Gluten free honey sesame chicken: Better Than Any Takeaway!

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Have you ever found yourself scrolling through takeaway menus, feeling a pang of disappointment that your favourite Chinese-style meals are off the table? That intense craving for something sweet, sticky, savoury, and deeply satisfying can be difficult to ignore. But what if we told you that you could whip up that takeaway magic in your own kitchen, entirely free from gluten? We’re here to walk you through how to create the most sensational gluten free honey sesame chicken you have ever tried. It’s so delicious, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out again.

This recipe is more than just a gluten-free substitute; we consider it a genuine culinary enhancement. We have carefully perfected the blend of flavours and textures to deliver a dish that’s wonderfully crisp, succulent, and coated in a divine, glossy sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special weekend treat, and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to bring together.

Why We Absolutely Adore This Recipe

This dish has become a cherished staple in our household, and we’re certain it will in yours too. It’s more than just a meal; it’s our answer for anyone navigating a gluten-free diet who refuses to sacrifice an ounce of flavour. Here’s exactly why we find it so exceptional:

Unbeatable Flavour: The sauce is the true heart of this dish. It strikes a flawless chord between sweet honey, savoury tamari, nutty sesame, and a subtle warmth from fresh ginger and garlic.
Incredibly Crispy Chicken: We’re letting you in on our little secret for achieving that perfectly light and crispy coating on the chicken, all without a speck of wheat flour. It truly is a game-changer!
Quick and Easy: From beginning to end, you can have this delightful meal on the table in about 30 minutes, which makes it a brilliant easy honey sesame chicken recipe for those hectic evenings.
A Healthier Choice: By preparing it at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can use less oil and sugar and avoid the MSG or other additives often present in takeaway food, making it a fantastic healthy takeaway alternative.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken

Often, the biggest hurdle with gluten-free fried chicken recipes is getting that wonderfully crisp texture we all crave. The solution, however, isn’t some complicated or costly flour mix. It’s a simple ingredient you likely already have in your cupboard: cornflour.

Cornflour is naturally free from gluten and works wonders in creating a light, crisp coating when fried. It sticks to the chicken beautifully, forming a seal that locks in the juices and ensures the meat stays tender while the outside turns golden and crunchy. We simply toss our chicken pieces in seasoned cornflour before frying. This one small step is what guarantees your gluten free honey sesame chicken has that perfect, satisfying crunch.

Ingredients for Your Gluten Free Honey Sesame Chicken

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s get all of our components ready. We have organised the list into two sections: one for the chicken and the other for that crucial sticky sauce. Remember, using fresh and high-quality ingredients will truly elevate the final dish.

For the Crispy Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts (about 500g), cut into 1-inch cubes
60g cornflour (cornstarch)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons vegetable or coconut oil, for frying

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

80ml honey
60ml gluten-free tamari (or gluten-free soy sauce)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornflour, mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (a “slurry”)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
Spring onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Gluten Free Honey Sesame Chicken

Are you ready to work a little culinary magic? Just follow these straightforward steps for a meal that is sure to wow your family and friends. We’ve designed this to be a simple, fail-safe gluten-free chicken recipe that anyone can perfect.

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 60g of cornflour with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the cubed chicken and toss thoroughly until each piece is lightly and evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
Cook the Chicken: Warm the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, gently place the coated chicken into the pan in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so cook in batches if you need to. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is a beautiful golden brown, crisp, and cooked all the way through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Using the same pan (give it a quick wipe if there are any dark, burnt bits), turn the heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for around 30 seconds until they become aromatic.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: Next, pour in the honey, gluten-free tamari, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Give your cornflour slurry (the mix of cornflour and cold water) another quick stir to ensure it’s smooth, then pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously as the sauce begins to thicken and turn glossy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Finally, stir in the 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
Bring It All Together: Add the crispy chicken back into the pan. Gently fold the chicken through the sauce, making sure every piece is generously coated.
Serve and Garnish: Serve your magnificent gluten free honey sesame chicken straight away, ideally over a portion of fluffy rice or quinoa. For the finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and some finely sliced spring onions to add colour and a fresh zing.

Our Top Tips for a Flawless Dish

We want to ensure your dish turns out perfectly on every occasion. Here are a few handy tips we’ve picked up through our own kitchen experiments:

Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is our number one rule for achieving a crispy finish. Cooking the chicken in batches gives each piece the space it needs to fry correctly, preventing it from steaming instead.
Check Your Tamari: Always take a moment to confirm that your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free. Although tamari is traditionally wheat-free, some modern brands may include it. For excellent advice on deciphering food labels, we always turn to trusted sources like Coeliac UK for clear and reliable information.
Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce to your preference. If you have a sweeter tooth, a touch more honey will do the trick. For those who enjoy a little warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick.
Toast Your Sesame Seeds: To bring out a deeper, nuttier flavour, we highly recommend toasting your sesame seeds. Simply place them in a dry pan over a medium heat for a couple of minutes until they are fragrant and have a light golden hue.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This wonderfully versatile dish can be paired with a whole host of delicious sides. Here are a few of our favourite accompaniments for this celiac-friendly dinner:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic choice, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Quinoa: A brilliant option for a healthier meal, packed with protein and nutrients.
Steamed Greens: Add a fresh and healthy element with tenderstem broccoli, pak choi, or even green beans for a satisfying crunch.
Gluten-Free Noodles: Transform your meal into a hearty and comforting noodle bowl.

For those who appreciate Asian-inspired cuisine, we think you’ll also adore our recipe for Tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Delicious Easy. It presents a different, yet equally tempting, spicy flavour profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! To cook the chicken in an air fryer, coat the pieces as instructed. Lightly spray both the basket and the chicken with oil, then cook at 200°C (400°F) for around 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly until it’s golden and crisp. You can prepare the sauce on the hob while the chicken is air-frying, then simply toss them together at the end.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s worth noting the chicken won’t be as crispy when reheated. We find the best method is to warm it gently in a pan over a medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, a few minutes in the air fryer can help to restore some of its original crispiness.

Can I use a different gluten-free flour?

While we believe cornflour gives the best crispy result, you can certainly use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead. The texture may be slightly denser—not quite as light and crisp—but the dish will still be absolutely delicious.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can. This recipe uses sesame seeds and sesame oil. If you need to avoid sesame due to an allergy, simply omit the seeds and swap the sesame oil for a neutral oil, such as avocado oil. The overall flavour will be slightly different, but you will still have a wonderful sweet and savoury dish.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Takeaway Fakeaway

And there we have it – a straightforward, delectable, and entirely gluten free honey sesame chicken recipe that we believe is better than any takeaway. We’ve walked you through achieving that perfectly crisp chicken and the rich, glossy sauce using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your key to savouring a much-loved dish without a hint of worry.

If you’re looking for another wonderfully simple and satisfying meal for a busy weeknight, we highly recommend trying The Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Easy Delicious. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that can be ready in a flash.

We wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a go. We hope you have fun in the kitchen and rediscover the sheer delight of a truly flavourful, home-cooked meal. We’d love to hear how you get on, so please feel free to leave a comment below!