Chinese cuisine is known for its flavorful and varied dishes, and two popular menu items that you may find yourself choosing between are honey chicken and sesame chicken. Both dishes are sweet and savory, but they have their differences. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between honey chicken and sesame chicken, so you can make an informed decision the next time you’re craving Chinese takeout.
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| Criteria | Honey Chicken | Sesame Chicken |
| Flavor | Sweet and sticky sauce | Nutty and slightly spicy sauce |
| Main Ingredient in Sauce | Honey | Sesame oil |
| Texture | Tender chicken coated in a sticky sauce | Crispy chicken coated in a sauce |
| Additional Flavorings | Can include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sriracha or red pepper flakes | Can include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and different types of sesame seeds |
| Health Benefits | Both dishes are high in calories and fat | Both dishes should be enjoyed in moderation |
| Gluten-Free Option | Can be made with gluten-free sweeteners | Can be made with a gluten-free flour and cornstarch mixture |
| Serving Suggestions | Served with rice and steamed vegetables | Served with rice or noodles and stir-fried vegetables |
| Popular Variations | Honey garlic chicken, honey lemon chicken | Kung Pao chicken, General Tso’s chicken |
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of honey chicken is predominantly sweet, with a slight tangy undertone. The chicken is coated in a honey-based sauce that is made from a mixture of honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. The sauce is thick, sticky, and rich and complements the crispy chicken perfectly. The dish is often garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, or orange slices.
On the other hand, sesame chicken has a nutty and slightly spicy flavor. The chicken is coated in a batter made from cornstarch, flour, and eggs and is then fried until crispy. The chicken is then tossed in a sauce made from sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili paste. The dish is often garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Both dishes are delicious and flavorful, but the flavor profile of honey chicken is sweeter, while sesame chicken has a nuttier and spicier taste.
Nutritional Value
Honey chicken and sesame chicken are both high in calories and fat, but the honey chicken tends to have more sugar due to the use of honey in the sauce. One serving of honey chicken (4 oz) contains approximately 420 calories, 23 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 29 grams of sugar. One serving of sesame chicken (4 oz) contains approximately 340 calories, 16 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of sugar.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to keep in mind that both dishes are high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Cooking Method
Honey chicken and sesame chicken are both fried to achieve their crispy texture. However, the cooking method for each dish is slightly different.
To make honey chicken, the chicken is coated in a batter made from cornstarch, flour, and eggs and then fried until crispy. The honey-based sauce is then poured over the chicken and tossed to coat.
Sesame chicken, on the other hand, is made by coating the chicken in a batter made from cornstarch, flour, and eggs and then deep-frying until crispy. The sauce is then added separately and tossed with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Both honey chicken and sesame chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, including steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein. Honey chicken pairs well with vegetables such as broccoli or carrots, while sesame chicken is often served with green beans or snow peas. To balance out the sweetness of the dishes, you can also add a side of spicy pickled vegetables or kimchi.
Popular Variations
Honey chicken and sesame chicken have several popular variations that add different flavors and ingredients to the dish. Some popular variations of honey chicken include adding garlic or ginger to the sauce or using pineapple juice instead of vinegar. Sesame chicken can be made spicier by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce or by using different types of sesame seeds, such as black sesame seeds or toasted sesame seeds.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between honey chicken and sesame chicken ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy dishes with a sticky and rich sauce, honey chicken may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer dishes with a nutty and slightly spicy flavor, sesame chicken may be more up your alley.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both honey chicken and sesame chicken are delicious and flavorful Chinese dishes that offer a unique taste experience. While honey chicken is sweeter and has a sticky and rich sauce, sesame chicken is nuttier and slightly spicy. Both dishes are high in calories and fat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, but whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a mouthwatering meal.
FAQs
Here are some common questions people have about honey chicken and sesame chicken:
Is honey chicken healthier than sesame chicken?
Honey chicken tends to have more sugar than sesame chicken due to the use of honey in the sauce, but both dishes are high in calories and fat. It’s best to enjoy them in moderation.
Can honey chicken be made without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with other sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
Is sesame chicken gluten-free?
Most sesame chicken dishes are not gluten-free, as they are coated in a batter made from flour and cornstarch. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour and cornstarch mixture.
Can I make honey chicken or sesame chicken at home?
Yes, both dishes can be made at home using a few simple ingredients. You can find many recipes online to guide you through the process.
