Dinner

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Bynova cole March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

Introduction

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken is a deliciously crispy and sweet dish that’s easy to make at home. Tender chicken thighs are battered and fried to perfection, then coated in a sticky honey sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.

The dish shows five pieces of golden brown fried chicken placed on a nest of white crispy noodles on a black plate. The chicken pieces are glossy as if coated with a sauce, and a few thin green strips of herbs are gently laid over the chicken. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth on the left side and part of another black plate with more noodles visible in the upper right corner. On the right side, there are two white-handled forks resting on the table. A glass cup with a light brown liquid and a honey dipper is partly visible on the left edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces
2 Tablespoons Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon White Pepper
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
3 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
Vegetable Oil, for frying
Green Onion, for garnish
Sesame Seeds for Garnish
1 Cup All-purpose Flour
¼ Cup Cornstarch
1 Egg
½-¾ Cup Water
½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda
½ Cup Honey
2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, egg, water, baking powder, and baking soda until you have a smooth batter. Start with ½ cup water, adding 1 tablespoon more at a time if the batter is too thick.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully place into the hot oil and fry in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce simmers and thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Toss the crispy fried chicken in the honey sauce until evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve hot over rice or crispy noodles, garnished with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the batter before frying.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the honey sauce.
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of fried chicken coated in a shiny, sticky orange-brown sauce, arranged closely together. On top, thin, long green chive strips are scattered, adding a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture under the sauce, looking tender and flavorful. The background is a white marbled surface, highlighting the vibrant colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be leaner and may dry out faster. Adjust frying time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How do I get the sauce to thicken properly?

Simmer the sauce over medium heat and stir occasionally. It should thicken slightly after 3-4 minutes. If it’s too thin, continue simmering gently until desired consistency is reached.