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
Scale
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.
