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Express Honey Sesame Chicken

Delicious Express Honey Sesame Chicken Made Healthier at Home

Delicious Express Honey Sesame Chicken is a healthier take on the classic Panda Express dish, gluten-free and dairy-free.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Coating
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken fillets cut into strips
  • 1 large egg or aquafaba for egg-free option
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour ensure it's a blend without heavy flours
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch or potato/tapioca starch as substitute
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda make sure it's gluten-free
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
For Frying
  • 1/2 cup olive oil can also use sunflower or avocado oil
For the Vegetable Medley
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper can substitute with red or green peppers
  • 1 cup green beans or broccoli/snap peas as alternatives
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey the primary sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust for spice preference
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar as a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh-squeezed preferred

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the dish onto a serving plate, optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Serve the chicken immediately after frying for optimal crispiness. Store leftovers separately in the fridge for best texture when reheating.

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