Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Recipe

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This Honey Sesame Chicken Breast recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. It combines the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and crispy textures that I just can’t get enough of. Stick around, and I promise I’ll guide you through mastering this dish with tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way. Plus, I’ll share a little secret ingredient that elevates this recipe to a whole new level of scrumptiousness.

How to make Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It typically features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried and coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The dish is usually garnished with sesame seeds and sometimes served with steamed vegetables or rice.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar works)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chicken:

1. Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Ensure each piece is coated evenly for the perfect balance of flavor.
2. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then, dip each piece into the beaten eggs, fully coating them.

2. Frying the Chicken:

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

3. Making the Sauce:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the soy sauce, honey, water, vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) to the sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

4. Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the crispy chicken into the saucepan with the honey sesame sauce. Toss until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Serving Suggestion:

1. Serve your Honey Sesame Chicken Breast hot with a side of steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal that tantalizes the palate.

Tips for Perfection:

• Consistency is key: Ensure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Frying Technique: Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; cooking in batches ensures each piece is perfectly crispy.
• Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your preference by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry.
• Secret Ingredient Tip: To enhance the sauce, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
• Toasting Sesame Seeds: For added aroma and crunch, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before garnishing.

What to serve with

When it comes to pairing sides with Honey Sesame Chicken Breast, you have a delightful range of options that can complement the flavors and textures of this sweet and savory dish. Here are some detailed suggestions that are sure to elevate your meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The subtle fragrance and slightly sticky quality of jasmine rice make it an ideal base for soaking up the rich honey sesame sauce.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful stir-fry of vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and broccoli not only adds nutritional value but also vibrant contrast in texture and flavor.
• Noodles: Serve with lo mein, rice noodles, or soba noodles tossed in a light dressing of sesame oil and soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Asian Slaw: Shredded cabbage, carrots, and scallions with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing make a crunchy and zesty side salad.
• Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad with a dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds can provide a refreshing counterpart to the rich taste of the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider roasting vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a hearty and healthy accompaniment.
• Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a healthier alternative to white rice, opt for quinoa or brown rice, which offers more fibre and nutrients.
• Dumplings or Spring Rolls: Add an appetizer such as steamed dumplings or crispy spring rolls to start the meal with an extra touch of Asian flair.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralize zucchini into noodles and briefly sauté them as a bed for the honey sesame chicken.
• Fried Rice: Prepare a simple fried rice with peas, carrots, egg, and a touch of soy sauce as a filling side that uses everyday ingredients.
• Garlic Spinach: Quickly sauté spinach with garlic and a dash of sesame oil for an easy and vitamin-rich side dish.
• Kimchi: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented cabbage, can offer a spicy and tangy complement.
• Asian Pear Salad: A refreshing salad made from Asian pears, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette can balance the meal with sweetness and crunch.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a delightful Honey Sesame Chicken Breast can allow for flexibility with ingredient substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preferences.

Chicken Breast

Substitutes: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower can work well as replacements.

Honey

Substitutes: Maple syrup is a great natural substitute for honey, offering a similar texture and slight sweetness. Agave syrup can also be used for its thick, rich quality, which mirrors that of honey.

Soy Sauce

Substitutes: For a lower-sodium choice, use low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re avoiding soy or gluten, tamari (for gluten-free diets) or coconut aminos can serve as effective replacements.

Brown Sugar

Substitutes: Coconut sugar or raw cane sugar are healthier alternatives that maintain the rich sweetness. Maple syrup or honey can also replace brown sugar by adjusting the liquid content in the recipe slightly.

Garlic

Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is an acceptable substitute. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic needed.

Ginger

Substitutes: Dried ground ginger can be used instead of fresh. Since dried herbs are generally more concentrated, use ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger for each teaspoon of fresh ginger.

Sesame Oil

Substitutes: If sesame oil is unavailable, you can use a mild-flavored oil like canola or avocado oil, though you’ll miss the distinct sesame flavor. Adding a bit more sesame seeds might help compensate.

Vinegar

Substitutes: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work in place of regular white vinegar to provide acidity with a subtle flavor difference.

Cornstarch

Substitutes: If you need a thickener but don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour is a standard substitute. Use twice the amount of flour to replace cornstarch. Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are also good alternatives for gluten-free options.

Sesame Seeds

Substitutes: In a pinch, you could use chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews for crunch, though the flavor profile will change. Poppy seeds may also be used for appearance, though they won’t replicate the sesame flavor.

Scallions (for garnish)

Substitutes: If scallions are unavailable, chives or finely diced red onions can provide a similar color contrast and mild onion flavor.

Salt and Pepper

Substitutes: For a sodium-free option, use a salt substitute or enhance the dish with spices like cumin or coriander to add depth without added salt.

Final Thought

Enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, topped with the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the comfort of homemade cooking to your dining table.

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