If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a delightful crunch, this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy layer, bathed in a glossy honey-soy glaze, and finished with nutty sesame seeds and vibrant green onions. This recipe is not only incredibly satisfying but also a wonderful way to bring some Asian-inspired magic to your dinner table without fuss. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to making this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe a standout. Each item plays an important role in adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly unforgettable.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless and skinless pieces cut into bite-sized chunks for tender, juicy bites that soak up every bit of sauce.
- Cornstarch: This creates a crispy coating on the chicken, essential for that satisfying crunch.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps build the signature glossy glaze.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the perfect umami depth without being too salty.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and color to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that balances the dish’s sweetness.
- Sesame oil: A small amount packs a huge nutty punch that defines this recipe.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic warmth and depth.
- Cornstarch slurry: Made by mixing cornstarch and water, it thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for an extra texture and nutty flavor, plus a beautiful garnish.
- Sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to build a simple base of flavor. Next, toss them in cornstarch until they are fully coated. This step is crucial because it’s what creates the irresistible crispy texture after frying. Be sure each piece is evenly coated so every bite gets that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding them. This ensures they crisp up instead of steaming. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and delightfully crispy. After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside — you’re almost there!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, combine honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a simmer, stirring it gently to meld all the flavors together. This sauce base is going to be the star that soaks into the crispy chicken pieces.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Combine
To get that luscious glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) and watch as the sauce thickens beautifully. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it well to coat every piece evenly with this sticky, flavorful sauce. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken heats through and becomes infused with the sauce’s magic.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Finish off by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. These garnishes not only add flavor and texture but also make the dish visually appealing and ready to impress your dinner guests or family.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the sesame seeds and green onions, you can elevate the dish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for zest. These simple touches can tailor the dish to your personal palate and presentation style.
Side Dishes
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soak up the extra sauce beautifully. For a more colorful plate, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to bring freshness and crunch, balancing the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your family or friend? Try plating your Honey Sesame Chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a twist. Serving it in lettuce cups adds a fresh crunch and makes for a fun, handheld dinner experience. You could also serve it with noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and soy sauce for a comforting, noodle bowl-style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Honey Sesame Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for speedy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best quality, store the chicken and sauce separately from any rice or sides. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat the Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe in a skillet over medium-low heat so the sauce remains glossy and the chicken stays tender. Avoid microwaving directly as it might toughen the chicken or dry out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, but chicken breasts will also deliver great taste when cooked properly and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Also, make sure the ketchup and other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the chicken coated in cornstarch at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through. This is a lighter alternative but might not have quite the same crunch as pan-frying.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners. These will slightly change the flavor profile but still keep the dish sweet and tasty.
How spicy is this Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild and sweet, but you can easily add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to kick up the heat if you prefer a spicier version.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that combines ease of preparation with bold, comforting flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this dish steps up your meal game effortlessly. Give it a try, and soon it will become the dish you turn to again and again.
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky honey-soy glaze. Quick to prepare and cooked on the stovetop, it makes a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired main course that’s great for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them thoroughly in cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
- Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing well to coat them evenly in the thickened sauce. Cook together for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and glistening with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the glazed chicken before serving to add texture and flavor.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a lighter alternative, omit the cornstarch coating and sauté the chicken pieces directly in the oil.
- Adjust honey quantity for a less sweet variation if preferred.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
