The Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is sweet, crispy and very comforting. It tastes like takeout but feels fresh at home.
Many people love this dish for its sticky sauce and tender chicken. If you search How to make Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken, you want simple steps and real flavor.
This recipe delivers both. The colors look bright. The taste feels balanced. Once you try it, you will crave it again.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this recipe on a weekend evening. I wanted something fun and familiar. The chicken turned crispy quickly.
The sauce smelled amazing while cooking. My kitchen felt like a small restaurant. Everyone loved the sweet honey taste.
The sesame flavor felt light, not heavy. I served it with rice. Plates came back empty. Now this dish is on my repeat list.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
- Cooking Temperature: Fry chicken in oil at medium-high heat, about 350°F

Equipment List
- Large frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients You Need for Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
- Boneless chicken breast – 1 pound, cut into bite pieces
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
- Eggs – 2, beaten
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Oil for frying – 2 cups
For the sauce
- Honey – ⅓ cup
- Soy sauce – ¼ cup
- Ketchup – 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 teaspoon, minced
For garnish
- Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon
- Green onions – 2 tablespoons, chopped
These are the key Ingredients for Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken.
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Cut chicken into even pieces. Season with salt and black pepper evenly.
2. Make the coating
Mix cornstarch and flour in a bowl. Dip chicken into eggs, then dry mix.
3. Heat the oil
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Oil should reach about 350°F.
4. Fry the chicken
Fry chicken in batches. Cook until golden and crispy on all sides.
5. Drain the chicken
Remove chicken using a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.
6. Prepare the sauce
Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil and garlic in a bowl.
7. Cook the sauce
Pour sauce into a clean pan. Cook on medium heat until slightly thick.
8. Combine chicken and sauce
Add crispy chicken to the sauce. Toss gently until fully coated.
9. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve hot and fresh.
Recipe Tips
- Cut chicken evenly for even cooking.
- Do not crowd the pan while frying.
- Keep oil hot for crispy texture.
- Taste sauce before adding chicken.
- Toss gently to keep coating crisp.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot for best taste. Steamed white rice works perfectly. Brown rice is also a good choice. You can serve it with noodles too.
I like adding extra green onions on top. A squeeze of lime adds brightness. This dish feels great for lunch or dinner.
Best Sides To Serve With
This chicken pairs well with fried rice. Steamed broccoli adds balance. Vegetable spring rolls are a fun side. Simple stir-fried vegetables also work well. Light sides help the sweet sauce shine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan for best texture.
Use medium heat while reheating. Avoid the microwave if possible. The oven can be used at 350°F for ten minutes.

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breast – 1 pound cut into bite pieces
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
- Eggs – 2 beaten
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Oil for frying – 2 cups
For the sauce
- Honey – ⅓ cup
- Soy sauce – ¼ cup
- Ketchup – 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 teaspoon minced
For garnish
- Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon
- Green onions – 2 tablespoons chopped
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
- Cut chicken into even pieces. Season with salt and black pepper evenly.
Make the coating
- Mix cornstarch and flour in a bowl. Dip chicken into eggs, then dry mix.
Heat the oil
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Oil should reach about 350°F.
Fry the chicken
- Fry chicken in batches. Cook until golden and crispy on all sides.
Drain the chicken
- Remove chicken using a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the sauce
- Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil and garlic in a bowl.
Cook the sauce
- Pour sauce into a clean pan. Cook on medium heat until slightly thick.
Combine chicken and sauce
- Add crispy chicken to the sauce. Toss gently until fully coated.
Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve hot and fresh.
Notes
- Cut chicken evenly for even cooking.
- Do not crowd the pan while frying.
- Keep oil hot for crispy texture.
- Taste sauce before adding chicken.
- Toss gently to keep coating crisp.
FAQs about Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake it. Bake at 400°F until crispy, but frying gives better texture.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced. You can reduce honey slightly for less sweetness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well. They stay juicy and flavorful when cooked.
What oil is best for frying?
Use vegetable or canola oil. They handle high heat well and taste neutral.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love the sweet sauce. It is not spicy at all.
Conclusion
This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe brings takeout joy to your home. It is crispy, sweet and very satisfying.
Now you know How to make Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken with simple steps. The flavors feel familiar and comforting. Try it once, and it may become a family favorite. Homemade always tastes better.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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