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Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast copycat Recipe

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Recipe

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is a sweet and savory dish with tender white meat and crisp veggies
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 335 kcal

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

Serving: 278gCalories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 49gFat: 7.6gSaturated Fat: 1.8gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 635mgSugar: 5g
Keyword Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Recipe
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