If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a delightful crunch, this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. It’s a symphony of tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sticky honey sesame sauce that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Trust me, once you try this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, it will quickly find a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind the magic of this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the crispy texture of the chicken to the rich, aromatic sauce that ties it all together perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces give you perfect, crispy morsels that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: This light coating crisps up the chicken without weighing it down, creating that irresistible crunchy exterior.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken evenly to a golden brown perfection.
- ¼ cup honey: The heart of the sauce, adding a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to balance the honey; opt for tamari or coconut aminos if you want a gluten-free option.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce and cut through the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: A little drizzle packs a nutty aroma that makes this recipe unmistakably sesame-flavored.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced) or ¼ tsp ground ginger: Ginger adds a slight zing that complements the honey perfectly.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: For that signature sesame crunch and toasty flavor.
- Green onions (chopped, optional): They add freshness and a vibrant pop of color as garnish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick that makes the sweet and savory elements even more exciting.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing those bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This seemingly simple step is what creates that coveted crispy exterior when the chicken hits the hot skillet. It’s like adding a little armor to lock in the juiciness inside each piece.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Carefully add half the chicken to avoid crowding, since giving the pieces space is key for that golden-brown crust to develop. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until perfectly cooked through and beautifully browned. Then, set them aside and repeat this process with the remaining chicken and oil. This two-batch method is what makes the final dish satisfyingly crispy all around.
Step 3: Make the Honey Sesame Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger until these flavors meld into a luscious sauce. Pour this mixture into the same skillet on medium heat; now is the time for all those lovely pan flavors to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a rich, glossy glaze that clings to the chicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Back in the skillet goes the cooked chicken, where it gets lovingly tossed in the sticky honey sesame sauce until every bite is coated with that irresistible sheen. At this stage, sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and stir so that every morsel picks up that extra crunch and nuttiness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing the dish with fresh chopped green onions and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle heat contrast. Serve your golden-hued Honey Sesame Chicken piping hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite sides. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture that simply make this recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped green onions provide a fresh, crisp counterbalance to the richness of the sauce, while toasted sesame seeds add a delightful nuttiness and crunch. For those who love a little zip, crushed red pepper flakes are a brilliant way to elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of the sticky sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add a vibrant color and crunch that add balance and nutrition to your meal. A side of simple fried rice or garlic noodles can make it feel like a complete takeout-inspired feast made at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a bit different, try serving this chicken over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a low-carb twist. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, offering a fresh and crunchy contrast to the sweet glaze. If you’re hosting a gathering, this recipe can be transformed into finger-friendly sliders by piling the saucy chicken on mini buns—guaranteed to win everyone’s hearts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will keep its texture impressively well, while the sauce might thicken—just give it a quick stir when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover honey sesame chicken for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best results, separate the chicken and sauce before freezing if you can, then combine and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the fresh flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers over medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to revive the glossy sauce. Adding a splash of water or extra honey if the sauce has thickened too much will restore the perfect consistency. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor and stay juicy, making them an excellent choice, especially if you want a more tender bite. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, arrowroot powder or potato starch are great alternatives that will crisp up the chicken similarly. Just keep the quantity the same for best results.
Can this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free. This minor change keeps the same depth of flavor without compromising on taste.
How spicy is the finished dish?
The classic Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is mild and sweet, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer a little extra heat that wakes up your palate.
What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy?
Coating the chicken evenly in cornstarch and cooking it in batches to avoid crowding the pan are key steps. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken pieces to get that perfect golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how straightforward ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels indulgent but remains surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors wrapped up in tender, crispy bites that will leave you coming back for seconds. Give it a try soon—you might just be sharing it as your own favorite comfort food before you know it!
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a crispy cornstarch layer, then tossed in a glossy, sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and an optional hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this quick and flavorful dish is perfect served over steamed rice for a delicious homemade Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and toss them with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This step is essential to help the chicken develop a crispy exterior during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add half of the coated chicken pieces to the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Repeat this process with the remaining oil and chicken pieces, then set aside all cooked chicken.
- Make the Honey Sesame Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined. Pour this sauce into the same skillet over medium heat and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return all the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened honey sesame sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Serve the Honey Sesame Chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.
- To add spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes either during cooking or as a garnish.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure even crispiness.
- To toast sesame seeds, use a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
