Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

This copycat Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken tastes just like the restaurant favorite — maybe even better! Each piece of crispy golden chicken is coated in a glossy, sticky-sweet honey sesame sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The sauce is perfectly balanced — sweet with just the right hint of tang and a subtle kick — and it clings to every bite of chicken. And if you’ve tried any of my other Panda Express copycat recipes — like my Honey Walnut Shrimp or Beijing Beef — you know I don’t mess around when it comes to recreating those iconic flavors. But I’ve got to say…this honey sesame chicken breast might just be my best one yet.

Why I Love This Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

I’ve always loved Panda Express’s Honey Sesame Chicken, so I had to create a version I could make at home anytime — and honestly, it’s spot-on. Every bite hits that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, with a crunchy chicken coating that soaks up the thick, flavorful honey sesame sauce.

The sauce is what makes this dish shine — it’s sticky, fragrant, and just the right level of glossy to coat every bite. The sesame oil and honey give it a rich depth, while a splash of rice vinegar and soy sauce adds that signature tangy umami flavor Panda Express is known for. It’s bold enough to serve as a main dish but versatile enough to pair with almost any side.

The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. And if not, there are simple swaps that still give you that authentic Panda Express flavor. It’s quick, affordable, and guaranteed to impress whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests.

By the way, if you have any leftover chicken give this copycat Cheesecake Factory Thai Coconut Lime Chicken recipe a shot next!

Step 1: Prepare the egg coat

First, whisk together the egg, salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of oil in a medium-sized bowl. Then you can set it aside for later.

Step 2: Prepare the flour

Now, in a second bowl, add ½ cup of cornstarch and ¼ cup of flour, and mix until well combined. 

Step 3: Heat the oil

Add the oil to a large wok, dutch oven, or pan and heat it to 375°F. Also, make sure you use enough oil so that it comes up about 2 inches high in the wok. This should be enough to cover the chicken completely in oil. Make sure the oil is well-heated before frying. Otherwise, the chicken won't get as crispy.

Step 4: Bread the chicken

 Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture first and then dredge them in the flour mixture afterward. Make sure every piece is well-coated on all sides with the flour mix. I like to gently press the chicken into the flour to help it stick.

Step 5: Fry the chicken

 Once the oil is fully preheated, add a few pieces of breaded chicken to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crisp. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking so it cooks evenly on both sides. Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spatula, and be sure to drain the oil well. Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help remove some of the extra remaining oil on the chicken.

Step 6: Make the sauce

 Combine the sweet chili sauce, honey, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Separately, combine the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl. Once it dissolves, add it to the saucepan with the rest of the ingredients. Whisk everything together, bring the sauce to a boil, and cook until it thickens.

Step 7: Stir-fry the veggies

Next, in a clean skillet, add 2 teaspoons of sesame oil and let it heat up. Once it's heated, add the trimmed string beans and yellow bell peppers, along with any other vegetables you wish to add, and stir-fry them until they are slightly softened and cooked to your desired tenderness.

Step 8: Serve

Now that everything is all cooked and ready to serve, add the veggies, chicken, and sauce to the bowl. Mix it all together with tongs, making sure every chicken piece gets fully covered with the sauce. Serve warm in four separate bowls, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken FAQS

Can I add other veggies to this recipe?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts about this copycat Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken recipe — it’s totally customizable. You can toss in just about any vegetable you’d find in a classic stir-fry. Some of my favorites are broccoli, baby corn, bok choy, mushrooms, snow peas, bell peppers, or bamboo shoots. They soak up the sauce beautifully and add extra color, flavor, and nutrition. You can also mix in white rice, fried rice, or noodles to turn it into a complete meal.

Did Panda Express get rid of the Honey Sesame Chicken?

Yes — Panda Express offers Honey Sesame Chicken as a limited-time menu item. It comes and goes seasonally, which is exactly why this homemade version is such a win. You can make it whenever you’re craving it — and honestly, this copycat version tastes just as good (if not better) than the one at the restaurant.

Is Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken spicy?

The original Panda Express version is mildly spicy thanks to the addition of sweet chili sauce. It has more of a gentle heat than a true kick. When you make it at home, you can adjust the spice level easily — add more sweet chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or swap in soy sauce or liquid aminos if you prefer it mild. This flexibility makes it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer a sweeter profile.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

For that signature crispy coating, use cornstarch instead of flour for dredging, and make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan — this traps steam and softens the coating. Once the chicken is golden brown, drain it on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crunchy. If you’re reheating leftovers, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispiness.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! If you’d prefer a lighter version, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry it at 390°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes. Both methods still give you a golden, crispy texture, especially if you lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking.

What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?

This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Classic choices include steamed white rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. For a balanced meal, add a veggie side like stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or brussels sprouts. If you want to keep the takeout-at-home theme going, try it with my fried squash, coconut rice, or egg fried rice.

Can I make the honey sesame sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to use it, reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up.

How long does Honey Sesame Chicken last in the fridge?

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately — this helps the chicken stay crispy. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven, then toss it in the warmed sauce before serving.

More Chinese-Inspired Recipes To Try

• Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak
• Panda Express Grilled Chicken Teriyaki
• Empress Chicken
• Sweet & Sour Shrimp
• Shrimp Lo Mein
• General Tso Shrimp
• Bang Bang Shrimp