Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Make gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken at home! Crispy fried chicken with sweet-spicy sauce—ready in 30 minutes.
You know that moment when you’re craving Panda Express honey sesame chicken but realize the mall food court version isn’t safe for your gluten-free lifestyle? I’ve been there more times than I can count, standing in line and sadly walking away empty-handed.
That’s exactly why I created this gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe that tastes even better than the original. The chicken gets incredibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, and the honey sesame sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy with just a little kick.
What makes this honey sesame chicken dish so special is how simple it really is to pull together at home. You’ll have crispy, restaurant-quality chicken with colorful veggies on your table in about 30 minutes—no mall trip required, and you can feel confident every ingredient is safe for your dietary needs.
Table of Contents
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- Medium skillet for frying
- Separate sauté pan
- Saucepan for sauce
- 2 mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels or napkins
- Cooking thermometer
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken Strips
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for egg mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing vegetables
- ⅔ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 chicken fillets cut into strips (about 10-12 oz)
- 1 yellow bell pepper seeds and stem removed, sliced into thin strips
- ⅔ cup green beans cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- vegetable oil for frying (enough to reach 1-1.5 inches depth)
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup gluten-free hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Beat the egg into a bowl, then add the salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix everything together until well combined and slightly frothy—this creates the perfect base for your crispy coating.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cornstarch until there are no lumps. This flour mixture is what gives your gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken that signature crunchy texture.
- Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip back into the bowl before moving to the next step.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken strips in the flour mixture, pressing gently to help it stick, then shake off any excess flour. You want an even coating that’s not too thick or it won’t crisp up properly.
- Heat your frying oil in a medium skillet until it reaches about 350°F—the oil should be 1 to 1½ inches deep. Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil and fry for 6-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re gorgeously golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the finished chicken strips from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper napkins to absorb any excess oil. The chicken should sound crispy when you tap it with a fork!
- While the chicken rests, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the yellow bell pepper strips and green beans, sautéing for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until they’re tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, gluten-free hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency—if you spot any cornstarch lumps, just whisk them smooth.
- Add the fried chicken and sautéed vegetables to the saucepan with the sauce, tossing everything together until every piece is beautifully coated. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce can cling to the chicken.
- Transfer your honey sesame chicken lunch bowl to a serving plate, sprinkle generously with white sesame seeds, and serve immediately over rice or on its own. Watch it disappear faster than you can say ‘better than takeout!’
Notes
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken Strips:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Egg | 1 |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive oil (for egg mixture) | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil (for sautéing veggies) | 1 tablespoon |
| Gluten-free all-purpose flour | 2/3 cup |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chicken fillets, cut into strips | 2 (about 10-12 oz) |
| Yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips | 1 |
| Green beans, cut into 1-2 inch pieces | 2/3 cup |
| Vegetable oil for frying | As needed |
| White sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
For the Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Gluten-free hot sauce | 1/3 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Filtered water | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Instructions
Step 1: Beat the egg into a bowl, then add the salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix everything together until well combined and slightly frothy—this creates the perfect base for your crispy coating.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cornstarch until there are no lumps. This flour mixture is what gives your gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken that signature crunchy texture.
Step 3: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip back into the bowl before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Roll the egg-coated chicken strips in the flour mixture, pressing gently to help it stick, then shake off any excess flour. You want an even coating that’s not too thick or it won’t crisp up properly.
Step 5: Heat your frying oil in a medium skillet until it reaches about 350°F—the oil should be 1 to 1½ inches deep. Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil and fry for 6-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re gorgeously golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove the finished chicken strips from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper napkins to absorb any excess oil. The chicken should sound crispy when you tap it with a fork!
Step 7: While the chicken rests, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the yellow bell pepper strips and green beans, sautéing for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until they’re tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 8: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, gluten-free hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency—if you spot any cornstarch lumps, just whisk them smooth.
Step 9: Add the fried chicken and sautéed vegetables to the saucepan with the sauce, tossing everything together until every piece is beautifully coated. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce can cling to the chicken.
Step 10: Transfer your honey sesame chicken lunch bowl to a serving plate, sprinkle generously with white sesame seeds, and serve immediately over rice or on its own. Watch it disappear faster than you can say “better than takeout!”
Substitutions
Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work beautifully in this gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken and stay extra juicy during frying. You can also use turkey breast strips for a leaner option, though the cooking time might be slightly shorter.
Flour Options: Any gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works here as long as it’s designed for 1:1 substitution—I’ve successfully used Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur with great results. Just make sure your blend doesn’t already contain xanthan gum, as the cornstarch provides all the binding you need.
Sauce Adjustments: Well… if you can’t find gluten-free hot sauce, substitute with gluten-free sriracha or even a few dashes of cayenne pepper mixed with water for that spicy kick. For a less sweet version of this honey sesame chicken dish, reduce the honey to 1/3 cup and add an extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for more tang.
