If you crave a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that’s equal parts savory, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy, you need this Honey Sesame Chicken in your life. Picture juicy bits of tender chicken, quickly stir-fried until golden, then tossed in a sticky, glossy sauce infused with honey, ginger, and soy. Every bite delivers a delicious medley of flavors with a fragrant sesame finish and a subtle tang, making it the kind of dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a short list of humble ingredients can come together to create something so vibrant and mouthwatering. Each component plays a role, delivering depth, balance, and just the right hint of crunch to your Honey Sesame Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for ultimate juiciness and tenderness.
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken, delivering that coveted crisp surface while helping to slightly thicken the sauce at the end.
- Soy sauce: Used in two steps—marinade and sauce—for deep umami and savory notes that anchor the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral, high-heat oil that lets the flavors of your aromatics shine as the chicken browns beautifully.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for pops of pungent, aromatic flavor the moment it hits the pan.
- Ginger: Grated to release its warming, citrusy kick that’s classic to this dish.
- Honey: The luscious backbone of that glossy sauce, balancing salty and tangy flavors with sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Offers the ideal touch of brightness to keep things light and lively.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a slightly sweet, savory complexity you’ll recognize from your favorite restaurant version.
- Sesame oil: Adds that unmistakable, nutty fragrance to finish the dish off perfectly.
- Cornstarch slurry: Just a bit of cornstarch and water to give the sauce a silky, clinging consistency.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for an earthy crunch and beautiful finish.
- Green onions: Fresh and sliced thin, they offer color and a pop of sharpness.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect backdrop to soak up every drop of that glorious sauce.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken pieces with a tablespoon each of cornstarch and soy sauce in a bowl. This quick marinade sets the foundation for flavor and ensures each piece will have a golden, crispy coating after cooking. Letting the chicken sit for just 10 minutes helps it soak up maximum umami while the cornstarch adheres neatly—a little prep step that pays off big time.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok and heat it up over medium-high heat. When the pan is nice and hot, add the marinated chicken and spread it out in a single layer. Let the pieces cook undisturbed until they start to brown, then give them a toss to finish cooking through—around 6 to 8 minutes in total. You want the chicken to be juicy on the inside with plenty of toasty edges. Remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for just 30 seconds; you’ll know it’s perfect when that incredible aroma of ginger and garlic fills your kitchen. This quick step infuses your oil with flavor and ensures every bite of Honey Sesame Chicken will be deeply seasoned and warming.
Step 4: Whisk and Simmer the Sauce
Whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and rich sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour your sauce mixture into the pan, stirring well to combine with the aromatics. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors can meld and the sauce can start to cook down, intensifying its taste and thickening slightly.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once simmering, add your cornstarch slurry and give everything a good stir. In just a minute or two, the sauce will magically become glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon. This is the moment where the transformation happens—your sweet, savory, and sticky sauce is ready to hug every piece of chicken.
Step 6: Toss and Finish
Return the crispy, cooked chicken to the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure that every bite is drenched in that gorgeous sauce. Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions right before serving for a burst of texture and freshness. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the flavor.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
Nothing brings this dish to life quite like a final flourish of garnishes. Toasted sesame seeds offer nutty crunch, while a shower of paper-thin green onions adds just the right peppery pop and a splash of color. A few extra drops of sesame oil never hurt for those who can’t get enough of its heady aroma. If you’re feeling bold, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Side Dishes
While Honey Sesame Chicken is more than satisfying all by itself, you can easily round out your meal with some classic Asian-inspired sides. Lightly steamed broccoli or snap peas make the perfect crisp, cleansing contrast. Or serve it alongside a tangle of garlicky sautéed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad for brightness. Of course, a big bowl of steamed white jasmine rice is a must to catch every drop of that sticky sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just want to jazz up dinner at home, there are so many playful ways to present this dish! For party appetizers, serve the chicken as skewers or in lettuce cups for easy, bite-sized fun. For a lunchtime twist, tuck leftovers into a warm bao bun or spoon them over brown rice noodle bowls with lots of crunchy veggies. However you plate it, Honey Sesame Chicken always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Honey Sesame Chicken (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
This recipe actually freezes surprisingly well! Cool the chicken completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results; the sauce remains flavorful and the chicken stays tender.
Reheating
To reheat, add the chicken and sauce to a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of water to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently until hot throughout. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, but the stove top helps restore the best texture. Don’t forget to freshen up with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions just before serving for maximum crunch!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works great here if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful to cook it until just done for maximum tenderness, as breast meat cooks a little faster and can dry out if overcooked.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap your soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is also gluten free. Everything else in Honey Sesame Chicken is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation!
Is there a way to make this spicier?
If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce mixture before simmering. You can also top the finished dish with sliced fresh chiles for an extra kick.
What’s the best way to toast sesame seeds?
For best flavor, toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for just a minute or two, shaking the pan constantly. Once they’re fragrant and golden, take them off the heat right away so they don’t burn.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! This recipe scales up perfectly. Brown the chicken in batches so it seals and crisps rather than steams, and make a double batch of sauce in a larger pan. Your guests will love every sweet and savory bite—and you’ll look like a kitchen superstar.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a comforting homemade dinner that’s both quick and knockout delicious, Honey Sesame Chicken is your answer. It’s the dish I turn to whenever I want all the satisfaction of takeout with none of the fuss. Give it a go—you’ll fall in love with how easy, fresh, and fun homemade Honey Sesame Chicken can be!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Honey Sesame Chicken recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions, served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Serve with:
- cooked white rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger in the same skillet. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour into the skillet, simmer, and thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over white rice.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
