If you’ve ever craved that glossy, sweet-and-salty hit of takeout goodness, you’ll fall in love with this Honey Sesame Chicken. Each bite is coated in a sticky, aromatic sauce that clings lovingly to tender chicken, and the crunchy sesame finish absolutely seals the deal. The best part? You can whip this up in your own kitchen in about half an hour using simple pantry staples, for a dish that tastes irresistibly homemade every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a restaurant-worthy Honey Sesame Chicken is easier than you might think. Every ingredient plays its part, building irresistible flavor, texture, and that signature mouthwatering color. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Chicken thighs: Juicy boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and flavorful in every bite.
- Cornstarch: This creates a light, crisp crust when pan-fried, and also thickens the luscious sauce.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral choice for frying that lets the sauce shine.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds deep savory notes without overwhelming the dish with salt.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens and caramelizes, giving the chicken its sticky, crave-worthy finish.
- Ketchup: Adds tang, color, and subtle sweetness to round out the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Just a splash ensures balance with a zesty pop of acidity.
- Sesame oil: Brings aromatic, toasty flavor to the whole dish—don’t skip this!
- Garlic: Minced fresh for bold, savory flavor in every bite.
- Fresh ginger: Grating it in adds punch and brightness.
- Cornstarch slurry: A quick mix with water makes sure your sauce thickens up just right.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for irresistible crunch and a beautiful finish.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, pretty garnish that pops against the sticky chicken.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch in a large bowl. Make sure each piece is evenly coated—not only does this help them crisp up in the pan, but it also gives that signature Asian takeout texture you’re after. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy; the cornstarch is your best friend here!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in your largest skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Cook the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, letting each piece brown and cook through, about 4–5 minutes per side. This step locks in those savory juices for juicy chicken with a snappy bite. Once done, transfer the pieces to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Honey Sesame Sauce
While that golden chicken is resting, whisk up the magic: combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This mixture is absolutely bursting with flavor and will transform your cooked chicken into the sticky, delectable centerpiece of Honey Sesame Chicken.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
Pour your homemade sauce into the same skillet used for the chicken, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Bring it gently to a simmer. Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry—just a quick mix of cornstarch and water—and watch as your sauce thickens to glossy perfection in just a couple of minutes. The fragrance at this point is utterly mouthwatering!
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until every piece is beautifully coated. Sprinkle on the toasted sesame seeds and those vibrant green onions. That final pop of crunch and color brings your Honey Sesame Chicken full circle. Serve up hot and be ready for “oohs” and “aahs.”
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of the final flourish! Toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions are more than just pretty—they boost crunch and brightness. If you like a little heat, a few red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of chili threads add a surprising kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Honey Sesame Chicken is perfect alongside a generous scoop of fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that extra sauce. It’s also delicious with simple stir-fried vegetables, garlicky sautéed bok choy, or even some quick-cooked broccoli. If you’re keeping it light, serve over a bed of fresh greens for an Asian-inspired salad bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to up the fun factor? Try serving your Honey Sesame Chicken in lettuce cups for a hands-on appetizer, or tucked into steamed bao buns with slaw for a weeknight twist. Mini rice bowls or bento box-style lunches with pickled veggies make every meal feel extra special (and perfect for meal-prep, too)!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken tastes fantastic the next day, making it a great meal-prep option. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but it keeps all the flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, go right ahead! Let everything cool, then portion the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat Honey Sesame Chicken, warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, giving it a gentle stir between each interval to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay extra juicy, chicken breast works beautifully for a leaner version. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—breast cooks a bit faster, so don’t overdo it.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, double-coat the chicken in cornstarch and fry it in batches, giving each piece plenty of space to brown. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the pieces for a satisfying crunch.
Is the sauce very sweet?
The sauce hits a sweet and savory balance thanks to the honey and soy, but feel free to adjust to taste. You can lower the honey or bump up the vinegar for a tangier bite—it’s totally customizable!
Can I make Honey Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Sure thing! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your other ingredients.
What vegetables pair best with this dish?
Broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or even snap peas are delicious alongside Honey Sesame Chicken. They add fresh crunch and soak up that irresistible sauce, making every bite a winner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to treat yourself or someone you love to a seriously delectable meal, give Honey Sesame Chicken a shot. It comes together quickly, is playfully sticky, and just might outshine your favorite takeout spot. Grab those simple ingredients and get ready for a homemade dinner that truly delivers!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this delicious Honey Sesame Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky honey glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and garnished with green onions – a delightful Asian-inspired dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown and cook chicken in batches in a skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer with cornstarch slurry.
- Combine: Toss cooked chicken in the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with rice or vegetables.
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