Vegetable Swaps: Don’t have green beans on hand? Snap peas, broccoli florets, or sliced carrots all work wonderfully and add beautiful color to your honey sesame chicken lunch bowls. Red or orange bell peppers can easily replace the yellow one without changing the flavor profile at all.
Troubleshooting For Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
Coating Falls Off During Frying: This usually happens when the oil isn’t hot enough or you’ve overcrowded the pan. Make sure your oil reaches 350°F before adding chicken, and fry in batches if needed—patience here makes all the difference in achieving that crispy exterior.
Sauce Too Thin or Watery: If your sauce isn’t thickening properly, the cornstarch might not have dissolved completely or the heat might be too low. Mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce and let it bubble for another minute.
Chicken Strips Too Dark: If your gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken is browning too quickly, your oil temperature is probably above 375°F. Lower the heat slightly and remember that gluten-free coatings can darken faster than traditional wheat flour, so keep a close eye during frying.
Veggies Overcooked and Mushy: Green beans and bell peppers should stay slightly crisp for the best texture and nutrition, according to culinary science experts. If they’re getting too soft, reduce your sauté time to 3-4 minutes or add them later when tossing everything in the sauce.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store leftover honey sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will lose some of its initial crispiness but still tastes delicious reheated in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore some texture.
For meal prep, you can prep the chicken strips and flour coating separately up to a day ahead, keeping them refrigerated until you’re ready to fry. The sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge—just reheat it gently before tossing with freshly fried chicken and veggies for honey sesame chicken lunch bowls throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
This gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, which work surprisingly well with the sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Man, oh man, this dish is also fantastic for game day parties or casual weeknight dinners when the whole family’s craving takeout. Set up a DIY rice bowl bar with extra veggies, crispy wonton strips (gluten-free, of course), and sliced green onions so everyone can customize their honey sesame chicken dish exactly how they like it.
Variations
Kid-Friendly Version: Reduce or eliminate the hot sauce in the honey sesame chicken dish and replace it with an extra tablespoon of honey and a splash of gluten-free soy sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor. Kids absolutely love the crispy chicken strips, and you can serve the sauce on the side for picky eaters who want to control how much goes on their food.
Extra Spicy Option: Double the hot sauce or add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes directly to the sauce for serious heat lovers. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños with the vegetables for an extra kick that makes this Panda Express honey sesame chicken really sing.
Air Fryer Method: Skip the deep frying and cook the breaded chicken strips in your air fryer at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through and spritzing with cooking spray. You’ll save calories and cleanup time while still getting that satisfying crunch—perfect for busy weeknight honey sesame chicken lunch bowls.
Protein Alternatives: This coating and sauce work beautifully with extra-firm tofu, shrimp, or even thick white fish fillets for variety. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp only needs 3-4 minutes of frying, while tofu should be pressed well and fried for about 5-6 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in Panda Express honey sesame chicken?
Traditional Panda Express honey sesame chicken contains crispy fried chicken, a sweet honey-based sauce, and sesame seeds for garnish.
However, the restaurant version typically includes wheat flour and may contain dairy, which is why this gluten-free dairy-free version uses gluten-free flour and naturally dairy-free ingredients while capturing that signature flavor.
Is Panda honey sesame chicken dairy-free?
The original Panda Express version may contain trace dairy depending on preparation methods and cross-contamination in their kitchens. This homemade gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken is completely dairy-free since it uses only oil, eggs, and naturally dairy-free sauce ingredients—perfect for anyone avoiding lactose or following a dairy-free lifestyle.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This honey sesame chicken dish is already completely gluten-free! Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free all-purpose flour, gluten-free hot sauce (check labels carefully), and frying in clean oil that hasn’t been used for breaded wheat products.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Absolutely! Arrange the breaded chicken strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried, but it’s a healthier option that still delivers great flavor for your honey sesame chicken lunch bowls.
Best way to keep the coating crispy?
The secret to maintaining that crispy coating is making sure your chicken is completely dry before dredging, your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F), and you don’t overcrowd the pan. Toss the chicken with the sauce just before serving rather than letting it sit in the sauce for extended periods.
Which items at Panda Express are gluten-free?
According to Panda Express allergen information, most of their regular menu items contain wheat or soy sauce with gluten. Your safest bet is making this gluten-free dairy-free Panda Express honey sesame chicken at home where you have complete control over every ingredient and can avoid cross-contamination concerns.
Final Thoughts
If you’re loving these Asian-inspired gluten-free creations, you’ll definitely want to try our perfectly chewy chocolate crinkle cookies for dessert! And when cooler weather hits, warm up with our rich and cozy hot cocoa cookies that pair beautifully with your favorite tea.
For a sweet ending to your honey sesame chicken dinner, don’t miss our silky dairy-free pumpkin pie that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you’re craving something special without the dairy.
