Craving that sweet, sticky, savory Honey Sesame Chicken from Panda Express but don’t feel like ordering takeout? This easy copycat recipe lets you make it right at home—with crispy chicken, tender green beans, colorful yellow bell peppers, and a glossy honey-sesame sauce that hits all the right notes.
The secret is in the balance. The honey adds sweetness, vinegar brings a little tang, and sesame seeds give the sauce that unmistakable flavor. Meanwhile, a light cornstarch coating helps the chicken turn golden and crisp before you toss it with the sauce and vegetables.
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Best of all, you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. In about 40 minutes, you can have a homemade dinner that’s easy to customize, from making it extra spicy to swapping in chicken thighs or preparing it with less oil.
So if Panda Express is calling your name, skip the takeout menu and let’s make this delicious Honey Sesame Chicken at home.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
If you love Honey Sesame Chicken, this homemade version gives you all those familiar sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors without leaving the house. The chicken is coated in a light cornstarch mixture and cooked until golden and crispy, then tossed with colorful vegetables and a sticky honey-sesame sauce.
One of the biggest advantages of making it yourself is that you can adjust the recipe to your taste. Want more heat? Add extra sweet chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a sweeter sauce? Add a little more honey. You can also add extra vegetables or sides to make the meal more filling.
Here are a few more reasons this copycat recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- Easy weeknight meal: You can have dinner on the table in about 40 minutes.
- Crispy chicken: A cornstarch coating helps create a golden exterior without a heavy breading.
- Sweet and tangy sauce: Honey, vinegar, and chili sauce create a balanced flavor instead of an overly sweet glaze.
- Plenty of vegetables: Green beans and yellow bell pepper add color, crunch, and freshness.
- Easy to customize: Swap the protein, adjust the spice level, or add your favorite vegetables.
- Better than takeout leftovers: You can make exactly the amount you need and enjoy the chicken fresh from the skillet.
It’s a great recipe when you’re craving Chinese-American takeout flavors, like in this favorite beef and broccoli, but want the satisfaction of making dinner yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this honey sesame chicken comes down to two parts: frying the chicken until crisp and golden, and balancing the sweet, tangy honey sesame sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to make it all come together in just 40 minutes:
Chicken & Veggies:
- Chicken Breast
- Yellow Bell Pepper
- Green Beans
- Cornstarch
- Avocado or Vegetable Oil
- Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper
Honey Sesame Sauce:
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Honey
- White Vinegar
- Coconut Aminos (or Soy Sauce)
- Tapioca Starch
- Sesame Seeds
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Panda Express Copycat Honey Sesame Chicken, are in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Making this Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken copycat is easier than it may look. The key is to have your ingredients ready before you start cooking, because the chicken and vegetables come together quickly once they’re in the skillet.
Here’s the basic process:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them evenly with cornstarch.
- Cook the chicken: Fry the pieces in batches until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of crisp.
- Prepare the vegetables: Cook the green beans and yellow bell pepper until they’re tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still slightly crunchy.
- Make the sauce: Combine the honey, sweet chili sauce, vinegar, and remaining sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Bring everything together: Add the sauce to the skillet and allow it to warm and thicken slightly before adding the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss and garnish: Stir everything together until the chicken is coated in the glossy sauce, then finish with sesame seeds.
For the best texture, serve the chicken immediately after tossing it with the sauce. The longer crispy chicken sits in a wet sauce, the softer the coating will become. This is the general idea and shows you just how simple this can be to put together.
Explore the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient measurements and cooking techniques.
Printable Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 8 oz green beans, trimmed and diced into 2-inch sections
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- avocado or vegetable oil, for frying
For the Marinade:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp tapioca starch
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the yellow bell pepper into ½-inch cubes.
- Trim and dice the green beans into 2-inch sections.
Make the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, honey, white vinegar, coconut aminos, tapioca starch, and sesame seeds.
Fry the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Add about ½ inch of oil to a skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
- Coat the marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy (3-4 minutes per batch).
- In the same skillet, stir-fry the bell peppers and green beans until slightly tender, (2-3 minutes).
Heat the Sauce & Serve:
- Remove any excess oil from the pan if needed, then add the honey sesame sauce to the skillet. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally for a few minutes, it will thicken slightly.
- Combine the vegetables and chicken with the sauce and stir to evenly coat everything.
- Serve the chicken and vegetables over rice and garnish with additional sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a variation, try using pork or beef strips, crispy tofu, or ground meat instead of chicken.
- For a healthier option, stir-fry the meat instead of frying.
Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best things about making Honey Sesame Chicken at home is how easy it is to adjust the ingredients. You don’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store if you’re missing one or two items.
Chicken
Chicken breast works particularly well for this recipe because it’s lean and cooks quickly. However, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Thighs tend to stay juicier and are a little more forgiving if they’re cooked for an extra minute or two.
Coconut Aminos
If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use soy sauce instead. Keep in mind that soy sauce is saltier, so you may want to adjust the amount to taste.
Tapioca Starch
Cornstarch is a convenient substitute for tapioca starch and works well for both coating the chicken and helping the sauce thicken.
Honey
Honey provides the signature sweetness and sticky texture, but you can adjust the amount depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a different flavor, maple syrup can work, although it will change the taste of the finished sauce.
