As the aroma of sizzling chicken fills the kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me—it’s like I’m back at my favorite takeout spot, but without the gluten or dairy! This Gluten-Free Honey Sesame Chicken is my healthier rendition of the beloved Panda Express classic, and it’s bursting with crispy deliciousness. The sweet-and-sour honey sauce envelops tender chicken strips, complemented by vibrant sautéed bell peppers and crunchy green beans. Not only does this dish cater to those with dietary restrictions, but it also brings the kind of comforting familiarity that makes any dinner feel special. And the best part? It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight family meal. Ready to relish that homemade magic? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why is this Honey Sesame Chicken special?
Deliciously Healthy: This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken version retains all the flavor while being gluten-free and dairy-free—ideal for everyone at the table!
Crispy Texture: With the perfect crunch from the chicken coating, this dish serves as a satisfying alternative to fast food.
Quick and Easy: Preparing this meal takes just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
Vibrant Color: The bright bell peppers and green beans not only add taste but also provide essential nutrients, creating a wholesome meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet-and-sour honey sauce is bound to delight both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Express Honey Sesame Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to create a healthier twist on the classic Panda Express favorite!
For the Chicken Coating
- Chicken Fillets – Use boneless, skinless breast for the best frying experience.
- Egg – Binds everything together; swap it with aquafaba for an egg-free option.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – The key to a crispy coating; ensure it’s a blend without heavy flours.
- Cornstarch – Ensures a delightful crunch; substitute with potato or tapioca starch if necessary.
- Baking Soda – Helps the coating puff up; verify it’s gluten-free for safety.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance flavor; adjust to your taste.
For Frying
- Olive Oil – Perfect for frying; sunflower or avocado oil works great as well.
For the Vegetable Medley
- Yellow Bell Pepper – Adds sweetness and color; feel free to substitute with red or green peppers.
- Green Beans – Provides satisfying crunch; try using broccoli or snap peas as alternatives.
For the Sauce
- Honey – The star of the dish for sweetness; there’s no substitute that matches its flavor.
- Hot Sauce – Offers a hint of spice; adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the sweetness beautifully; rice vinegar is a good swap if needed.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the sauce; fresh-squeezed is always the best choice for flavor.
This Express Honey Sesame Chicken recipe promises not just comfort, but a joyful experience for every home chef!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating
In a mixing bowl, beat one egg with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and additional seasonings until evenly mixed. This ensures a flavorful and crispy coating for your Express Honey Sesame Chicken.
Step 2: Coat Chicken
Take your boneless, skinless chicken fillets and cut them into strips. Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing down gently to adhere. This coating process is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch when frying.
Step 3: Fry Chicken
Heat about a half-inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches roughly 350°F. Carefully add the coated chicken strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In a separate large pan, add a small amount of olive oil and toss in sliced yellow bell pepper and green beans. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant. This adds both color and texture to your Express Honey Sesame Chicken dish.
Step 5: Prepare Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Once mixed, sprinkle in a little cornstarch, stirring continually as the mixture heats up. Cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, which will beautifully cling to the chicken.
Step 6: Combine
Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken strips and sautéed vegetables to the pan. Gently stir everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are generously coated with the sweet-and-sour sauce. Continue to heat for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through, making sure all flavors meld.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Express Honey Sesame Chicken onto a serving plate. For an added touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately alongside steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Dive into this delicious dish while it’s warm and crispy!
Make Ahead Options
These Express Honey Sesame Chicken strips are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can marinate and coat the chicken strips up to 24 hours in advance; simply dip them in the egg mixture and coat them with the flour mixture, then refrigerate in an airtight container. The sautéed vegetables can also be prepped ahead and stored for 2-3 days in the fridge, but it’s best to add them to the dish just before serving to keep their vibrant crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry the chicken and sauté the vegetables before tossing them in the sauce for a meal that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Variations & Substitutions for Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists!
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Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu, pressing it to remove excess moisture for a perfect crispy finish. Sauté it just like the chicken for a similar texture.
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Vegetable Swap: Mix it up with different veggies! Broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots can bring new flavors and crunch to your dish.
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Sweetness Control: Reduce or increase the honey in the sauce to match your taste preference or dietary needs—perhaps try maple syrup for a unique twist!
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Spicy Kick: Add more hot sauce or even some chili flakes to ramp up the heat. This will make each bite pop with flavor.
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Grain Alternatives: For a hearty base, serve this dish over quinoa or farro instead of rice or cauliflower rice for added texture and nutrition.
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Crispy Additions: Toss in some toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts, like cashews, for an extra layer of crunch that surprises your palate.
