Honey sesame chicken and sesame chicken are similar Chinese-American dishes that both contain chicken cooked in a sesame-flavored sauce. However, there are some key differences between the two dishes in terms of ingredients, flavor profile, and preparation method.
Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients in both honey sesame chicken and sesame chicken are:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar or sherry
- Cornstarch
- Sesame seeds
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
However, honey sesame chicken also contains honey as a prominent ingredient, while regular sesame chicken does not. The honey adds sweetness to balance out the other savory flavors.
Sauce Composition
The sauce is where the main differences between the two dishes lie:
Honey Sesame Chicken Sauce
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Honey
- Cornstarch slurry
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
Sesame Chicken Sauce
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Cornstarch slurry
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
As you can see, the sauce for honey sesame chicken contains honey as a major ingredient, while the sauce for regular sesame chicken does not. The honey is what gives honey sesame chicken its signature sticky sweetness.
Cooking Method
Both dishes follow a similar cooking sequence:
- Coat bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Fry the chicken in hot oil until crispy.
- Make the sauce by combining ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sesame.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
However, honey sesame chicken typically has an extra step where the sauce is simmered for 5-10 minutes to thicken and reduce. This helps the saucecoat the chicken pieces evenly in a sticky glaze. Sesame chicken sauce doesn’t need to be reduced as much since it has less honey.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profiles of the two dishes are noticeably different:
Honey Sesame Chicken:
- Sweet and sticky from the honey
- Umami depth from soy sauce
- Toasted sesame flavor
- Slight tang from vinegar
- Aromatic ginger and garlic
Sesame Chicken:
- More savory than sweet
- Strong sesame flavor
- Saltiness from soy sauce
- Tangy vinegar notes
- Ginger and garlic aromas
The honey adds a distinct sweetness and viscosity to the sauce for honey sesame chicken. Sesame chicken has a more savory, greasy taste from the frying oil.
Serving Suggestions
Honey sesame chicken and sesame chicken are both commonly served with:
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.
- Extra sauce on the side for dipping
However, the sweetness of honey sesame chicken pairs especially well with something tangy or crunchy like:
- Fresh orange wedges
- Crispy fried wonton strips
- Sesame noodles
- A citrus-dressed cabbage slaw
The more savory sesame chicken goes well with plain white rice and salty sides like:
- Egg rolls
- Potstickers
- Scallion pancakes
Nutritional Value
Both dishes are high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat since they feature fried chicken cooked in oil along with salty sauces:
Honey Sesame Chicken (4 oz chicken with 2 Tbsp sauce)
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 29g
- Protein: 26g
Sesame Chicken (4 oz chicken with 2 Tbsp sauce)
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 17g
- Protein: 24g
Sesame chicken tends to be higher in fat since the sauce is oil-based, while the honey in honey sesame chicken adds more carbohydrates. But both dishes pack a lot of calories, so portion control is advised. Going light on the fried rice or noodles accompaniments can help balance the meal.
Price Comparison
At most Chinese restaurants, honey sesame chicken is slightly more expensive than regular sesame chicken. Here are some average prices:
| Dish | Restaurant Price |
|---|---|
| Honey Sesame Chicken | $12 – $15 per plate |
| Sesame Chicken | $10 – $12 per plate |
The extra ingredient of honey adds cost to making honey sesame chicken. Making either dish at home can cut down on the price. Buying chicken thighs in bulk and making larger batches of the sauce to freeze can save money compared to ordering takeout.
Popularity
Both entrees are staples on Chinese takeout menus in the United States. However, some surveys indicate that sesame chicken may be slightly more popular overall than honey sesame chicken. For example:
- A survey of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes in every state found that sesame chicken was the #1 choice in 5 states, while honey sesame chicken was #1 in only 1 state.
- Analysis of online menus and reviews show sesame chicken appearing on 48% of menus versus honey sesame chicken on 38% of menus.
- Google Trends data indicates sesame chicken is searched for about twice as often as honey sesame chicken worldwide.
That said, honey sesame chicken tends to rank higher on lists of the top favorites among chicken-based Chinese dishes. So while sesame chicken may be more ubiquitous, honey sesame chicken has a very loyal fan base.
Global Variations
While both dishes were invented in the U.S., they have spread to Chinese restaurants internationally:
Honey Sesame Chicken
- Called “zhīmá jī” in Taiwan
- “Jīng zhāo mì jiāng jīròu” in mainland China
- “Torikara-age” in Japan
Sesame Chicken
- Known as “jiācháng jī” in Taiwan
- Called “zhá jiāng jī” in mainland China
- Referred to as “zèsame chicken” in France
Regional taste preferences lead to some variations in preparation around the world. For example, honey sesame chicken in Taiwan often substitutes maltose syrup for the honey, while sesame chicken in China uses chili oil instead of plain sesame oil.
Health Concerns
Like many deep fried foods, both dishes are high in calories, fat, sodium, and refined carbs when ordered as restaurant takeout. Potential health concerns include:
- Weight gain – large portion sizes and heavy use of oil can rack up the calories.
- Heart disease – oils high in saturated and trans fats clog arteries.
- High cholesterol – frying adds cholesterol, as do ingredients like chicken skin.
- High blood pressure – heavy sodium from soy sauce and frying can be an issue.
- Inflammation – frying and low fiber refined carbs may cause inflammation.
People looking to eat healthier versions of these dishes can bake the chicken instead of frying, use reduced sodium soy sauce, and enjoy them with sides like brown rice and broccoli. Moderating portion sizes is also advised.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Honey sesame chicken contains honey, which sesame chicken does not.
- Honey sesame chicken has a sweet, sticky sauce while sesame chicken is more savory.
- Both dishes feature fried chicken in a sesame oil and soy sauce based sauce.
- Sesame chicken seems to be more popular overall in the U.S.
- When ordered as takeout, both dishes can be high in calories and sodium.
So in essence, honey sesame chicken and sesame chicken are different versions of fried chicken in a sesame and soy-based sauce. Honey sesame chicken is distinguished by its honey-sweetened taste. While similar, the addition of honey makes honey sesame chicken its own distinct dish compared to regular sesame chicken. Both offer diners a mouthwatering mix of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors in a classic Chinese-American dish.