Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

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Who else gets a sudden, undeniable craving for Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast after a long day? 🙋‍♀️ You’re not alone. This sweet, tangy, and perfectly crispy dish is one of those comfort meals that just hits right, especially when takeout isn’t an option—or when you want to skip the wait and whip up something even better at home.

This homemade version is every bit as good as the original, if not better. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner that’s totally weeknight-friendly, picky-eater approved, and has the power to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar—even when you’re still in your yoga pants with a messy bun.

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

Whether you’re a loyal fan of the Panda Express classic or just looking to shake up your usual dinner routine, this copycat Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast recipe checks all the boxes:

✅ Crispy chicken without any mysterious drive-thru ingredients
✅ A sticky-sweet sauce that’s balanced with just the right amount of tang
✅ Veggies that actually stay crunchy
✅ Ready in under 40 minutes (yes, really!)

It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone to the table fast—no bribes required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
1 pinch black pepper
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup flour
1 Tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

¼ cup sweet chili sauce
¼ cup honey
⅓ cup water
2 Tbsp white vinegar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
⅛ tsp salt
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tsp cornstarch

To Finish:

1 lb string beans, trimmed
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp white sesame seeds

Let’s Cook This Panda Express Favorite!

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
In a second bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour.

Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture first, then dredge it in the flour mix until fully coated. This double-dip action is key to getting that signature crunch.

Step 2: Fry It Up

Heat 2 inches of oil in a large Dutch oven or wok to 375°F. Fry the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!) for 3–4 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Drain well and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

💡 Tip: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken won’t crisp properly. Use a thermometer or drop in a test piece—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.

Step 3: Make That Saucy Magic

In a medium saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens into a glossy, dreamy sauce.
(Resist the urge to make this in your frying pan—it’s worth the extra pot.)

Step 4: Stir-Fry to Finish

Drain most of the oil from your frying pan, leaving just about 2 tablespoons. Add in your string beans and yellow bell pepper and stir-fry for 30 seconds—just enough to wake them up without overcooking.

Add in your crispy chicken, sesame oil, and the thickened honey sesame sauce. Toss everything quickly to coat.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds like the final flourish of a magic trick, and serve immediately!

Kitchen Tips to Make It Even Easier

Shortcut alert! You can prep the chicken earlier in the day and fry it right before serving for less dinner-time stress.
Not a fan of frying? You can air-fry the chicken—though it won’t be quite as crispy as the original.
Want more veggies? Toss in some broccoli or snap peas for a heartier stir-fry.
Serve it over jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re feeling virtuous.

From My Kitchen to Yours 💛

True story—this recipe became a family favorite after one hectic Wednesday night when we were this close to hitting up the drive-thru. I decided to try recreating that beloved Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast instead, and let me tell you—it was devoured before I even sat down. My kids now ask for it like it’s a regular menu item!

Bowl of Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast with rice, green beans, bell peppers, and sesame seeds

FAQs About Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be just as flavorful—maybe even juicier.

How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to get that crisp back.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really! The sweet chili sauce adds a little warmth, but it’s more sweet than spicy. You can always amp up the heat with extra chili sauce or red pepper flakes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. Just double-check the sweet chili sauce label, too.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a fun Friday night in or just need to satisfy that craving on a Tuesday, this Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast will absolutely deliver the sweet, sticky, crispy comfort you’re looking for.

Your kitchen’s about to smell like a cozy, golden-fried dream—and you didn’t even have to leave the house. ❤️

Explore More Sweet & Savory Chicken Favorites

If you loved this homemade Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Breast, your taste buds are in for a treat with these other reader-favorite recipes! Whether you’re craving sweet, sticky flavors or looking to spice things up, here are four dishes that pair perfectly with your new favorite stir-fry:

Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle – A tropical, flavor-packed bowl that’s perfect for fans of sweet chili and honey-glazed goodness.
Firecracker Chicken Recipe – For those who like it hot, this spicy-sweet combo delivers a bold punch that’ll wake up your weeknight dinners.
Honey Lime Chicken – Similar in vibe to today’s dish, this one’s zesty, bright, and practically made for your next backyard dinner.
Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken – Another Panda Express copycat with a sweet and spicy kick that fans of sesame chicken won’t want to miss.

From saucy bowls to fiery stir-fries, these links will keep your dinner rotation exciting and full of flavor—because chicken nights should never be boring!