavors. A single serving has 490 calories, making it a filling meal.
Fan Favorite Status
The honey sesame chicken breast is a favorite among Panda Express fans. Its popularity led to merchandise in the Panda Express Swag Shop. Prices range from $15 to $60, showing its appeal. While some critics rank it lower, many reviewers say it’s a top favorite, making it a beloved dish.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Panda Express
Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so appealing. I’ll outline the must-haves for a spot-on copycat version of Panda Express’s Honey Sesame Chicken Breast at home.
Chicken and Marinade Components
The main attraction is 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces. To boost flavor, marinate the chicken in a mix of egg, salt, and black pepper. This marinade tenderizes the meat and enriches the dish’s taste.
Batter and Coating Ingredients
To achieve that crispy texture, you’ll need cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1/3 cup of flour for the coating. This mix ensures a crispy exterior when fried at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.
Signature Honey Sesame Sauce Elements
The honey sesame sauce is what makes this dish special. Blend 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. This mix offers a sweet and savory flavor that coats the chicken perfectly.
Fresh Vegetables and Garnishes
To make the stir fry healthy, add 1 pound of green string beans and 1 thinly sliced yellow bell pepper. These veggies add color and nutrition. Top it off with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and taste.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast | 1.5 pounds | Main protein |
| Sweet chili sauce | 1/3 cup | Sauce base |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons | Sweetener |
| Green string beans | 1 pound | Vegetable component |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 | Added crunch and color |
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Making honey sesame chicken breast at home is simple. I’ll show you how to get that crispy chicken taste you love from Panda Express.
Begin by cutting 1.5 pounds of chicken breast into small pieces. In separate bowls, get your egg mixture and dry coating ready. Use 2 large eggs for the wet batter and mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour for the dry.
Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat them in the dry batter. Fry them in 350°F oil for 5-6 minutes until they’re golden brown. For a healthier choice, air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, prep the veggies. Stir-fry 1 cup of string beans and 1 yellow bell pepper in a pan. In another bowl, mix the sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, honey, and ketchup, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar and brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Put the crispy chicken, veggies, and sauce together. Serve with rice or noodles for a tasty homemade version of this Panda Express favorite.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1.5 pounds | Main protein |
| Eggs | 2 large | Wet batter |
| Cornstarch | 1 cup | Dry batter |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup | Dry batter |
| Green beans | 1 cup | Vegetable mix |
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
I’ve perfected my copycat recipe for Panda Express honey sesame chicken breast. Now, I’ll share my top tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Oil Temperature Control
For crispy chicken, keep the oil at 350°F. Fry chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Sauce Consistency Secrets
The perfect sauce mixes sweet chili sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Use 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1/4 cup soy sauce. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water for thickness. Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.
Vegetable Preparation Methods
Keep vegetables crisp by stir-frying quickly over high heat. Use Napa cabbage for authentic flavor and texture. Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal. For a finishing touch, drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
| Nutritional Info (Per Serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 444 kcal |
| Protein | 29g |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Sugar | 16g |
With these tips, you’ll create a dish that rivals Panda Express. Enjoy your homemade honey sesame chicken breast!
Conclusion
We’ve explored the world of Panda Express honey sesame chicken together. This dish is a favorite in many homes across the United States. Now, you can make it in your kitchen too.
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthier. Unlike the restaurant version with 1,450 calories, our recipe is much lighter. We use skinless chicken breasts and bake instead of fry.
For the best taste, marinate the chicken well. Feel free to add veggies like snap peas or broccoli. The honey sesame sauce is the main attraction. You can make it spicier with crushed red pepper and add more nutrition with sesame seeds.
Now, you can make this Panda Express favorite whenever you want. It’s a great option for a healthier meal or to enjoy Asian cuisine at home. Happy cooking!
FAQ
What makes Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast unique?
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is special because of its sweet and savory flavors. It has a crispy texture and uses white meat chicken. The dish combines tender chicken with a honey sesame sauce and fresh veggies, making it a favorite.
Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken Breast at home?
Yes, you can make a tasty Honey Sesame Chicken Breast at home. You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breast, a crispy batter, and honey sesame sauce. Don’t forget fresh veggies like green beans and bell peppers.
What are the main ingredients in the honey sesame sauce?
The honey sesame sauce has honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Garlic and sweet chili sauce might be added too. These ingredients mix to give the dish its unique taste.
How do I achieve the perfect crispy texture for the chicken?
For crispy chicken, coat it in egg and cornstarch before frying. Fry at 350°F (175°C) and cook in batches. This ensures even crispiness. Drain the chicken on a wire rack to keep it crunchy.
What vegetables are typically used in Honey Sesame Chicken Breast?
Green beans and yellow bell peppers are common in Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast. They add color, texture, and nutrients. You can also try red bell peppers or sugar snap peas at home for variety.
Is Honey Sesame Chicken Breast a healthy option?
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is not the healthiest option due to its sweet sauce and fried chicken. But, it has white meat chicken for lean protein and veggies for fiber and vitamins. To make it healthier, use less sugar in the sauce and bake or air fry the chicken.
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Panda Express
Ingredients
- Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Batter and Coating:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Signature Honey Sesame Sauce:
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water for thickening
- Vegetables and Garnishes:
- 1 pound green string beans
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into small pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl, beat eggs. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
- Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat in the dry batter.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes.
- Stir-fry green beans and yellow bell pepper in a separate pan over high heat.
- In another bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thick.
- Toss crispy chicken with the sauce and vegetables.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds.
Notes
- To achieve maximum crispiness, fry chicken in batches and drain on a wire rack.
- Adjust the sauce’s sweetness or spiciness to taste by modifying the honey and red pepper flakes.
- For a healthier version, bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
