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Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

crispy honey sesame chicken stir fry - featured image

A quick and easy crispy honey sesame chicken stir fry with fresh vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is fried to a golden crisp and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey sesame sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for sauce thickening)
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, sliced on a bias (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
  3. Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a wok or skillet. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small piece of chicken; it should sizzle and float immediately.
  4. Fry the chicken strips in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add snap peas, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant.
  6. Pour the prepared honey sesame sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Return the crispy chicken to the pan. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce and heat through for another minute.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly before coating with cornstarch to ensure crispiness. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Toss chicken in sauce off the heat to keep crust crispy. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, honey sesame chicken, stir fry, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, healthy chicken stir fry