If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and just a little bit sticky—then this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender pieces of chicken are cloaked in a gloriously glossy sauce made from pantry staples you probably have on hand, then finished off with a shower of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress your takeout-loving pals, Honey Sesame Chicken delivers comfort and flavor in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the crispy-coated chicken to the flavor-packed sauce, every item brings something special to the table for irresistible taste and texture.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for juicy and flavorful bites; substitute with chicken breast if you like it leaner.
- Cornstarch: Key for that signature crunch—don’t skip this step for irresistibly crispy pieces.
- Vegetable Oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden sear without overpowering other flavors.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds just the right amount of savory depth while keeping things balanced.
- Honey: The secret to that sweet, sticky glaze that clings to every tasty morsel.
- Ketchup: Offers a tangy touch and enhances the sauce’s gorgeous deep color.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings just enough acidity to brighten everything up.
- Sesame Oil: A must for nutty aroma and classic Asian flavor—don’t leave it out!
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves give the sauce its base of savory goodness.
- Ginger: Just a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger wakes up the sauce with gentle heat.
- Cornstarch Slurry: This simple blend thickens the sauce to that luscious, sticky finish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: The finishing touch for crunch and nutty flavor in every bite.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a pop of color and fresh bite right at the end.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces in cornstarch, making sure every surface is covered. This light coating is what gives Honey Sesame Chicken its signature crunch, setting the stage for all that saucy goodness to come. If you love extra crispiness, don’t be shy—give those pieces a double dip in the cornstarch!
Step 2: Sear to Perfection
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and lay in your coated chicken pieces, but resist the urge to overcrowd—work in batches if you need to. Each piece should sizzle happily, browning and cooking through in just about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once golden and cooked, transfer them to a plate so they stay nice and crisp.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Sauce
While your chicken rests, it’s time to stir together the star of the show. In a small bowl, simply whisk the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination brings the sweet, tangy, and umami elements that make Honey Sesame Chicken irresistible.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Pour the mixture into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up every bit of golden flavor stuck to the bottom of the pan. Now, add your cornstarch slurry and stir—watch as the sauce thickens beautifully within just a couple of minutes, turning glossy and rich, perfect for coating the chicken.
Step 5: Coat and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss so every piece gets enveloped in that sticky, shimmering sauce. As a final flourish, sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds and shower the dish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Your Honey Sesame Chicken is now ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
For maximum flavor and an eye-catching finish, don’t skip the garnishes. A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch, while freshly sliced green onions bring brightness and color. If you’re feeling extra, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can give your Honey Sesame Chicken dynamic flair.
Side Dishes
While Honey Sesame Chicken stands tall on its own, pairing it with fluffy steamed rice is always a crowd-pleaser—it soaks up that luscious sauce perfectly. For a fresh counterpoint, try it with stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw. Even cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb option without sacrificing satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your meal by serving Honey Sesame Chicken in lettuce wraps for a finger-food twist, or pile it high atop jasmine rice in a shallow bowl for a classic takeout look. You could also skewer the chicken pieces for a fun party platter, or tuck them inside bao buns with pickled veggies for an unforgettable spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly once chilled, but the flavors meld together even more for a truly crave-worthy next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead, freeze the cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-made glory, reheat Honey Sesame Chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave portions in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out during searing.
Is there a way to make Honey Sesame Chicken spicier?
Certainly! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or swirl in a little sriracha or chili oil after cooking for a gentle heat that won’t overpower the sweet and savory flavors.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Double-coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying makes a huge difference in crunch. For best results, fry in smaller batches so each piece crisps up perfectly without steaming.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep Honey Sesame Chicken gluten-free, simply swap in a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can! Lay the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking rack and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crispy, it still delivers loads of flavor and is a great lower-oil alternative.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about making Honey Sesame Chicken at home—every bite is bursting with comfort and excitement, and the whole process is honestly fun from start to finish. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet and savory classic, and don’t be surprised if it makes you skip the takeout menus for good!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the irresistible flavors of tender honey sesame chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing main course for gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken:
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces;
Coating:
½ cup cornstarch;
Sauce:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated), 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry);
Garnish:
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated.
- Cook Chicken: Brown coated chicken in oil in batches until cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer with cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Combine: Toss cooked chicken in the sauce.
- Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with desired sides.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the pieces in cornstarch and fry in batches.
- Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