Vegetables
Green beans and yellow bell peppers give this recipe its classic combination of color and crunch, but they’re not your only options. Try adding:
- Broccoli florets
- Snow peas
- Carrots
- Red bell pepper
- Thinly sliced onions
Just avoid overcrowding the skillet. Too many vegetables at once can release moisture and make it harder to get that delicious stir-fried texture.
Recipe Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken
A few simple techniques can make the difference between good Honey Sesame Chicken and a truly great homemade copycat. Most importantly, don’t rush the chicken. You want the pieces to develop a golden, crisp coating before you combine them with the sauce.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Cut the chicken evenly: Similar-sized pieces will cook more consistently and help prevent some pieces from becoming dry while others are still undercooked.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Too many pieces at once can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam.
- Use enough oil: The chicken needs enough oil to develop a crisp exterior. If the pan is too dry, the coating can stick instead of browning. About 1/2-inch of oil is the sweet spot.
- Don’t sauce the chicken too early: Add the crispy chicken toward the end of cooking so it has less time to become soggy.
- Taste before serving: Honey and chili sauces can vary in sweetness and spice. Taste the sauce and adjust it with a little more honey, vinegar, or chili sauce if needed.
- Serve immediately: Honey Sesame Chicken is best when the chicken is still crisp, and the sauce is warm and glossy.
For food safety, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest pieces. A quick-read thermometer is the easiest way to check without cutting every piece open.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having any trouble with this recipe, these answers should help. For any more questions, reach out to us in the comments!
Why isn’t my chicken crispy?
The most common culprit is overcrowding the pan, which lowers the cooking temperature and causes the chicken to steam instead of crisp. Cook the chicken in smaller batches and make sure each piece has a light, even coating of cornstarch. Let the oil heat properly before adding the chicken, and avoid letting the cooked pieces sit in the sauce too long before serving.
Why is my sauce too thick?
A sauce that becomes too thick has likely been reduced too much or heated longer than necessary. Stir in a small splash of water or chicken broth over low heat until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Add the liquid gradually so you don’t accidentally thin the sauce too much.
Why is my sauce too sweet?
Honey and sweet chili sauce can vary considerably in sweetness, so the finished sauce may taste sweeter depending on the brands you use. Add a small amount of vinegar to balance the sweetness without changing the sauce’s overall flavor. Taste after each addition and adjust gradually until the flavors are to your liking.
Why are my vegetables mushy?
Vegetables can become mushy when they’re cooked for too long or when the pan doesn’t get hot enough. Cook the green beans and bell peppers over medium-high heat just until they’re tender but still have some bite. Cutting the vegetables into similar-sized pieces also helps them cook evenly without some becoming overdone.
How do I make it spicier?
For more heat, you can add a little sriracha or another favorite hot sauce, I love Cholula’s hot sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, since adding too much spice can overpower the honey and sesame flavors.
What to Serve with Honey Sesame Chicken
Honey Sesame Chicken is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, so a simple side is often all you need to turn it into a complete meal. Steamed white rice is the classic choice because it soaks up some of that delicious honey sesame sauce without competing with the main dish.
If you want your dinner to feel more like a complete takeout spread, add one or two additional sides.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed white rice: The easiest and most classic option.
- Brown rice: A heartier alternative with a nuttier flavor.
- Fried rice: Perfect when you want to lean fully into the takeout experience.
- Chow mein: Pair the chicken with noodles for a more substantial meal.
- Steamed broccoli: Adds another vegetable while keeping the meal simple.
- Vegetable stir-fry: A great way to add extra color and crunch.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls: Ideal when you’re recreating a full restaurant-style dinner at home.
- Cauliflower rice: A lighter option if you want to reduce the amount of traditional rice.
For a quick weeknight dinner, I’d keep it simple: serve the Honey Sesame Chicken over steamed jasmine or white rice and add an extra vegetable on the side.
If you’re making this for a family or gathering, set out the rice, chicken, and sides separately so everyone can build their own bowl. Don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common reader questions to help you on your cooking journey!
Is Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Spicy?
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken has a primarily sweet and savory flavor rather than being spicy. The honey and sweet chili sauce provide sweetness with very mild heat, making it approachable for most people.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Preparing the honey sesame sauce ahead of time can make dinner come together much faster. Mix the ingredients according to the recipe, then store the prepared sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Give it a good stir before using, and gently warm it in the skillet so it reaches the right consistency before tossing it with the chicken.
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken?
Let the chicken cool before transferring leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, store the chicken and sauce separately when possible, since the sauce will gradually soften the crispy coating. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer, oven, or skillet to help restore some crispness, then warm the sauce and combine everything just before serving.
Wrapping It Up
This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken copycat proves you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy those sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors you love. With crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a sticky honey-sesame sauce, it’s an easy dinner that feels a little more special than your usual weeknight meal.
The best part about making it yourself is that you can make it exactly the way you like it. Add extra chili sauce for heat, use chicken thighs for a juicier bite, add more vegetables, or serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal.
If you tried this recipe, we’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a rating or comment below and share any changes you made. And if you’re craving more restaurant-style favorites at home, be sure to check out our other copycat recipes.
Next time you’re tempted to order takeout, give this recipe a try—you might just find that homemade Honey Sesame Chicken becomes your new favorite.
More Restaurant Copycat Recipes
For more of the restaurant favorites that you can easily make right in your kitchen, check out some of the recipes below.
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