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Herb Infusion: Boost the flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top before serving. This brightens the dish beautifully!
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Coconut Twist: Change the oil for coconut oil when frying for a hint of tropical flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Get inspired and explore the many variations you can bring to your Express Honey Sesame Chicken, and don’t hesitate to check out our Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Street Corn Chicken recipes for more tasty ideas!
What to Serve with Gluten-Free Honey Sesame Chicken
Creating a well-rounded meal around this tantalizing dish is easy when you have these delightful pairings in mind.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture perfectly absorbs the sweet-and-sour sauce, providing a comforting base for your chicken.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that offers a light crunch, enhancing the wholesome feel of the dish.
- Asian Slaw: This vibrant mix of shredded cabbage and carrots adds a refreshing crunch and a zesty flavor profile that complements the chicken beautifully.
A tangy slaw can elevate the whole dining experience. Toss in some sesame oil for a flavor harmony that ties all the elements together.
- Crispy Egg Rolls: Stuffed with fresh vegetables, these add a delightful crunch and a savory counterpart to the sweet chicken.
- Sautéed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli balances the sweetness while adding a vibrant green hue to your plate, making it a feast for the eyes.
- Chilled Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad offers a cool contrast to the rich honey sesame chicken, perfect for warm nights.
- Bubbly Ginger Ale: This effervescent drink enhances the meal’s flavor without overwhelming it, providing a spicy-sweet note that echoes the dish’s sauce.
Consider serving with a delicate dessert like a mango or coconut sorbet. The lightness will cleanse the palate, making the dining experience feel complete.
How to Store and Freeze Honey Sesame Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness. Keep vegetables separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. This will help retain their textures when reheated.
Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a little oil if needed to restore crispiness.
Meal Prep Tip: Consider batch cooking your Express Honey Sesame Chicken and freeze portions for quick meal solutions during busy weeks.
Expert Tips for Express Honey Sesame Chicken
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Crispiness Guarantee: Serve the chicken immediately after frying to ensure it retains its crunch. Waiting too long can lead to sogginess in the coating.
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Proper Temperature: Maintain oil at around 350°F while frying; too low will make the coating absorb oil, while too high can burn it quickly.
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Batch Cooking: Fry the chicken in smaller batches to avoid crowding the pan. This helps achieve even cooking and crispiness for your Express Honey Sesame Chicken.
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Veggie Varieties: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables for added flavor and nutrition, but don’t cook them too long—keep them crunchy!
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Sauce Balance: Adjust the sweetness or heat by varying the honey and hot sauce amounts in the sauce, making it a perfect fit for your taste buds.
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Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, keep the chicken and vegetables separate in the fridge to maintain the best texture when reheating.
Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Express Honey Sesame Chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They fry beautifully and remain juicy inside. If you’re looking for alternatives, organic chicken is a great choice, and if you’re going plant-based, try firm tofu, which will soak up the sauce wonderfully!
How should I store leftover Express Honey Sesame Chicken?
Very! To maintain freshness, store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sautéed vegetables separate, as they’ll become soggy if they sit in the sauce. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stovetop, and add a splash of oil to crisp it up!
Can I freeze the Honey Sesame Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, first allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Then, place the chicken in one airtight container and the sauce in another, both labeled with the date. They should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet.
What if my chicken coating isn’t crispy?
Don’t worry! If your Express Honey Sesame Chicken doesn’t come out crispy, it could be from a few factors. First, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. Secondly, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as that can cause the temperature to drop. If you’d like, double-check your coating technique, making sure to fully coat the chicken after dipping it in the egg. This creates that delightful crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! This recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with these dietary restrictions. However, always double-check labels on sauces and ingredients, as some brands may have hidden gluten or dairy. If you’re making this dish for someone with a specific allergy, a good practice is to do a quick ingredient check to ensure everyone’s safe!
How can I make this dish spicier?
The more the merrier! To amp up the heat in your Express Honey Sesame Chicken, simply increase the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. You could also add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. For even more heat, consider marinating the chicken in hot sauce before coating it. Enjoy adjusting per your taste for a delightful spicy twist!
Delicious Express Honey Sesame Chicken Made Healthier at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, beat one egg with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and additional seasonings until evenly mixed.
- Take your boneless, skinless chicken fillets and cut them into strips. Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing down gently to adhere.
- Heat about a half-inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches roughly 350°F. Carefully add the coated chicken strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- In a separate large pan, add a small amount of olive oil and toss in sliced yellow bell pepper and green beans. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Once mixed, stir in a little cornstarch, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken strips and sautéed vegetables to the pan. Gently stir everything together to ensure coating with the sauce. Continue to heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the dish onto a serving plate, optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
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