Sarah BrownPanda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is a sweet and savory dish with tender white meat and crisp veggies.
The sauce blends honey, soy, and sesame for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Tossed with yellow bell peppers and string beans, it’s a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Steamed rice makes a simple base that lets the sauce shine and keeps the dish grounded. Add a vegetable stir-fry or chow mein to introduce more textures and boost nutrition.
Crispy egg rolls or a citrusy salad offer a playful contrast to the main course. This dish is quick to make and full of flavor, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Coat the chicken in a light cornstarch batter for crunch, then stir-fry until golden. Finish with the glossy honey sesame sauce and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Growing up, Panda Express was one of my go-to places. There was something comforting about their flavors, especially the Honey Sesame Chicken Breast. A sweet glaze, tender chicken, and those little bursts of sesame seeds always hit the spot.
Years later, I set out to recreate that iconic dish at home. With a few tweaks and fresh ingredients, I was on a mission to capture that taste while making it healthier. I’m thrilled to share this recipe, and trust me, it’s just as satisfying as the original.
What is Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast?
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is a popular menu item renowned for its delicious balance of sweet and savory.
The dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy honey sesame glaze, topped with sesame seeds for that extra crunch.
Think tender chicken, vibrant colors from veggies, and an explosion of flavors that make it a favorite across the board.
You will also like the following Lunch and Dinner recipes!
- Louisiana Chicken Pasta Cheesecake Factory
- Copycat Chinese Sweet And Sour Chicken
- Jack In The Box Chicken Fajita Pita
Why This Recipe Works
The trick to creating a stellar chicken dish lies in the sauce and the cooking technique. This recipe uses a combination of coconut aminos and sweet chili sauce, paired with the richness of honey.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of taste. Moreover, using either an air fryer or stovetop keeps the chicken juicy, ensuring that every bite is satisfying.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the chicken:
½ tsp baking soda
1 tbsp coconut liquid aminos
4 tbsp tapioca or potato starch
¼ tsp garlic granules
¼ tsp coarse sea salt
1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the vegetables:
8 oz. French green beans, trimmed and chopped
1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch chunks
For the honey sesame glaze:
2 tsp coconut aminos
1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
2 tbsp raw honey
¼ tsp coarse sea salt
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp tapioca starch
Oils:
Avocado oil spray for air fryer use
¼ cup + 1 tbsp avocado oil for stovetop cooking
To finish:
Toasted white sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
This recipe is straightforward, but it’s all about timing and technique. Let’s break it down into clear, simple steps.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the baking soda, coconut liquid aminos, garlic granules, and sea salt.
Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up that savory glaze. In a small saucepan, combine coconut aminos, sweet chili sauce, freshly grated ginger, honey, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil over low heat.
Mix in the tapioca starch until fully dissolved. Give it a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly. This will take about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with avocado oil.
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Cook for around 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
If opting for the stovetop, heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In a separate pan, sauté the chopped green beans and bell peppers over medium heat until just tender, around 5-7 minutes. You want them vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Step 5: Combining Ingredients
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the prepared glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Add the cooked vegetables, and gently fold them in for the last minute to warm them through.
Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish, and your Panda Express-inspired dish is ready to shine on your table!
Tips
– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and veggies make a significant difference in taste and texture.
– Don’t Skip the Marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavor.
– Adjust Spice Levels: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the glaze.
– Double the Glaze: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the glaze recipe for topping.
– Experiment with Vegetables: Swap in your favorite veggies; snap peas or carrots work great!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you’ve got leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish keeps well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition Information
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Recipe Nutrition Facts
How Would I Recommend Serving Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast?
To elevate your dining experience, consider the following serving suggestions:
1. Over Steamed White Rice: This pairing allows the dish to shine. The rice absorbs the lush glaze and complements the chicken perfectly.
2. With a Side of Fried Rice: Fried rice adds a delightful taste and texture contrast. You can include veggies and even a scrambled egg for added richness.
3. As Part of a Bowls with Quinoa: Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and enhances the nutritional profile. Layer it with veggies and drizzle some extra sauce.
4. Top on a Leafy Green Salad: For a refreshing take, serve the chicken over mixed greens. Add some cashews or sliced almonds for crunch and a zingy dressing.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
Sometimes you might find yourself missing an ingredient. Here are some easy swaps:
– Coconut Aminos: If you can’t find coconut aminos, soy sauce or tamari is a good substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.
– Honey: Maple syrup or agave can replace honey, giving a similar sweetness with a hint of different flavor.
– Tapioca Starch: Arrowroot powder or cornstarch can stand in for tapioca starch in the glaze without sacrificing texture.
– Avocado Oil: Olive oil or sesame oil works well in cooking. However, keep in mind that sesame oil has a stronger flavor.
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp coconut liquid aminos
- 4 tbsp tapioca or potato starch
- ¼ tsp garlic granules
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
For the vegetables:
- 8 oz. French green beans trimmed and chopped
- 1 large yellow bell pepper chopped into 1-inch chunks
For the honey sesame glaze:
- 2 tsp coconut aminos
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp tapioca starch
Oils:
- Avocado oil spray for air fryer use
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp avocado oil for stovetop cooking
To finish:
- Toasted white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the baking soda, coconut liquid aminos, garlic granules, and sea salt.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
- While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up that savory glaze. In a small saucepan, combine coconut aminos, sweet chili sauce, freshly grated ginger, honey, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil over low heat.
- Mix in the tapioca starch until fully dissolved. Give it a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly. This will take about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with avocado oil.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Cook for around 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- If opting for the stovetop, heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a separate pan, sauté the chopped green beans and bell peppers over medium heat until just tender, around 5-7 minutes. You want them vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Step 5: Combining Ingredients
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the prepared glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Add the cooked vegetables, and gently fold them in for the last minute to warm them through.
Step 6: Serve
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish, and your Panda Express-inspired dish is ready to shine on your table!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and veggies make a significant difference in taste and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Double the Glaze: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the glaze recipe for topping.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Swap in your favorite veggies; snap peas or carrots work great!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness, but be prepared for slightly higher fat content.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you ensure that your ingredients, especially sauces, are labeled gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely! Keep them in an airtight container, and they can freeze well for up to three months. Make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
4. How spicy is this dish?
It’s not particularly spicy unless you add red pepper flakes or chili sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
5. How long does it take to prepare the dish?
With prep and cooking, this dish typically takes around 30-40 minutes, making it a quick weeknight option.
6. Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Most definitely! Its sweet flavor and tender chicken are usually a hit with kids.
Conclusion
Creating Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast in your kitchen is not just a practical choice; it’s a delightful way to bring a taste of comfort into your home.
With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you have the power to whip up this beloved dish.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. This is a recipe that not only delivers on flavor but also provides flexibility and options for all kinds of eaters. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
