Name: Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 chicken fillets (about 10–12 oz), cut into strips; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2/3 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds; 1/2 cup honey; 1/3 cup gluten-free hot sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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I’ve created a copycat version of Panda Express’s beloved honey sesame chicken that’s entirely gluten‑free and dairy‑free—a crispy, saucy, takeout-style favorite you can enjoy safely and deliciously at home. Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this version captures the crunchy, saucy goodness of the original without any wheat or dairy, using simple, accessible ingredients. The sweet‑savory glaze with a hint of tang and heat, paired with veggies like bell peppers and green beans, delivers all the flavor and satisfaction but keeps it safe for those of us avoiding gluten and dairy. Plus, it’s something I can happily make for family dinners with dietary needs in mind.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the fried chicken strips:

1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅔ cup gluten‑free all‑purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 chicken fillets (about 10–12 oz), cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
⅔ cup green beans, trimmed and cut in 1–2″ pieces
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

For the sauce:

½ cup honey
⅓ cup gluten‑free hot sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch

directions

Beat the egg with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl.
Mix the gluten‑free flour, cornstarch, and baking soda in another bowl.
Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat well in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Heat enough vegetable oil to reach about 350°F, then fry the strips for ~6–7 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
In a saucepan, whisk honey, hot sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch; simmer until thickened.
Sauté bell pepper and green beans until slightly tender; add the fried chicken and veggies to the sauce, tossing to coat and warming through (~2–3 minutes).
Plate and garnish with sesame seeds; enjoy over rice or on its own.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Total time: about 40 minutes (including prep and cooking) fitia.app+15dishbydish.net+15pinterest.com+15

Variations

I can make it spicy by swapping gluten-free hot sauce for sweet chili or sriracha.
To lighten things up, I sometimes bake the dredged chicken strips at 425°F for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
For a lower-carb option, I skip the breading and stir-fry the chicken directly, still tossing it in the sauce for a saucy, crisp finish.
Veggies can be swapped—snow peas, broccoli, or even thin-sliced carrots work great.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I heat them gently on the stovetop in a pan to maintain crispiness—or microwave briefly, then finish in a hot skillet to revive crunch.

FAQs

What if I don’t have gluten-free all-purpose flour?

I can use a mix of rice flour and additional cornstarch to keep it light and crispy.

Can I substitute chicken thighs?

Absolutely—I often replace chicken strips with boneless, skinless thighs for juicier results; adjust frying time as needed.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

The original is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure any hot sauce used is dairy-free too.

How can I make it less sweet?

I reduce the honey by 1–2 tablespoons and add a splash more vinegar or lemon juice for a balanced tang.

Can I air-fry the chicken?

Yes! I coat the chicken as directed, air-fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes (flipping halfway), then toss in sauce at the end for crisp, saucy excellence.

Conclusion

I truly enjoy this gluten-free, dairy-free take on Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken—it brings the familiar sweet, crispy, saucy flavors of the original into a version I feel good about eating and serving. It’s easy to tweak for health, spice, or crunch, and it keeps well for tasty leftovers. I hope cooking this brings you as much joy (and flavor) as it brings me—happy frying!