This Air Fryer Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken bites coated in a sweet and sticky honey sesame sauce. It’s a healthier, easy-to-make version of the restaurant favorite, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
If you love the sweet and savory flavors of Panda Express, this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe made in the air fryer is a must-try!
It features crispy, golden chicken pieces tossed in a delicious honey sesame glaze with just the right balance of tang and sweetness. Using the air fryer keeps the chicken lighter and less greasy while still giving you that satisfying crunch.
Serve it with Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe or Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables for a takeout-style meal made right at home!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy Texture Without Deep Frying – The air fryer gives the chicken that irresistible crunch with minimal oil.
- Sweet and Savory Glaze – The honey sesame sauce delivers the perfect balance of sticky sweetness and umami.
- Faster Than Takeout – Ready in less time than it takes to order and wait for delivery.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing – A flavor-packed dish even picky eaters will love.
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners – Simple ingredients and quick cooking make it ideal for busy evenings.
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender white meat base, perfect for air frying.
- Cornstarch: Helps create light, crispy chicken coating.
- All-purpose flour: Adds crunch and structure to chicken breading.
- Egg: Binds coating to chicken pieces evenly.
- Salt: Enhances flavor throughout the crispy bites.
- Black pepper: Adds mild spice and depth to chicken.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory garlic flavor in breading.
- Honey: Adds signature sweetness and sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce: Brings deep umami flavor to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds tang and balances the sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Nutty aroma that defines the dish’s flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Adds crunch and authentic sesame finish.
How To Make Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk the egg and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and flour.
Step 2: Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour and cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
Step 3: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Spray the tops with oil spray. Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: While the chicken cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (2–3 minutes).
Step 5: Once chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the honey sesame sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over white rice or steamed vegetables.
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe Tips
- Cut chicken evenly – Aim for uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer – A hot air fryer helps achieve that crispy coating from the start.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook in batches if needed; overcrowding prevents proper crisping.
- Flip halfway through – Turn the chicken bites midway to ensure an even golden finish on all sides.
- Toss chicken in sauce just before serving – Keep the coating crispy by adding the sauce right at the end, not during cooking.
- Thicken the sauce properly – Let the honey sesame sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon before tossing with chicken.
- Use a light oil spray – A quick spritz of oil gives the coating a crispier texture without deep frying.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For best results, keep the honey sesame sauce separate to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
- Freezing: Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container or ice cube tray.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy, then drizzle with warm sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the coating will be softer.
What To Serve With Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Panda Express Recipe
Honey Sesame Chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice or steamed brown rice to soak up that sticky, flavorful sauce. Add a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas for a fresh, vibrant crunch that balances the sweetness.
For a complete meal, serve with egg rolls or a simple Asian-style cucumber salad to round out the flavors and textures.
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast Panda Express Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I have to use an air fryer? No, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
How do I make the sauce thicker? Simmer the sauce a little longer or add a bit more cornstarch slurry until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How do I keep the chicken crispy when reheating? Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave to maintain its crisp texture.
More Panda Express Copycat Recipes
- Air Fryer Panda Express Almond Chicken Recipe
- Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe
- Panda Express Green Bean Chicken Recipe
- Reheating Panda Express Leftovers In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Panda Express Black Pepper Beef
- Panda Express Chili Crisp Shrimp Recipe
- Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings
- Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe
- Air Fryer Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Copycat
- Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls
- Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
- Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
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Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts,
- 1/2 cup cornstarch,
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour,
- 1 large egg,
- 1/2 teaspoon salt,
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper,
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder,
Honey Sesame Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar,
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil,
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry, +1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Whisk egg with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and flour.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then dredge in flour and cornstarch mix until fully coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray basket with oil. Arrange chicken in a single layer, spray tops with oil. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Heat over medium, stirring until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a bowl, pour sauce over, and toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice or veggies.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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